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Supplements/Compound

Astaxanthin (Haematococcus)

Algae carotenoid antioxidant.

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Overview

Algae carotenoid antioxidant.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

Crosses BBB and retina; powerful antioxidant.

Pathways
  • · Crosses BBB
  • · powerful antioxidant

Effects on the body

Decreases
eye strain

Organ system effects

Eye

Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) concentrates in ocular tissues (macula, retina, lens) where it contributes to photoprotection or antioxidant defense.

Skin

Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) supports collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, or barrier function in skin and integumentary tissues.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces eye strain

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Skin pigmentation at high dose
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Prescription medications (general)
      Always disclose Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
      minor

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • Collagen peptides
        Provides amino acid substrate for connective tissue synthesis.
      • Vitamin C
        Required cofactor for collagen hydroxylation.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      4–12 mg
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      With a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence8Show studies
      RCTJ Trad Med · 2002

      Astaxanthin and eye strain

      Tsukahara H, et al.

      40 VDT workers

      Key findings

      Reduced accommodative dysfunction.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) — Reduces eye strain

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) Reduces eye strain" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) and "Reduces eye strain". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

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

      Key findings

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

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

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

      Key findings

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

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

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

      Key findings

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

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

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

      Key findings

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

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) — dose response

      Live PubMed search

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

      Key findings

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

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Astaxanthin (Haematococcus) 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.

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