Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Astaxanthin Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Generally very well-tolerated
- Mild orange-red discoloration of stool (harmless)
- Slight skin pigmentation change at very high doses (reversible)
- Rare mild gastrointestinal discomfort
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- May have additive effects with blood pressure-lowering medications
- Theoretical interaction with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (astaxanthin may inhibit this enzyme)
- May enhance the effects of other antioxidant supplements
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: Up to 24 mg/day has been used safely in short-term studies; 12 mg/day is well-established
References
- Tominaga K, Hongo N, Karato M, Yamashita E. (2012). Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects. Acta Biochimica Polonica. DOI PubMed
- Ito N, Seki S, Ueda F. (2018). The protective role of astaxanthin for UV-induced skin deterioration in healthy people. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
- Yoon HS, Cho HH, Cho S, et al. (2014). Supplementating with dietary astaxanthin combined with collagen hydrolysate improves facial elasticity and decreases matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -12 expression. Journal of Medicinal Food. DOI PubMed
- Yamashita E. (2006). The effects of a dietary supplement containing astaxanthin on skin condition. Carotenoid Science.