Astaxanthin Supplements Review
See Which Astaxanthin
Products Passed or Failed CL's Tests
Medically reviewed and
edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. 
Initially Posted:
07/23/2021
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Table of Contents
Summary
·
What is astaxanthin? Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid and
antioxidant that is naturally produced by microalgae and may also be produced
synthetically (see What It Is).
·
What does astaxanthin do? Astaxanthin supplements are promoted for
a wide variety of uses, such as increasing physical endurance, reducing
inflammation, reducing wrinkles, protecting from sunburn, and lowering
triglyceride levels. However, the evidence supporting these uses is mixed
(see What It Does).
·
Which is the best astaxanthin supplement? All of the products
tested in this review contained natural astaxanthin, however, one did not
contain the full amount claimed. We found that some products were much less
expensive than others, enabling you to get the same amount of astaxanthin for
as little as one-third the cost. See ConsumerLab's Top Picks for
low-dose and high-dose astaxanthin.
·
How do you take astaxanthin? Because astaxanthin is fat-soluble, take
it with a meal that contains fats or oils to increase absorption. There is no
established safe and effective dose for astaxanthin, but daily doses between 4
mg and 18 mg have shown some benefits without reported side effects in clinical
studies, although long-term studies are needed. (See ConsumerTips™).
Red coloration of stool may occur at a dose of 20 mg or more (See Concerns and Cautions for more
information).
What It Is:
Astaxanthin
is a red carotenoid with antioxidant activity that is naturally produced by
microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis). Through the food chain, astaxanthin
provides the pink coloration of shrimp, krill, and other crustaceans, as well
as that of salmon and trout. It is not produced by the human body and is not an
essential nutrient. Astaxanthin can also be produced by fermentation by the red
yeast Pfaffia (or Phaffia) rhodozyma.
Brands of natural
astaxanthin derived from microalgae and found in supplements include BioAstin (Cyanotech), AstaREAL (Fuji Health Science), Solasta (Solix),
and AstaPure (Algatechnologies
Ltd). In these products, astaxanthin predominately exists in a single isomeric
form (i.e., molecular configuration) known as 3S, 3S', which is the predominate
form of astaxanthin naturally found in krill oil.
Astaxanthin can also be
produced synthetically. Synthetic astaxanthin differs from natural astaxanthin
in that it includes additional isomers, so that only one quarter of synthetic
astaxanthin is in the 3S, 3S' form. Synthetic versions provide astaxanthin in
its "free form," while natural astaxanthin is predominantly in an
"esterified" form; both forms can increase blood levels of
astaxanthin in people. Although there is some very preliminary evidence that
the free (synthetic) form of astaxanthin may be slightly more bioavailable than
the esterified form (Coral-Hinostroza,
Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2004),
some in-vitro research that suggests the natural, esterified
form may have more antioxidant activity (Capelli, Nutrafoods 2013).
Synthetic astaxanthin, such as AstaSana (DSM),
appears to be safe in amounts typically used in foods and supplements.
What It Does:
Astaxanthin is promoted as a powerful antioxidant with a wide
range of health benefits; however, these claims are based on very preliminary
evidence, some of which is refuted by other studies.
Some animal
studies suggest astaxanthin may have cardiovascular benefits such as
lowering cholesterol or blood pressure; however, there is little evidence of
this in people. One small, company-funded study among 61 healthy men and women
(average age 44) with normal to high-normal triglyceride levels found
that a daily dose of either 12 mg or 18 mg of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis (AstaREAL, Fuji Chemical Industry) taken for three
months reduced triglyceride levels by an average of about 38 mg/dL, but did not
lower total cholesterol, "bad" LDL, fasting blood sugar, or blood
pressure compared to placebo. Interestingly, the 12 mg dose significantly
increased "good" HDL cholesterol compared to placebo, but the 18 mg
dose did not. (Yoshida, Atherosclerosis 2010).
The study did not report side-effects or adverse events. Another small study
among overweight adults in Korea found that 20 mg of astaxanthin taken
daily did not lower triglycerides, LDL cholesterol or total
cholesterol compared to placebo (Choi, Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2011).
Although the study showed that LDL was lowered by 10.4% compared to baseline,
this was not shown to be statistically significant relative to the change in
the placebo group.
There is some evidence
that astaxanthin may have anti-inflammatory properties,
possibly through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and other
pro-inflammatory substances in the body (Choi, J Microbiol Biotechnol
2008). According to a summary published by a company marketing astaxanthin,
a small study in adults with rheumatoid arthritis found that a
formula (BioAstin) providing 4 mg of
astaxanthin along with lutein, vitamin A, vitamin E, and safflower oil taken
three times daily with meals for 2 months reduced self-reported pain by
approximately 40% compared to placebo. (This study was apparently presented at
a scientific conference in 2002 but does not appear to have been published in a
peer-reviewed journal.) Astaxanthin has not been found to
reduce pain in other inflammatory conditions, such as carpal tunnel
syndrome, or soreness after exercise (MacDermid, Hand 2012; Bloomer Int J Sport Nutr Exer Metab 2005).
Laboratory and animal
studies suggest astaxanthin may have effects that could potentially
improve exercise/sports performance; however, studies in people
have shown mixed results (Belviranli,
Antioxidants in Sport Nutrition 2015). A placebo-controlled
study in Sweden apparently found that 4 mg per day of astaxanthin (AstaREAL), taken with a meal, increased endurance/strength in
young men as evidenced by a significant increase in knee-bends that could be
performed after 6 months of supplementation during which the men exercised
normally (Malmsten, Carotenoid Sci 2008). A small study
among competitive cyclists found those who took 4 mg of astaxanthin with a meal
daily for one month had significant improvements in the time it took to
complete a 20 kilometer timed trial test compared to
those who took a placebo (Ernest, Nutrition 2011);
however, another study in well-trained cyclists found 20 mg of astaxanthin
taken daily for one month did not improve timed trial
performance (Res, Med Sci Sports Exerc 2013). A study among 32 elite male soccer
players found that 4 mg of astaxanthin taken daily for 3 months modestly
reduced blood markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase and
aspartate aminotransferase) following a two-hour session of intense exercise,
compared to placebo (Djordevic, J Sports
Med Phys Fitness 2012). A
published study by Bloomer (referenced above) did not find astaxanthin (4 mg
daily from BioAstin) to improve muscle
performance or soreness any more than placebo in resistance-trained men. It
should be noted that use of other antioxidants, such as resveratrol, vitamin E and vitamin C, during
exercise have been shown to impede gains in performance.
Laboratory
research suggests astaxanthin may protect against UV light induced
damage in human skin cells (Lyons, J Dermatol Sci 2002)
and, according to a 2002 patent application,
an oral daily dose of 4 mg (2 mg twice a day, with meals) was reported to
reduce sunburn in two people. There is also a study among 21 individuals that
found that 4 mg of astaxanthin (BioAstin, Cyanotech) taken for 2 weeks increased the amount of energy
(by 20%) required from a sunlight simulator to burn the skin. However, the
effect varied from no effect to a large effect, depending on the individual.
The study was funded by
Cyanotech and does not appear to have been published
in a peer-reviewed journal. A study in Japan among 22
adults (average age 43) found that 4 mg of astaxanthin (ASTOTS,
FUJIFILM) taken daily for nine weeks modestly increased the amount of energy
required from a sunlight simulator to burn the skin compared to placebo. Those
who took the astaxanthin also reported significant improvements in skin
roughness and texture compared to placebo, but no improvement in self-reported
skin clarity, youthfulness, or wrinkles around the eyes or nose. No adverse
effects were reported, and there were no changes in blood levels of cholesterol
and triglycerides, liver enzymes or blood cell counts (Ito, Nutrients 2018).
One small company-funded
study among healthy men (ages 20 to 60) found that 3 mg of astaxanthin (AstaREAL, Fuji Chemical Industry) taken twice daily
for six weeks significantly reduced the area of wrinkled skin around
the eye (i.e. crow's feet), but not the depth of the wrinkles compared
to placebo (Tominaga, Acta Biochim Pol 2012).
There is insufficient
evidence to support the use of astaxanthin supplements for male
infertility, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration.
Quality Concerns and
Tests Performed:
As no
government body normally tests astaxanthin supplements, ConsumerLab.com
purchased and tested products to determine whether they contained their claimed
amounts of astaxanthin. Tablet and caplet products were additionally tested for
their ability to properly break apart for absorption.
Products were not
routinely tested for heavy metals, as previous testing of astaxanthin
supplements by ConsumerLab.com has not found contamination by heavy metals to
be a problem. Nevertheless, any product that listed whole herbs or more than
250 mg of minerals per daily serving was tested for the heavy metals lead,
cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
See How Products Were Evaluated for details
on testing methods and criteria for passing.
What CL Found:
Six of the seven astaxanthin supplements that ConsumerLab.com
selected for review and tested met CL's quality standards, including FDA labeling
requirements. These are all listed as Approved, as are three products tested
through ConsumerLab.com's voluntary Quality Certification Program,
in which products undergo the same testing and review.
The only product that
was Not Approved was Deva Vegan Astaxanthin, as it
fell a bit short of its listed 4 mg of astaxanthin per vegan cap: We found only
3.3 mg, or 81.8% of what was claimed. This was confirmed in a second
independent laboratory.
As shown in the graph
below, the amount of astaxanthin in each product ranged from 3.3 mg to 12 mg
per suggested serving (which was one to three pills or gummies, depending on
the product).
As noted in the 2nd column of the Results table, each of the
products claimed to contain astaxanthin from a natural source, with nearly all
being derived from the microalgae Haematococcus
pluvialis. Carlson was the
exception, as it was made with an extract of the yeast Phaffia
rhodozyma, which also naturally produces
astaxanthin. Each product was also formulated with some form of oil, such as
alpha-linoleic acid, safflower oil or olive oil, which may slightly help
improve bioavailability of astaxanthin since it is fat-soluble (See ConsumerTips™).
Cost of astaxanthin:
As seen in the graph below, some astaxanthin supplements are much more
expensive than others. The cost to obtain a 4 mg dose of astaxanthin (shown in
the brackets in the last column) from Approved products ranged from about 12 to
13 cents (California Gold, BioAstin, Healthy
Origins) to as much as 27 to 50 cents (Deva, Solgar,
Carlson, Mercola). Considering that a daily serving can be around 12 mg,
one can spend from less than 40 cents to as much as $1.50 for that dosage.
Unless you have special
dietary restrictions, it's not worth paying more for astaxanthin. More expensive
products tend to be special formulations, like gummies (Carlson)
or those marked as vegan, (Doctor's Best and Deva).
You can look at the 5th and 6th columns of the Results table further below for these
types of notable features as well as the full list of ingredients claimed in
each product.
Top Picks:
ConsumerLab.com's Top Picks among CL Approved
astaxanthin supplements are:
·
Low-dose (4-6 mg): Healthy Origins Natural
Astaxanthin, which is significantly less expensive at 13 cents per 4 mg
vegetable capsule than other low-dose products ranging in cost from 17 to 50
cents per 4 mg. Healthy Origins suggests taking 1 to 3 softgels per day. A three-softgel
serving would provide 12 mg of astaxanthin, along with small amounts of vitamin A (58 mcg RAE, 6% of the Daily
Value) and lutein (249 mcg or 0.249 mg, which is
much smaller than a more standard daily dose of lutein of about 10 mg), and
somewhat more than the Daily Value of vitamin E (20.1 mg, 134% of the Daily
Value).
·
High-dose (12 mg): California Gold Nutrition
Astaxanthin 12 mg and BioAstin
Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12 mg. These each provide 12 mg of astaxanthin per
pill at low cost. California Gold costs just a little less (36
cents per veggie softgel) than BioAstin (38 cents per gel cap). BioAstin includes 10 mg of vitamin E (or 6.7
mg, which is 45% of the Daily Value) and an unlisted amount of "naturally
occurring carotenoids including lutein."
Test Results by Product:
Listed
alphabetically below are the test results for 10 astaxanthin products. Seven
were selected by ConsumerLab.com and three others (each indicated with a CL
flask) are included for having passed the same evaluation through ConsumerLab.com's Quality Certification Program.
Products listed as
"Approved" met their label claim for astaxanthin and ConsumerLab.com's standards for astaxanthin products
(See Passing Score). Pill sizes as well as the
recommended serving directions from the label appear in the 3rd column. Cost comparisons are found in
the 4th column and a
listing of notable features is in the 5th column. The full list of ingredients is available for each
product in the final column on the right.
Results of
ConsumerLab.com Testing of Astaxanthin Supplements
(Click arrows or swipe left or right to see all columns)
Approval Statusⓘ
Product Name
Claimed Amount and Source of Astaxanthinⓘ
Pill Sizeⓘ
Suggested Serving on Label
Cost for Suggested Serving
[Cost Per 4 mg Astaxanthin]
Priced
Notable Features
Full List of Ingredients Per Serving
APPROVED
Top Pick
for high-dose astaxanthin
BioAstin® Hawaiian Astaxanthin® 12
mg
Dist. by Nutrex Hawaii
Inc.
1 gel cap
12 mg astaxanthin from H. pluvialis microalgae
(Natural Hawaiian Astaxanthin®)
✔
Medium/large gel cap
One gel cap daily with food. BioAstin best absorbed
when taken with food or meal that contains fat.
$0.38/gel cap
[$0.13]
$19.19/50 gel caps
Vitamin E 10 IU per gel cap
Gluten & lactose free, yeast, corn & wheat free, pesticide &
herbicide free, BSE free, no artificial colors. Non-GMO (no ingredients were
genetically modified).
1 gel cap
Calories 5, Calories from Fat 5, Total Fat 0.5 g, Vitamin E (d-alpha
tocopherol) 10 IU, Natural Hawaiian Astaxanthin® 12 mg.
Ingredients: Natural Hawaiian Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus
pluvialis microalgae). Other Ingredients:
High oleic safflower oil, more...
APPROVED
Top Pick
for high-dose astaxanthin
California Gold Nutrition® Astaxanthin 12 mg
Dist. California Gold Nutrition®
1 veggie softgel
12 mg astaxanthin from H. pluvialis microalgae
(Astalif®)
✔
Medium/large veggie softgel
Take 1 veggie softgel daily, with a fat-containing
meal.
$0.36/veggie softgel
[$0.12]
$43.00/120 veggie softgels
This product is not manufactured with milk,
eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy or gluten.
1 veggie softgel
Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus pluvialis) (Astalif®) 12 mg.
Other Ingredients: Veggie Softgel (Modified Food
Starch, Carrageenan, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Purified Water) and Safflower Oil.
APPROVED
Carlson Astaxanthin Gummies With
Vitamin C - Natural Cherry Flavor
Dist. by Carlson Division of J.R. Carlson
Laboratories, Inc.
2 gummies
8 mg astaxanthin from P. rhodozyma extract
(Astaferm™)
✔
Large gumdrop-shaped gummy
Adults: chew two gummies daily at mealtime.
$0.75/2 gummies
[$0.37]
$33.60/90 gummies
Vitamin C 200 mg per 2 gummies
Gluten-free. Soy-free. No Artificial Preservatives.
Taste: Sweet cherry flavor from a soft, large gummy.
2 gummies
Calories 25, Sodium 10 mg, Total Carbohydrate 7 g, Total Sugars [Includes 5 g
Added Sugars] 5 g, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 200 mg, Astaxanthin (from Phaffia rhodozyma extract)
(Astaferm™) 8 mg.
Other Ingredients: Sugar, more...
NOT APPROVED
Deva® Vegan Astaxanthin
Dist. by DEVA Nutrition LLC
1 vegan caps
4 mg astaxanthin from H. pluvialis microalgae
Found
only 3.3 mg (81.8% of claim)
Large vegan capsule containing liquid
For adults, take one (1) vegan capsule daily with food or, as directed by a
doctor.
$0.23/vegan cap
[$0.23 based on amount listed]
[$0.27 based on amount found]
$6.78/30 vegan caps
Vegan. Free of yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, sugar,
salt, hexane, shellfish or animal derivatives.
1 vegan cap
Astaxanthin 4 mg.
Other Ingredients: Vegetable oleic acid, vegan capsule (cellulose), organic
orange oil, silica. (All from non-animal sources).
APPROVED
Doctor's Best Astaxanthin With
AstaReal®
Dist. by Doctor's Best, Inc.
1 veggie softgel
6 mg astaxanthin from H. pluvialis microalgae
(AstaReal®)
✔
Medium/large veggie softgel
Adult Use: Take 1 softgel daily after meals, or as
recommended by a nutritionally informed physician.
$0.27/veggie softgel
[$0.18]
$24.34/90 veggie softgels
Non-GMO / Gluten Free / Soy Free / Vegan. Veggie
softgels, made with a gelatin-free alternative.
1 veggie softgel
Astaxanthin (from AstaReal®) (extract from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae)
6 mg.
Other Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, vegetarian softgel, more...
APPROVED
Dr. Mercola® Astaxanthin
Dist. by NHP
1 capsule
4 mg astaxanthin from H. pluvialis extract
✔
Medium/large capsule containing liquid
Adults, as a dietary supplement, take one (1) capsule daily with a meal.
$0.50/capsule
[$0.50]
$14.97/30 capsules
Precaution: Contains Fish (Tilapia).
1 capsule
Organic Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus
pluvialis) Extract 4 mg.
Other Ingredients: Capsule (Fish Gelatin), Organic Olive Oil, Organic Rosemary
Leaf Extract.
APPROVED
Top Pick
for low-dose astaxanthin
Healthy Origins® Natural Astaxanthin 
Dist. by Healthy Origins®
3 softgels
12 mg astaxanthin from H. pluvialis extract
✔
Medium/large softgel
As a dietary supplement for adults, take one (1) to three (3) softgels daily, preferably with a meal, or as directed by a
physician.
$0.40/3 softgels
[$0.13]
$20.21/150 softgels
Vitamin A 58 mcg RAE, vitamin E 20.1 mg &
lutein 249 mcg per 3 softgels
Non GMO. Not manufactured with wheat,
gluten, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, peanut or tree nut derived ingredients.
Precaution: Contains: Soy (Non-GMO).
3 softgels
Vitamin A (as Beta-Carotene) 58 mcg RAE, Vitamin E (as d-alpha Tocopherol) 20.1
mg, Astaxanthin (AstaPure® (from Haematococcus pluvialis extract)
12 mg, Lutein 249 mcg.
Other Ingredients: Safflower Oil, Kosher Gelatin, Glycerin, more...
APPROVED
Puritan's Pride® Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg
Mfd. by Puritan's Pride, Inc.
1 softgel
5 mg astaxanthin from H. pluvialis
✔
Medium softgel
For adults, take one (1) softgel twice daily,
preferably with meals.
$0.21/softgel
[$0.17]
$76.98/six bottles of 60 softgels (360 softgels total)ⓘ
No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No
Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No
Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.
1 softgel
Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus pluvialis) 5 mg.
Other Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin.
APPROVED
Solgar® Natural Astaxanthin 5
mg
Dist. by Solgar Inc.
1 softgel
5 mg astaxanthin from H. pluvialis
✔
Medium softgel
As a dietary supplement for adults, take one (1) softgel
twice daily, preferably with meals, or as directed by a healthcare
practitioner.
$0.34/softgel
[$0.27]
$20.46/60 softgels
Free Of: Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Soy, Yeast,
Sugar, Sodium, Artificial Flavor, Sweetener, Preservatives and Color.
1 softgel
Astaxanthin (from H. pluvialis) 5 mg.
Other Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin. Contains
naturally occurring carotenoids including, Lutein, Canthaxanthin and
Beta-Carotene.
APPROVED
Trunature® [Costco] Astaxanthin
Dist. by Costco Wholesale Corporation
1 softgel
6 mg astaxanthin from H. pluvialis extract
(AstaReal®)
✔
Medium/large softgel
Take 1 softgel per day with food.
$0.25/softgel
[$0.17]
$24.99/100 softgels
USP Dietary Supplement Verified® seal.
1 softgel
Calories 5, Calories from Fat 5, Total Fat 0.5 g, AstaREAL®
Natural Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus
pluvialis microalgae extract) 6 mg.
Other Ingredients: Organic extra virgin olive oil, more...
Unless otherwise noted, information about the
products listed above is based on the samples purchased by ConsumerLab.com (CL)
for this Product Review. Manufacturers may change ingredients and label
information at any time, so be sure to check labels carefully when evaluating
the products you use or buy. If a product's
ingredients differ from what is listed above, it may not necessarily be of the
same quality as what was tested.
The information contained in this report is
based on the compilation and review of information from product labeling and
analytic testing. CL applies what it believes to be the most appropriate
testing methods and standards. The information in this report does not reflect
the opinion or recommendation of CL, its officers or employees. CL cannot
assure the accuracy of information.
Copyright ConsumerLab.com, LLC, 2021 All
rights reserved. Not to be reproduced, excerpted, or cited in any fashion
without the express written permission of ConsumerLab.com LLC
ConsumerTips™:
Form: Natural vs.
Synthetic
As noted earlier, although there is preliminary evidence that the free
(synthetic) form of astaxanthin may be slightly more bioavailable (Coral-Hinostroza, Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2004),
some in-vitro research that suggests the natural, esterified
form may have more antioxidant activity (Capelli, Nutrafoods 2013).
Many supplements containing natural astaxanthin will list "Astaxanthin
(natural)" or "Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus
pluvialis) on the label. Common natural brands
include BioAstin (Cyanotech), AstaREAL (Fuji
Health Science), Solasta (Solix), and AstaPure (Algatechnologies Ltd).
One brand of synthetic
astaxanthin on the market is AstaSana (DSM).
Synthetic astaxanthin appears
to be safe in amounts typically used in foods and supplements. However, the
chemical structure of synthetic astaxanthin differs somewhat from that of
natural astaxanthin. Although there is no evidence indicating that synthetic
astaxanthin is harmful to humans when used in appropriate amounts, some experts
argue that, due to its unique structure, more research is needed to confirm the
safety of synthetic astaxanthin in supplements (Brendler, Phytother Res 2019). While approved as animal
feed, there are questions regarding the safety of synthetic astaxanthin when
taken directly by people because of the significant stereoisomer differences
between synthetic and natural. It is therefore considered a different chemical
compound. Supplement companies tend to be staying away from using the synthetic
form in supplements until further safety data is available (NutraIngredients 2019).
Dose
Optimal dosing of astaxanthin for specific uses has not been established, but
doses used in clinical studies have ranged from 4 mg to 18 mg. Doses in the
lower range have generally been used in trials regarding exercise while those
in the higher range have been used to lower triglyceride levels. A daily dose
of 6 mg of astaxanthin was shown in one study to reduce wrinkles in the area of
skin around the eye (See What It Does).
How to take
Taking astaxanthin with oil or fat may improve bioavailability because it is a
fat-soluble compound (Odeburg, Eur Pharm Sci
2003, Okada, Biosci
Biotechnol Biochem 2009).
Almost all of the products in this review are formulated with some form of oil,
probably for this reason. However, the amount of oil in the products is small.
You may do better if you take astaxanthin with a meal containing fats or oils.
Other carotenoids (such
as beta-carotene and lycopene) may compete with astaxanthin for absorption,
reducing the absorption of astaxanthin (Nutr
Rev 1999), so take these several hours apart, if possible.
Getting it from food
You can also get astaxanthin from food: A typical 4-ounce serving of farmed
Atlantic salmon provides approximately 1 mg of astaxanthin and a similar
serving of wild Pacific salmon provides about 4.5 mg. Be aware, however, that
astaxanthin may degrade during cooking due to high heat and exposure to oxygen
(Zhou, IOPScience
2018).
Storage
Most astaxanthin is sold in softgels, which minimize
exposure to oxygen, so that it is relatively stable at room temperatures.
Concerns and Cautions:
Natural astaxanthin (Haematococcus
pluvialis extract) is GRAS (generally
recognized as safe) when used in foods in amounts below 6-7 mg per day, and it
is considered safe as a supplement when taken in daily doses ranging from 2 to
24 mg daily.
Increased bowel movements and red-colored
stool have been reported at a daily dose of 20 mg (Choi, Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2011).
A single dose of 48 mg has also been reported to cause red-colored stool (Okada, Biosci
Biotechnol Biochem 2009).
Other than these
gastrointestinal issues, no side effects or serious adverse reactions have been
reported in clinical studies, and there are no known drug interactions.
However, due to the lack of studies in people, long-term safety of astaxanthin
supplementation has not been established. Safe doses in pregnant or nursing
women, young children, or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease have
not been determined.
A theoretical concern has been raised that astaxanthin may
increase the risk of breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia), but
there has been no clinical evidence of this. The basis of the concern is that
astaxanthin can block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) by blocking the enzyme 5alpha-reductase, thus increasing testosterone
levels. Since testosterone also gets converted to estradiol, an estrogen
hormone that, in excess, can lead to breast enlargement, astaxanthin might
increase levels of estradiol and the risk of breast enlargement. Interestingly,
a study in healthy men found that taking a combination of astaxanthin and saw
palmetto berry extract (Mytosterone, Triarco Industries — which funded the study) daily for two
weeks did not increase estradiol levels. In fact, those taking a 2,000 mg daily
dose of the combination showed a decrease in estradiol levels.
In laboratory studies, astaxanthin has been shown to also block the enzyme that
converts testosterone to estradiol, which may explain this effect (Angwafor, J Int Soc
Sports Nutr 2008).
High doses
of calcium or other minerals from supplements may decrease the absorption of
astaxanthin (and other carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lycopene) from foods and
or supplements. This is likely due to a reaction between carotenoids and the
divalent ions of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, certain forms of iron,
and zinc making the carotenoids less bioavailable (Corte-Real, Food Chem 2016; Borel, Br J Nutr 2017). It
is best to take astaxanthin or any carotenoid supplement at a different time of
day than a supplement or meal containing large amounts (hundreds of
milligrams) of a mineral.
Individuals undergoing
cancer therapy should consult with their physician before taking
astaxanthin supplements, as other antioxidant supplements have been associated
with poorer survival when taken during
chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Interestingly, a study in mice
showed that astaxanthin slowed the growth of breast cancer cells into a tumor,
but giving astaxanthin after a tumor had already formed increased
the speed of tumor growth (Nakao, Anticancer Res 2010).
Information on this site
is provided for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any
product nor is it meant to substitute for the advice provided by physicians or
other healthcare professionals. The information contained herein should not be
used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Consumers should
inform their healthcare providers of the dietary supplements they take.
Latest Clinical Research Updates for Astaxanthin Supplements
Astaxanthin for Sun Protection?
7/01/2018
Can taking an astaxanthin
supplement improve the appearance of the skin or protect it from UV damage? See
what a new study found in the What It Does section
of the Astaxanthin Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among astaxanthin supplements