Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Astaxanthin Side Effects & Safety
Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Excellent safety profile — no significant adverse effects in clinical trials
- May cause orange/reddish skin discoloration at very high doses (harmless)
- Mild GI discomfort in rare cases
- Slight reddish tinge to stool (harmless)
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Blood pressure medications — astaxanthin may modestly lower blood pressure; monitor
- Blood thinners — theoretical antiplatelet activity; use caution with anticoagulants
- Hormone-sensitive conditions — astaxanthin may inhibit 5-alpha reductase; potentially relevant for hormonal conditions
- No significant drug interactions identified in clinical studies
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 24mg/day (doses up to 40mg have been used safely in short-term studies)
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References
- In-vitroNaguib YMA (2000). Antioxidant activities of astaxanthin and related carotenoids. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. DOI PubMed
- RCTTominaga K, Hongo N, Karato M, Yamashita E (2012). Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects. Acta Biochimica Polonica. DOI PubMed
- RCTEarnest CP, Lupo M, White KM, Church TS (2011). Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performance. International Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI PubMed
- Babaei Hoolari B, Fatahi Dehpahni M, Amidi F (2026). Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on human sperm quality during the freeze thaw process: a systematic review and meta analysis.. Scientific reports. DOI PubMed
- Rodrigues VD, Boaro BL, Laurindo LF, Chagas EFB, et al. (2025). Exploring the benefits of astaxanthin as a functional food ingredient: Its effects on oxidative stress and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS - A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology. DOI PubMed
- Maleki-Hajiagha A, Shafie A, Maajani K, Amidi F (2024). Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on female fertility and reproductive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and animal studies.. Journal of ovarian research. DOI PubMed
- Liu C, Dong X, Jia J, Ha M (2024). Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Fatigue, Motor Function and Cognition: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.. Biological research for nursing. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
- Arefpour H, Rasaei N, Amini MR, Salavatizadeh M, et al. (2024). The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on liver enzyme levels.. International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition. DOI PubMed
- Meta-analysisMa B, Lu J, Kang T, Zhu M, et al. (2022). Astaxanthin supplementation mildly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.). DOI PubMed
- Meta-analysisLeung LY, Chan SM, Tam HL, Wong ES (2022). Astaxanthin Influence on Health Outcomes of Adults at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
- Zhou X, Cao Q, Orfila C, Zhao J, et al. (2021). Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
- Radice RP, Limongi AR, Viviano E, Padula MC, et al. (2021). Effects of astaxanthin in animal models of obesity-associated diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Free radical biology & medicine. DOI PubMed