Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is the red-pink carotenoid pigment giving salmon, krill, and algae their color. One of the most potent natural antioxidants (10x stronger than beta-carotene for singlet oxygen quenching). C-grade evidence for antioxidant enzyme profile improvement. D-grade for arterial stiffness (no effect). Mixed evidence for metabolic, skin, and eye health. Often marketed for exercise performance and aging but evidence is inconsistent. Derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae or synthetic (algae preferred).
Quick Answer
What it is
Astaxanthin is the red-pink carotenoid pigment giving salmon, krill, and algae their color. One of the most potent natural antioxidants (10x stronger than beta-carotene for singlet oxygen quenching).
Key findings
- Grade B: Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile (Overweight)
- Grade C: Aerobic Exercise Metrics (Aerobic Exercise Performance)
- Grade C: B Cell Count (Immune Health)
Safety
No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Astaxanthin
Quick Facts: Astaxanthin
- Best Evidence:Grade B
- Conditions Studied:24
- Research Outcomes:202
- Grade B Findings:1
- Key Effect:Overweight
Detailed Outcomes
Evidence by Condition
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
Research Citations (34)
Related Supplements
Saffron
17 shared conditions · 390 outcomes
Saffron is a spice with antioxidant properties derived from the flowering plant Crocus sativus. When used as a supplement, saffron seems to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression and possibly anxiety.
L-Carnitine
17 shared conditions · 558 outcomes
L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.
Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)
16 shared conditions · 228 outcomes
Panax ginseng is commonly referred to as “Korean ginseng”. It appears to be effective for mood, immunity, and cognition, but is subpar for erectile function, testosterone, and exercise performance.
Fish Oil
16 shared conditions · 448 outcomes
Fish oil is a mix of mostly EPA and DHA derived from fatty fish. It reduces triglycerides, but does not seem to affect the rate of cardiovascular events. It appears to reduce the symptoms of depression and improve some painful, inflammatory conditions.
Curcumin
15 shared conditions · 502 outcomes
Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can alleviate symptoms of depression as well as improve pain and function in people with osteoarthritis.
Coenzyme Q10
15 shared conditions · 268 outcomes
Coenzyme Q10 is a molecule found in mitochondria that has a critical role in producing energy for the body. It also plays an important role in the endogenous antioxidant system.
Cocoa Extract
14 shared conditions · 269 outcomes
Cocoa, a powder that is rich in polyphenols, is used to make chocolate. Cocoa products can have effects like lowering blood pressure and inflammation and have resulted in small improvements to some outcomes in cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin E
13 shared conditions · 274 outcomes
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and is found in several common foods. Supplementing with extra vitamin E does not have broad health benefits, except in people with vitamin E deficiency, and long-term high-dose supplementation may cause harm.