What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a red-pink pigment found in various seafoods, and also in the feathers of flamingos and quails. It is structurally similar to beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A) but has some chemical differences which may make it safer.
What are Astaxanthin's benefits?
It seems to reduce markers of oxidative stress, though it's unclear how potent it is and to what extent this translates to health benefits. It could possibly reduce oxidation of LDL and DNA damage, making it potentially good for cardiovascular health and anti-aging, though much more research is needed. It also may improve photoprotection and overall skin health, but again, much more research is needed.
What are Astaxanthin's side effects and drawbacks?
It's currently unknown if it has notable side effects, though large doses of antioxidants have been known to impair some of the adaptations to exercise such as mitochondrial biogenesis. It's possible that astaxanthin could have this effect, but we won't know until research properly tests it.
What are other names for Astaxanthin
- Cardax (Disodium Disuccinate Astaxanthin)
- 3 3'-dihydroxy-b b-carotene-4 4'-dione
- Ashwaghanda
- Astralagus
Dosage information
Astaxanthin appears to be recommended in the dosage range of 6-8mg daily, which is low enough that an enriched salmon oil or krill oil supplement may contain adequate levels. Doses of up to 20-50mg astaxanthin have been tolerated, although the exact toxicity and upper limit is not known.
Despite the above recommendations, the ideal dose of astaxanthin is currently not known.
Due to being a carotenoid, and related to the metabolism of Vitamin A (a fat soluble vitamin) it would be prudent to take astaxanthin alongside a meal.
Update History
Contradictory language removed
Research written by
