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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

Astaxanthin

aka Haematococcus pluvialis

Algal carotenoid that is the strongest membrane antioxidant; UV and eye protection.

Eye HealthSkin, Hair & NailsAthletic PerformanceHealthy Aging

Overview

Algal carotenoid that is the strongest membrane antioxidant; UV and eye protection.

Natural sources
  • Haematococcus pluvialis
  • Salmon
  • Krill
Common forms
  • Natural astaxanthin

Mechanism of action

Inserts into cell membranes spanning both lipid layers; quenches singlet oxygen.

Pathways
  • · Membrane antioxidant

Effects on the body

Decreases
Oxidative damage
Supports
Skin elasticity

Organ system effects

Skin

Reduces UV-induced erythema.

Eye

Reduces eye fatigue.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces UV-induced skin damage

Moderate evidence

Reduces eye fatigue

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
    Rare
      Serious

        Drug interactions

        5α-reductase inhibitors
        Theoretical additive effects.
        minor

        Supplement interactions

        Pairs well with

        None listed.

        Avoid combining with

        No specific avoidances listed.

        Dosing & bioavailability

        Typical dose
        4–12 mg/d 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)

        Systematic reviewOsteoarthritis Cartilage · 2011

        MSM for osteoarthritis pain

        Brien S, et al.

        Review of MSM RCTs in OA.

        Key findings

        Reduced pain and improved physical function at 3–6 g/d.

        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 — Reduces eye fatigue

        Live PubMed search

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

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astaxanthin and "Reduces eye 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.