About Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is derived from microalgae and other marine sources or can be synthetically produced. Oral supplementation is commonly used for potential benefits related to skin health, eye health, exercise performance, and cardiovascular health. While generally considered safe, potential side effects include skin pigmentation and gastrointestinal upset. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should exercise caution. Dosing usually ranges from 4-12 mg daily.
Key Information
Compare All Forms
Compare different forms of Astaxanthin by bioavailability, conversion rates, and active ingredient content:
| Form | Tier | Steps |
Astaxanthin (mg) |
Bioavailability | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astaxanthin (Topical) | Tier 2 | 1 | — | Moderate bioavailability form. Reliable form that works well but requires 1-2 step conversions by the body. Good balance of cost and effectiveness. | View → |
|
Astaxanthin (Oral)
Astaxanthin, an antioxidant carotenoid, is orally supplement... |
Tier 3 | 3 | — | Basic/low bioavailability form. Cheap raw material with poor absorption or high GI distress. Often poorly utilized by the body, requires 3+ conversion steps. | View → |
Scientific Evidence
Ambati R, Phang SM, Ravi S, Aswathanarayana RG. Astaxanthin: sources, extraction, stability, biological activities and its commercial applications--a review. Mar Drugs. 2014 Jul 7;12(1):128-52. doi: 10.3390/md12010128. PMID: 24402174; PMCID: PMC3917265.
Davinelli S, Nielsen ME, Scapagnini G. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2018 Apr 22;10(4):522. doi: 10.3390/nu10040522. PMID: 29695037; PMCID: PMC5946307.
Fassett RG, Coombes JS. Astaxanthin in cardiovascular health and disease: Mechanisms of action. Cells. 2012 Nov 21;1(4):1219-38. doi: 10.3390/cells1041219. PMID: 24714734; PMCID: PMC3974845.
Sztretye M, Dweik M, Miko E, Toth T, Halmosi R, Benko R, Facsko A, Horvath I, Pecsi-Szabo D. Astaxanthin: A Comparative Review of Astaxanthin Sources and Extraction Methods. Plants (Basel). 2023 Dec 3;12(23):3963. doi: 10.3390/plants12233963. PMID: 38067669; PMCID: PMC10707812.
Davinelli S, Nielsen ME, Scapagnini G. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2018 Apr 22;10(4):522. doi: 10.3390/nu10040522. PMID: 29695037; PMCID: PMC5946307.
Fassett RG, Coombes JS. Astaxanthin in cardiovascular health and disease: Mechanisms of action. Cells. 2012 Nov 21;1(4):1219-38. doi: 10.3390/cells1041219. PMID: 24714734; PMCID: PMC3974845.
Sztretye M, Dweik M, Miko E, Toth T, Halmosi R, Benko R, Facsko A, Horvath I, Pecsi-Szabo D. Astaxanthin: A Comparative Review of Astaxanthin Sources and Extraction Methods. Plants (Basel). 2023 Dec 3;12(23):3963. doi: 10.3390/plants12233963. PMID: 38067669; PMCID: PMC10707812.