Supplement

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid antioxidant, found in algae and salmon, that builds up in the skin and helps shield cells from oxidative damage. People mostly look at it for skin health and aging, and the evidence is moderate, with a randomized trial reporting improved skin condition. Still, one skin-related measure, bilirubin, showed no clear difference in 65 people, and research on digestive symptoms is limited and mixed.

Sources: PMID 22428137

Updated 30 September 2026
How we grade
34 studies cited

Best evidence: Grade B
Conditions studied: 25
Outcomes: 202
Graded outcomes: 011213

Evidence by condition

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

25 conditions

Overweight

Overweight: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Moderate Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect		50 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies		3 studies	50 people
Studies that measured oxidative stress biomarkers Erythrocytes carotenoids after astaxanthin supplementation in middle-aged and senior Japanese subjectsJ Oleo Sci · PMID 21937848 Markers of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress in Aging Volunteers Ingesting Lycosomal Formulation of Dark Chocolate Containing AstaxanthinJ Nutr Health Aging · PMID 30379308 Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adultsPhytother Res · PMID 21480416
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	27 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Astaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAsia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 29384321 Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjectsPlant Foods Hum Nutr · PMID 21964877
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	27 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 39064656 Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.Pharmaceuticals · PMID 40872489
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	27 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) A blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeHand · PMID 23449748
	Weight	Changes; see studies		1 study	27 people
	Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)			27 people
	Apolipoprotein B	Changes; see studies			27 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			27 people

Soccer Performance

Soccer Performance: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	40 people
Studies that measured oxidative stress biomarkers Erythrocytes carotenoids after astaxanthin supplementation in middle-aged and senior Japanese subjectsJ Oleo Sci · PMID 21937848 Markers of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress in Aging Volunteers Ingesting Lycosomal Formulation of Dark Chocolate Containing AstaxanthinJ Nutr Health Aging · PMID 30379308 Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adultsPhytother Res · PMID 21480416
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
	Uric Acid	Changes; see studies			40 people

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	63 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) A blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeHand · PMID 23449748
	Carpal Tunnel Symptoms No effect		NoneNo effect		63 people
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	63 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Astaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAsia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 29384321 Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjectsPlant Foods Hum Nutr · PMID 21964877
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			63 people

Indigestion

GERD Symptoms

Indigestion: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	GERD Symptoms Mixed effect			1 study	132 people
Studies that measured gerd symptoms Efficacy 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 · PMID 18467083

Metabolic Health

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Arterial Stiffness

Metabolic Health: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Moderate Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect		39 people
	Arterial Stiffness No effect		NoneNo effect		61 people

Immune Health

B Cell Count: worsens
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): changes; see studies
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: changes; see studies

Immune Health: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	B Cell Count Small Decrease	Worsens (the measure goes down)	Small effect		42 people
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Changes; see studies		5 studies	82 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on obesity, blood pressure, CRP, glycemic biomarkers, and lipid profile: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Pharmacol Res · PMID 32755613 Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidationInt J Vitam Nutr Res · PMID 17685090 Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer PlayersEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 26167194 Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humansNutr Metab · PMID 20205737 Protective effects of Haematococcus astaxanthin on oxidative stress in healthy smokersJ Med Food · PMID 21883001
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies		3 studies	40 people
Studies that measured oxidative stress biomarkers Erythrocytes carotenoids after astaxanthin supplementation in middle-aged and senior Japanese subjectsJ Oleo Sci · PMID 21937848 Markers of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress in Aging Volunteers Ingesting Lycosomal Formulation of Dark Chocolate Containing AstaxanthinJ Nutr Health Aging · PMID 30379308 Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adultsPhytother Res · PMID 21480416
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	69 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 39064656 Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.Pharmaceuticals · PMID 40872489
	Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	35 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocityGraefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol · PMID 22072378
	Eosinophil count	Changes; see studies		1 study	35 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	69 people
	Inflammation	Changes; see studies		1 study	44 people
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		1 study	104 people
	Lymphocyte Count	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	64 people
	Basophil Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
	Bilirubin	Changes; see studies			35 people
	DNA Damage	Changes; see studies			71 people
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies			29 people
	Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
	Hematocrit	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
	Hemoglobin	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
	Interferon Gamma	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
	Interleukin 2	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
	Interleukin 6	Changes; see studies			42 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			69 people
	Monocyte Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
	Muscle Damage	Changes; see studies			35 people
	Natural Killer Cell Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
	Natural Killer Cell Content	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
	Neutrophil Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			64 people
	Red Blood Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
	Serum Albumin	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
	Serum Platelets	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
	T Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
	TNF-Alpha	Changes; see studies			42 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			69 people
	Uric Acid	Changes; see studies			40 people
	White Blood Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			64 people

Type 2 Diabetes

Adiponectin: improves
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Type 2 Diabetes: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		44 people
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	44 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Astaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAsia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 29384321 Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjectsPlant Foods Hum Nutr · PMID 21964877
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	44 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 39064656 Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.Pharmaceuticals · PMID 40872489
	Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	44 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocityGraefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol · PMID 22072378
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	44 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) A blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeHand · PMID 23449748
	Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			44 people
	Fructosamine	Changes; see studies			44 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			44 people
	vLDL-C	Changes; see studies			44 people

High Blood Pressure

Adiponectin: improves
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

High Blood Pressure: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		44 people
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	44 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Astaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAsia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 29384321 Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjectsPlant Foods Hum Nutr · PMID 21964877
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	44 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 39064656 Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.Pharmaceuticals · PMID 40872489
	Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	44 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocityGraefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol · PMID 22072378
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	44 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) A blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeHand · PMID 23449748
	Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			44 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			44 people
	vLDL-C	Changes; see studies			44 people

High Cholesterol

Adiponectin: improves
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

High Cholesterol: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		61 people
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	61 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Astaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAsia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 29384321 Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjectsPlant Foods Hum Nutr · PMID 21964877
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	61 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 39064656 Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.Pharmaceuticals · PMID 40872489
	Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	61 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocityGraefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol · PMID 22072378
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	61 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) A blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeHand · PMID 23449748
	Weight	Changes; see studies		1 study	61 people
	Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			61 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			61 people

Cycling Performance

Aerobic Exercise Metrics: improves
Blood glucose: changes; see studies
Blood Lactate (Exercise): changes; see studies

Cycling Performance: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Aerobic Exercise Metrics Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		32 people
	Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	32 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocityGraefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol · PMID 22072378
	Blood Lactate (Exercise)	Changes; see studies		1 study	32 people
Studies that measured blood lactate (exercise) Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performanceInt J Sports Med · PMID 21984399
	Rating of Perceived Exertion	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	32 people
Studies that measured rating of perceived exertion Astaxanthin supplementation does not augment fat use or improve endurance performanceMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 23274592
	Free Fatty Acids	Improves (the measure goes up)			32 people
	Heart Rate	Changes; see studies			32 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			32 people
	Oxygen Cost of Exercise	Improves (the measure goes up)			32 people
	Respiratory Exchange Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			32 people

General Liver Health

DNA Damage: improves
Triglycerides: changes; see studies
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

General Liver Health: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	DNA Damage Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		29 people
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	29 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 39064656 Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.Pharmaceuticals · PMID 40872489
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	29 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) A blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeHand · PMID 23449748
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		1 study	196 people
Studies that measured liver enzymes The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on liver enzyme levels.Int J Vitam Nutr Res · PMID 38407143
	Lymphocyte Count	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	29 people
Studies that measured lymphocyte count Effects of Astaxanthin on Liver and Leukocyte Parameters in Healthy Climacteric Women: Preliminary DataJ Med Food · PMID 28692413
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies			29 people
	Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
	Gamma-Glutamyltransferase	Improves (the measure goes up)			196 people
	Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			29 people
	Neutrophil Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
	White Blood Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people

Weight Loss & Maintenance

Adiponectin: improves
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Weight Loss & Maintenance: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		61 people
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	61 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Astaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAsia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 29384321 Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjectsPlant Foods Hum Nutr · PMID 21964877
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	61 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 39064656 Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.Pharmaceuticals · PMID 40872489
	Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	61 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocityGraefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol · PMID 22072378
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	61 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) A blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeHand · PMID 23449748
	Weight	Changes; see studies		1 study	61 people
	Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			61 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			61 people

Aerobic Exercise Performance

Aerobic Exercise Metrics: improves
Blood glucose: changes; see studies
Blood Lactate (Exercise): changes; see studies

Aerobic Exercise Performance: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Aerobic Exercise Metrics Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		53 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	32 people
Blood Lactate (Exercise)	Changes; see studies		1 study	53 people
Rating of Perceived Exertion	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	32 people
Fat Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes up)			21 people
Fatigue Resistance	Changes; see studies			21 people
Free Fatty Acids	Improves (the measure goes up)			32 people
Heart Rate	Changes; see studies			32 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			32 people
Oxygen Cost of Exercise	Improves (the measure goes up)			32 people
Power Output	Improves (the measure goes up)			21 people
Respiratory Exchange Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			32 people

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Inflammation

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Inflammation No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	44 people

Cardiovascular Disease

Blood glucose
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Cardiovascular Disease: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	193 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	282 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	282 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	282 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			178 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			68 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			282 people

Metabolic Syndrome

Blood glucose
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Metabolic Syndrome: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	175 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	450 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	445 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Changes; see studies		1 study	162 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	485 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			297 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			485 people

Muscle Recovery

Exercise-Induced Oxidation
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: changes; see studies
Muscle Damage: changes; see studies

Muscle Recovery: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Exercise-Induced Oxidation No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	32 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies		3 studies	32 people
Muscle Damage	Changes; see studies			32 people
Training Volume	Improves (the measure goes up)			32 people

General Cardiovascular Health

Arterial Stiffness

General Cardiovascular Health: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Arterial Stiffness No effect		NoneNo effect		61 people

Skin Health

Bilirubin
Skin Dryness: improves
Skin Elasticity: improves

Skin Health: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Bilirubin No effect		NoneNo effect		65 people
Skin Dryness	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	609 people
Skin Elasticity	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	131 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	65 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	65 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	65 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies			65 people
Interleukin 1-alpha	Improves (the measure goes up)			65 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			65 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			65 people
Skin Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			89 people
Uric Acid	Changes; see studies			65 people
UV Skin Damage	Changes; see studies			23 people
Wrinkles	Improves (the measure goes up)			65 people

Fatigue

Fat Oxidation
Motor Control: improves
Processing Accuracy: improves

Fatigue: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Fat Oxidation No effect		NoneNo effect		65 people
Motor Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	184 people
Processing Accuracy	Improves (the measure goes up)			772 people
Reaction Time	Improves (the measure goes up)			534 people

Menopause

Blood Pressure
Triglycerides: changes; see studies
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Menopause: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure No effect		NoneNo effect		29 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	29 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	29 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		1 study	29 people
DNA Damage	Changes; see studies			29 people
Estrogen	Changes; see studies			29 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			29 people
Neutrophil Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
White Blood Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people

Eye Health

Bilirubin
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: changes; see studies
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies

Eye Health: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Bilirubin No effect		NoneNo effect		20 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies		3 studies	30 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	20 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	20 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	20 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	20 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies			20 people
Hematocrit	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Intraocular Pressure	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Ocular Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Serum Platelets	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
White Blood Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people

Cognitive Improvement

Fat Oxidation
Motor Control: improves
Processing Accuracy: improves

Cognitive Improvement: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Fat Oxidation No effect		NoneNo effect		65 people
Motor Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	184 people
Processing Accuracy	Improves (the measure goes up)			772 people
Reaction Time	Improves (the measure goes up)			534 people

Infertility

Ejaculate Volume
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: changes; see studies
Fertility: improves

Infertility: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Ejaculate Volume No effect		NoneNo effect		30 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies		3 studies	143 people
Fertility	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	30 people
Oocyte Quantity	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	143 people
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Inhibin B	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Oocyte Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			143 people
Seminal Motility	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Sperm Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Sperm Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			143 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			143 people

Digestive Health

Inflammation: changes; see studies

Digestive Health: outcomes studied for Astaxanthin
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Inflammation	Changes; see studies		1 study	44 people

Key findings

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme ProfileOverweightImproves (the measure goes up)
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersSoccer PerformanceImproves (the measure goes down)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Carpal Tunnel SyndromeImproves (the measure goes up)

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Third-party tested Astaxanthin products, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.

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Studies cited

34 studies from PubMed

Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocityGraefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol · PMID 22072378
Erythrocytes carotenoids after astaxanthin supplementation in middle-aged and senior Japanese subjectsJ Oleo Sci · PMID 21937848
Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjectsActa Biochim Pol · PMID 22428137
Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deteriorationJ Clin Biochem Nutr · PMID 28751807
Effectiveness of Dietary Supplement for Skin Moisturizing in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Front Nutr · PMID 35719159
The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialNutrients · PMID 29941810
Astaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAsia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 29384321
Astaxanthin 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 · PMID 26675778
Safety of an astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis algal extract: a randomized clinical trialJ Med Food · PMID 12804020
Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheologyJ Clin Biochem Nutr · PMID 18818755
The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on obesity, blood pressure, CRP, glycemic biomarkers, and lipid profile: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Pharmacol Res · PMID 32755613
Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidationInt J Vitam Nutr Res · PMID 17685090
Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 39064656
Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.Pharmaceuticals · PMID 40872489
Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytesBr J Nutr · PMID 21276280
Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer PlayersEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 26167194
Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humansNutr Metab · PMID 20205737
Protective effects of Haematococcus astaxanthin on oxidative stress in healthy smokersJ Med Food · PMID 21883001
Markers of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress in Aging Volunteers Ingesting Lycosomal Formulation of Dark Chocolate Containing AstaxanthinJ Nutr Health Aging · PMID 30379308
Effects of Astaxanthin on Liver and Leukocyte Parameters in Healthy Climacteric Women: Preliminary DataJ Med Food · PMID 28692413
Gastric inflammatory markers and interleukins in patients with functional dyspepsia treated with astaxanthinFEMS Immunol Med Microbiol · PMID 17521392
Astaxanthin supplementation does not augment fat use or improve endurance performanceMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 23274592
Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performanceInt J Sports Med · PMID 21984399
A blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeHand · PMID 23449748
Efficacy 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 · PMID 18467083
The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on liver enzyme levels.Int J Vitam Nutr Res · PMID 38407143
Combined conventional/antioxidant "Astaxanthin" treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trialAsian J Androl · PMID 16110353
Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on female fertility and reproductive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and animal studies.J Ovarian Res · PMID 39127677
Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemiaAtherosclerosis · PMID 19892350
Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjectsPlant Foods Hum Nutr · PMID 21964877
Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adultsPhytother Res · PMID 21480416
Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress markers in elite young soccer playersJ Sports Med Phys Fitness · PMID 22828460
Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Fatigue, Motor Function and Cognition: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Biol Res Nurs · PMID 38243785
Astaxanthin Influence on Health Outcomes of Adults at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 35631193

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