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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

Astaxanthin

Algae-derived xanthophyll — most potent natural antioxidant; UV/eye/skin support.

AntioxidantsEye HealthAnti-Aging SkinSkin HealthJoint Pain

Overview

Algae-derived xanthophyll — most potent natural antioxidant; UV/eye/skin support.

Natural sources
    Common forms

      Forms & variants of Astaxanthin

      Different chemical forms of Astaxanthin behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

      Eye/skin dose
      Astaxanthin (Eye dose)

      Carotenoid that crosses BBB and accumulates in ciliary body.

      Mechanism of action

      Crosses blood-brain and blood-retina barriers; quenches singlet oxygen 6000× vit C.

      Pathways

        Effects on the body

        Organ system effects

        Evidence-based benefits

        Reduces UV-induced skin damage

        Moderate evidence

        Improves visual fatigue

        Moderate evidence

        Potential side effects

        Common
          Rare
            Serious

              Drug interactions

              No notable interactions reported.

              Supplement interactions

              Pairs well with

              None listed.

              Avoid combining with

              No specific avoidances listed.

              Dosing & bioavailability

              Typical dose
              4–12 mg/d
              With food?
              With fat

              Where to buy

              Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

              Compound
              Astaxanthin
              Amazon
              Wide selection · fast shipping
              Compound
              Astaxanthin
              iHerb
              Global delivery · curated brands
              Compound
              Astaxanthin
              Thorne
              Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

              Scientific evidence (9)

              RCTJ Trad Med · 2002

              Astaxanthin and asthenopia/visual function

              Nagaki Y, et al.

              4-week RCT of 6 mg/d astaxanthin.

              Key findings

              Reduced eye fatigue and improved accommodation.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Astaxanthin — Reduces UV-induced skin damage

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Astaxanthin Reduces UV-induced skin damage" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astaxanthin and "Reduces UV-induced skin damage". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Astaxanthin — Improves visual fatigue

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Astaxanthin Improves visual fatigue" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astaxanthin and "Improves visual fatigue". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Astaxanthin — randomized controlled trial

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Astaxanthin randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astaxanthin and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Astaxanthin — meta-analysis

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Astaxanthin meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astaxanthin and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Astaxanthin — pharmacokinetics

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Astaxanthin pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astaxanthin and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Astaxanthin — safety adverse events

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Astaxanthin safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astaxanthin and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Astaxanthin — dose response

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Astaxanthin dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astaxanthin and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

              Google Scholar: Astaxanthin — clinical evidence

              Live Scholar search

              Cross-database citation index for Astaxanthin as it relates to "clinical evidence".

              Key findings

              Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

              Open study
              Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.