Astaxanthin: The Super Antioxidant For Brain Health and Longevity

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Along with providing information on whether astaxanthin supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy astaxanthin supplements online through the secure healthcare formulary and get free shipping and 20% off the retail price of professional-grade supplements.


Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a health-conscious person, or someone simply curious about wellness and anti-aging, you may have come across the term “astaxanthin.” This lesser-known carotenoid, often referred to as “nature’s super antioxidant,” has been gaining attention for its potential health benefits. From promoting skin health to supporting cardiovascular function and beyond, astaxanthin could be a vibrant addition to your wellness routine. Join us as we explore the science of this naturally occurring powerhouse.

What Is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring pigment and powerful antioxidant. It belongs to a group of compounds called carotenoids, which are responsible for the vibrant colors seen in certain plants, animals, and seafood. Astaxanthin gives salmon, shrimp, and flamingos their pink color.

As an antioxidant, astaxanthin helps protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can accumulate in the body due to factors like pollution, stress, and UV radiation, and contribute to various chronic diseases and the aging process.

What are the Benefits of Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant and naturally occurring pigment, has been associated with several potential health benefits. Here are some key benefits in simple terms for adults:

  • Brain Health: Some research suggests that astaxanthin may have neuroprotective effects, helping to support brain health and cognitive function. It may help reduce oxidative stress in the brain and protect against age-related cognitive decline. [PMC8241491]
  • Skin Health: Astaxanthin may help promote healthy skin by reducing oxidative stress, protecting against UV-induced damage, improving moisture levels, and enhancing skin elasticity. It may help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
  • Eye Health: Astaxanthin’s antioxidant properties make it beneficial for eye health. It may help protect against age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and eye fatigue caused by prolonged screen use. Regular intake of astaxanthin may support overall eye function and vision.
  • Exercise Performance and Recovery: Astaxanthin has been studied for its potential to enhance exercise performance and aid in post-exercise recovery. It may help reduce muscle damage, inflammation, and muscle soreness, leading to improved exercise capacity and faster recovery.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Astaxanthin has shown promise in supporting cardiovascular health. It may help reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and improve blood lipid profiles. It may contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Food Sources of Astaxanthin

Food SourceAmount of Astaxanthin
Wild SalmonHigh amounts of Astaxanthin
Microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis)Abundant
ShrimpGood source of Astaxanthin
KrillRich in Astaxanthin
LobsterContains Astaxanthin
CrabContains moderate amounts of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin SupplementsConcentrated source of Astaxanthin

Is Astaxanthin Safe?

  • Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Medications: Astaxanthin may have mild blood-thinning properties, so it’s possible that combining it with medications like warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin could increase the risk of bleeding. However, no severe or clinically significant interactions have been reported.
  • Immunosuppressant Medications: Some studies suggest that astaxanthin may have immune-modulating effects. If you are taking immunosuppressant medications, such as corticosteroids or certain drugs used after organ transplantation, talk to consult with your healthcare provider before starting astaxanthin supplementation.

Medication Interactions with Astaxanthin

  • Other Antioxidant Supplements: Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, and taking it alongside other antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, or resveratrol, may potentially enhance overall antioxidant effectiveness. However, it’s important to maintain a balance as excessive antioxidant supplementation may disrupt the body’s natural equilibrium.
  • Carotenoid Supplements: Astaxanthin belongs to a group of compounds called carotenoids. Taking it alongside other carotenoid supplements, like beta-carotene or lutein, could potentially result in an excessive intake of carotenoids. However, the implications of this interaction are not well established and may vary depending on the individual and specific dosages used.

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Why Professionals Choose the Fullscript Formulary

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  • Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Health professionals trust Fullscript to continuously monitor the quality of each item on the platform. Other retailers operate with profit as their highest or only motive when choosing brands. Fullscript cares only about quality and reliability. Unlike discount stores, large online marketplaces, and other retailers you won’t find ingredients sourced from China or other questionable locations or companies.
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Astaxanthin by Life Extension

Suggested Use: Take one (1) softgel once or twice daily, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Amount Per 1 Softgel Serving:

Phospholipids, Natural Astaxanthin … 84mg

[from extract of Haematococcus pluvialis algae (providing 4 mg astaxanthin)]

Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

To Sum It Up

Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that offers numerous health benefits, including improved skin health, enhanced vitality, and overall wellness. It’s imperative to note that while Astaxanthin is a powerful supplement, it can interact with certain medications and other nutritional supplements, so consultation with a healthcare professional is advised. Furthermore, opting for natural Astaxanthin supplements and incorporating Astaxanthin-rich foods such as seafood into your diet can help optimize these benefits. As always, a balanced approach combining supplements, diet, and professional medical advice provides the most effective pathway to health.


This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.


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Supplement Sciences

Staff Authors at Nutriscape have been working on this article and it is still a work in progress. Please feel free to login and comment on what you see so far.

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