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Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid pigment produced by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. It reaches crustaceans and salmon through their food and colors them red.

Also listed as Cardax

LongevityHair & SkinWeight ManagementImmune SupportOrgan Function

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Oxidative stressLongevityModerateA3 studies
Anti-aging SkinHair & SkinModerateA3 studies
Blood sugarWeight ManagementModerateA3 studies
Immune SupportModerateB3 studies
Skin textureHair & SkinModerateB3 studies
InflammationModerateB3 studies
All 14 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment produced by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. It reaches crustaceans through their food and gives them a red color. Algal extracts are also used in supplements. 1 2

What can an antioxidant claim tell you?

The German consumer advice centers report that EFSA has not accepted claims that astaxanthin protects DNA, proteins or fats from oxidative damage. A proposed antioxidant action is therefore not enough to establish a health benefit from a capsule. 1

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Astaxanthin's ratings.

Astaxanthin Supplementation as a Potential Strategy for Enhancing Mitochondrial Adaptations in the Endurance Athlete: An Invited Review2024Effect of astaxanthin on physical activity factors, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and antioxidants indices in athletic men: A systematic review and meta-analysis2024Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2024Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Fatigue, Motor Function and Cognition: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2024The Effects of Astaxanthin on Cognitive Function and Neurodegeneration in Humans: A Critical Review2024
All 29 studiesEvery publication linked to Astaxanthin

Why people take it

Immune Support19.2%
Essential Health17.5%
Cognition13.1%
Cardiovascular12.5%
Longevity10.8%
Energy7%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Does it reduce wrinkles?

The 2021 meta-analysis found no statistically clear reduction in wrinkle depth, despite improvements in moisture and elasticity. 3

Is 8 mg the amount everyone needs?

No. EFSA’s 8 mg assessment concerns supplemental exposure and safety in adults, not a daily nutritional requirement. 2

Can I use two astaxanthin products together?

EU labeling for the algal ingredient warns against consuming other astaxanthin-ester supplements on the same day. 4

Does it help brain fog?

A review in healthy participants found no significant reaction-time improvement and only borderline cognitive-accuracy results. It does not establish a treatment for brain fog. 5

Is it an oral sunscreen?

No. German consumer advice explicitly says it cannot replace suitable sunscreen and sunglasses. 6

Sources

  1. Astaxanthin für den guten Durchblick? Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg
  4. Neuartige Nahrungsergänzungsmittel Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg