From the Guidelines
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring reddish pigment belonging to the carotenoid family that gives salmon, shrimp, and some other seafood their characteristic pink-orange color. As a dietary supplement, astaxanthin is typically taken in doses ranging from 4-12 mg daily, with many commercial products offering 4 mg or 12 mg capsules. It functions primarily as a powerful antioxidant, with research suggesting it has anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial for skin health, exercise recovery, and eye health. People commonly take astaxanthin to help protect against UV damage, reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, support cardiovascular health, and improve visual function. The supplement is generally considered safe with minimal side effects, though some users may experience slight skin pigmentation changes with high doses. Astaxanthin is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal containing some healthy fats can improve absorption. The antioxidant potency of astaxanthin is believed to be significantly stronger than other common antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene, which explains its growing popularity as a supplement for those seeking additional antioxidant protection 1.
Some key points to consider when taking astaxanthin include:
- Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as needed
- Taking it with a meal containing healthy fats to improve absorption
- Being aware of potential interactions with other medications or supplements
- Monitoring for any side effects, such as skin pigmentation changes
- Consulting with a healthcare professional before taking astaxanthin, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.
Overall, astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that may have various health benefits, and its popularity as a dietary supplement is growing due to its potential to support overall health and well-being.
From the FDA Drug Label
Tobakient™ Capsules Dietary Supplement The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
What is Astaxanthin
- Astaxanthin is known as a "marine carotenoid" and occurs in a wide variety of living organisms such as salmon, shrimp, crab, and red snapper 2.
- It is a ketocarotenoid, super antioxidant molecule with higher antioxidant activity than a range of carotenoids 3.
- Astaxanthin is also known as the "king of carotenoids" and exhibits a strong antioxidant property that can be naturally found in green algae Haematococcus pluvialis, red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma, and various aquatic species including salmon, krill, trout, and fish eggs 4.
Sources of Astaxanthin
- Astaxanthin can be naturally derived from Haematococcus pluvialis via a one-stage process or two-stage process 3.
- It can also be found in other microalgae such as Chlorella zofingiensis, which have the potential for being used as sources of astaxanthin 5.
- Synthetic astaxanthin is also available, but natural astaxanthin has been reported to have stronger antioxidant activities than synthetic astaxanthin 6.
Uses of Astaxanthin
- Astaxanthin is used as a dietary supplement due to its various health-promoting properties, which are attributed to its high antioxidant capacity 2, 5.
- It is used in cosmetics, aquaculture, nutraceuticals, therapeutics, and pharmaceuticals due to its strong antioxidant property and potential therapeutic effects 3, 4.
- Astaxanthin is also used as a pigment in food and feed or aquafeed production, and in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products 5.