Astaxanthin Benefits
Of the 700 carotenoids discovered in nature, Astaxanthin has proven to be one of the most powerful. Moreover, the potential health promoting effects are growing as we learn more about how antioxidants play a role in our well-being.
Joint Health
Astaxanthin supplementation can help support joint and skeletal health by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints. More specifically, astaxanthin can help relieve arthritis pain.
Skin Health
Astaxanthin supplementation can help keep your skin youthful and act as sun protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In addition, astaxanthin can prevent the loss of skin elasticity by reducing the enhancement of skin fibroblast elastase. It does this by targeting the human dermal fibroblasts.
Eye Health
Astaxanthin can support healthy eyes and slow down age-related macular degeneration. The antioxidant effect of astaxanthin is also excellent for eliminating free radicals (oxygen radical molecules) to protect the eyes and improve visual health.
Brain Health
Astaxanthin supplementation can help brain health by improving memory while protecting your brain from free radicals. Additionally, astaxanthin protects neuronal cells in the brain.
Immune Health
The immune function of astaxanthin can help create an enhanced immune response to potential threats in your body and reduce body-wide inflammation (targets gastric inflammatory markers). Additionally, astaxanthin augments antibody responses in specific cells (TH1, TH2) to improve immunity.
Heart Health
Astaxanthin can help heart and cardiovascular health by energising the heart to normalise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It’s beneficial to improve the cardiovascular health of those who suffer from heart failure.
Exercise Performance
Astaxanthin can help improve exercise performance through endurance and recovery after strenuous exercise (it can boost fatty acids in the body to enhance endurance). It can also improve metabolism, which will improve overall exercise performance.
You can read more extensive article about the evidenced-based benefits of Astaxanthin here.
What the medical studies
are saying
Over 300 human studies on Astaxanthin and related carotenoids exist; they evidence their potential human health benefits. As a relatively new supplement on the market, Astaxanthin is becoming more and more popular, with new studies constantly being published.
Read our astaxanthin medical study summaries to find evidence of astaxanthin’s health benefits like reducing muscle damage in athletes (soccer players, for example), improving brain health, improving skin health, being a mitochondria protected targeted mechanism (boosts mitochondria action), and more.
Astaxanthin FAQ
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What are the dangers and side effects of Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a natural extract from algae. It has no known dangers from human consumption but may interact with some medication. In some cases, massive doses over 50mg per day may cause a temporary yellowish discolouration of the skin.
You can check out our side effects page here.
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What is Astaxanthin used for?
Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that can reduce inflammation in the body. People commonly use the potent antioxidant astaxanthin to improve ailments directly related to excess inflammation such as joint health, cognitive health, skin health, gut health and brain health.
You can also use Astaxanthin to reduce oxidative stress (light induced oxidative stress, for example); some studies suggest that astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress in patients.
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How much Astaxanthin should I take?
A standard health maintenance dose of astaxanthin is 6mg per day.
Doses increase up to 18mg per day depending on the ailment and level of inflammation.
Read more on our Astaxanthin Dosage page. -
Can Astaxanthin help my skin?
Yes, astaxanthin has been shown to protect one’s skin from the sun’s aging effects and improve skin elasticity for a more youthful appearance.
A study out of Japan concluded that long-term astaxanthin supplementation may inhibit age-related skin deterioration and maintain skin conditions associated with environmentally induced damage via its anti-inflammatory effect.
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When is the best time to take Astaxanthin?
It is best to take an astaxanthin dietary supplement with a meal, especially one containing some fats.
Astaxanthin binds to fat and absorbs into the gut, so for optimal absorption, take your astaxanthin with a fatty meal.
If you have insomnia, it’s an excellent idea to take astaxanthin before going to sleep because it can improve your sleep. -
What is the best astaxanthin supplement?
Most Astaxanthin supplements naturally derive from Haematococcus Pluvialis algae; this is a must. Avoid synthetic astaxanthin; synthesized astaxanthin is far less effective than algae astaxanthin.
Ensure the astaxanthin has an oil base to enhance absorption, like olive oil or coconut oil.To read more about what to look for in an Astaxanthin supplement, check out our Astaxanthin buying guide.
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Is Astaxanthin safe during pregnancy
Astaxanthin is generally safe. However, maximum safe doses in pregnant or nursing women and young children are not determined, so they should avoid them out of caution.
You should talk to get their opinion on whether it is safe to take astaxanthin while pregnant. -
Is Astaxanthin vegan?
Yes, Astaxanthin is vegan, but the softgels most astaxanthin comes in are made from gelatin and are not vegan.
Additionally, astaxanthin supplements are kosher and don’t contain any significant allergens. However, to be safe, check the packaging on the specific dietary supplement before taking it. -
Is Astaxanthin good for my eyes?
Studies have shown a positive correlation between Astaxanthin and cognitive health.
There has been a wide range of eye benefits by supplementing astaxanthin, such as supporting dry eyes, protection against UV damage (UVA induced oxidative damage, for example), blood vessel growth retinal protection and more.
You can read more about astaxanthin for eyes on our evidence-based benefits page. -
Can Astaxanthin help manage my diabetes?
Astaxanthin can help to lower blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it can improve glucose metabolism in the body, which can help diabetes patients.
However, studies on astaxanthin for type 2 diabetes are still ongoing.You can read more about Astaxanthins role with diabetes here.
Astaxanthin Supplements
We’ve created an astaxanthin supplement containing 6mg of astaxanthin per softgel. To learn more about our astaxanthin, check out the product page here.
Astaxanthin Reviews
To check out the reviews for our Biosphere Astaxanthin and to find out what people are saying about Astaxanthin, visit the product page here.
- Natural vs. Synthetic Astaxanthin
- Astaxanthin Side Effects
- Astaxanthin Dosage
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Natural vs. Synthetic Astaxanthin
Not all Astaxanthin has equal health benefits. The natural Astaxanthin we sell is extracted from algae in a clean, controlled environment, resulting in a high potency product.
Synthetic Astaxanthin is primarily used as a food additive for farmed salmon to turn their natural pink color artificially. This synthetic version of astaxanthin derives from petrochemicals, is highly toxic and should be avoided. -
Astaxanthin Side Effects
Astaxanthin has no known harmful side effects as a natural product from algae. However, in extremely high doses (or enriched astaxanthin extract), one may experience multiple risk factors, like a slight orange tinge in the skin, similar to the impact of eating a large number of carrots in a short period.
In addition, astaxanthin may cause one’s feces to turn a reddish hue with high dosages, around 50mg per day.You can read more about the side effects here.
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Astaxanthin Dosage
The amount of Astaxanthin you should be taking will vary depending on your current health and what results you are looking to get out of it. Take at least 6mg a day for general health and an antioxidant boost, and look to increase your dosage towards 12 mg each day to notice significant benefits and treat ailments.
Make sure you take your Astaxanthin with food, ideally alongside some healthy fats to assist with absorption.You can read more about the right Astaxanthin dose here.
Author : Doctor Ron Goedeke
Dr Ron Goedeke has been operating a wellness Clinic focused on health and well-being for over ten years
Dr Ron Goedeke, specialises in alternative and functional medicine. He is a foundation member of the New Zealand college of Appearance medicine and has been a member of the American Academy of Anti-aging medicine since 1999. With over 20 years of experience in the anti-aging field, Dr Ron Goedeke is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leaders in this new and growing field of medicine.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have heard or read on this website.
Page last updated March 2022.