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.
Examine Database: Astaxanthin
Research FeedRead all studies
In this randomized controlled trial, astaxanthin reduced oxidative stress compared to vitamins C and E in participants with head and neck cancer who were taking cisplatin (a chemotherapy drug), though several limitations reduce our confidence in these findings.
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Examine Database References
- Blood glucose - Saito M, Yoshida K, Saito W, Fujiya A, Ohgami K, Kitaichi N, Tsukahara H, Ishida S, Ohno SAstaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocityGraefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol.(2012 Feb)
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers - Miyazawa T, Nakagawa K, Kimura F, Satoh A, Miyazawa TErythrocytes carotenoids after astaxanthin supplementation in middle-aged and senior Japanese subjectsJ Oleo Sci.(2011)
- Skin Elasticity - Tominaga K, Hongo N, Karato M, Yamashita ECosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjectsActa Biochim Pol.(2012)
- Skin Elasticity - Tominaga K, Hongo N, Fujishita M, Takahashi Y, Adachi YProtective effects of astaxanthin on skin deteriorationJ Clin Biochem Nutr.(2017 Jul)
- Skin Dryness - Ito N, Seki S, Ueda FThe Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialNutrients.(2018 Jun 25)
- Total cholesterol - Mashhadi NS, Zakerkish M, Mohammadiasl J, Zarei M, Mohammadshahi M, Haghighizadeh MHAstaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAsia Pac J Clin Nutr.(2018)
- Atherosclerotic Signs - Coombes JS, Sharman JE, Fassett RGAstaxanthin has no effect on arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, or inflammation in renal transplant recipients: a randomized controlled trial (the XANTHIN trial)Am J Clin Nutr.(2016 Jan)
- Blood Flow - Miyawaki H, Takahashi J, Tsukahara H, Takehara IEffects of astaxanthin on human blood rheologyJ Clin Biochem Nutr.(2008 Sep)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Karppi J, Rissanen TH, Nyyssönen K, Kaikkonen J, Olsson AG, Voutilainen S, Salonen JTEffects of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidationInt J Vitam Nutr Res.(2007 Jan)
- Urea - Nakagawa K, Kiko T, Miyazawa T, Carpentero Burdeos G, Kimura F, Satoh A, Miyazawa TAntioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytesBr J Nutr.(2011 Jun)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Baralic I, Andjelkovic M, Djordjevic B, Dikic N, Radivojevic N, Suzin-Zivkovic V, Radojevic-Skodric S, Pejic SEffect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer PlayersEvid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2015)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Park JS, Chyun JH, Kim YK, Line LL, Chew BPAstaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humansNutr Metab (Lond).(2010 Mar 5)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Kim JH, Chang MJ, Choi HD, Youn YK, Kim JT, Oh JM, Shin WGProtective effects of Haematococcus astaxanthin on oxidative stress in healthy smokersJ Med Food.(2011 Nov)
- Creatinine - Spiller GA, Dewell ASafety of an astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis algal extract: a randomized clinical trialJ Med Food.(2003 Spring)
- Uric Acid - L. Wu, et alEffect of astaxanthin and exercise on antioxidant capacity of human body, blood lactic acid and blood uric acid metabolismSci Sports.()
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers - Petyaev IM, Klochkov VA, Chalyk NE, Pristensky DV, Chernyshova MP, Kyle NH, Bashmakov YKMarkers of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress in Aging Volunteers Ingesting Lycosomal Formulation of Dark Chocolate Containing AstaxanthinJ Nutr Health Aging.(2018)
- Lymphocyte Count - Chen JT, Kotani KEffects of Astaxanthin on Liver and Leukocyte Parameters in Healthy Climacteric Women: Preliminary DataJ Med Food.(2017 Jul)
- Inflammation - Andersen LP, Holck S, Kupcinskas L, Kiudelis G, Jonaitis L, Janciauskas D, Permin H, Wadström TGastric inflammatory markers and interleukins in patients with functional dyspepsia treated with astaxanthinFEMS Immunol Med Microbiol.(2007 Jul)
- Rate of Perceived Exertion - Res PT, Cermak NM, Stinkens R, Tollakson TJ, Haenen GR, Bast A, Van Loon LJAstaxanthin supplementation does not augment fat use or improve endurance performanceMed Sci Sports Exerc.(2013 Jun)
- Fatigue Resistance - Earnest CP, Lupo M, White KM, Church TSEffect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performanceInt J Sports Med.(2011 Nov)
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - Macdermid JC, Vincent JI, Gan BS, Grewal RA blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeHand (N Y).(2012 Mar)
- GERD Symptoms - Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, Kiudelis G, Jonaitis L, Adamonis K, Andersen LP, Wadström TEfficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled studyPhytomedicine.(2008 Jun)
- Fertility - Comhaire FH, El Garem Y, Mahmoud A, Eertmans F, Schoonjans FCombined conventional/antioxidant "Astaxanthin" treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trialAsian J Androl.(2005 Sep)
- Weight - Yoshida H, Yanai H, Ito K, Tomono Y, Koikeda T, Tsukahara H, Tada NAdministration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemiaAtherosclerosis.(2010 Apr)
- Total cholesterol - Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WGPositive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjectsPlant Foods Hum Nutr.(2011 Nov)
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers - Choi HD, Kim JH, Chang MJ, Kyu-Youn Y, Shin WGEffects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adultsPhytother Res.(2011 Dec)
- Exercise-Induced Oxidation - Djordjevic B, Baralic I, Kotur-Stevuljevic J, Stefanovic A, Ivanisevic J, Radivojevic N, Andjelkovic M, Dikic NEffect of astaxanthin supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress markers in elite young soccer playersJ Sports Med Phys Fitness.(2012 Aug)