Astaxanthin is a red-orange pigment that occurs naturally in certain plants, algae, and sea life. It has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit brain, skin, and eye health, and more.
Research suggests that astaxanthin has various beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
It may have positive effects on various health concerns, including natural skin aging, declining brain health, eye diseases, and more. However, more research may be necessary to fully understand these benefits.
Below are some potential health benefits of astaxanthin.
Brain health and cognitive function
A 2023 review highlights that astaxanthin’s chemical structure allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach a person’s brain.
The review suggests that astaxanthin can activate certain genetic pathways and the regeneration and growth of adult brain nerve cells. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help to limit neuroinflammation, which research associates with aging.
According to a 2024 review, astaxanthin is also a potent antioxidant. Oxidative stress can contribute to the following effects:
- neurodegeneration, which is a progressive loss of brain nerve cells
- cognitive aging, which refers to the natural changes in a person’s ability to think, remember, and learn as they age
- cognitive decline, which refers to the loss of ability to think, learn, and remember
The review suggests astaxanthin has positive effects on cognitive function. Studies in the review suggest it may help slow neurodegeneration and help to protect brain nerve cells from oxidative stress.
A 2020 review also suggests astaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory properties may offer benefits against certain neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Skin aging
Astaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and photoprotective effects may offer various benefits for skin health.
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- moisture content
- wrinkles and fine lines
- texture
However, the review authors note that the study sizes and variety of participants were limited. More research is necessary to understand the full therapeutic potential.
Animal research in a 2020 review suggests that astaxanthin may help to reduce itching and the skin severity score in atopic dermatitis. However, more research is necessary to see if these effects extend to humans.
Gastrointestinal health
A 2020 review suggests that astaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory effects may offer benefits for certain gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and stomach ulcers.
Chronic oxidative stress and inflammation can increase the risk of certain gastric conditions, including ulcers and certain cancers. Astaxanthin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help explain its protective effects against these conditions.
Eye health
A 2020 review suggests that astaxanthin may have the potential to prevent and treat various eye conditions, including:
- uveitis
- cataracts
- asthenopia, also known as eye fatigue or strain
- retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy
- ocular surface disorders, such as dry eye disease
- glaucoma
- age-related macular degeneration
More research is necessary to fully understand this therapeutic potential.
Exercise recovery
A 2024 review suggests astaxanthin may be a beneficial supplement for athletes by helping reduce excessive oxidative stress during exercise. In particular, it may help to improve:
- endurance performance
- substrate metabolism
- lactate clearance
- exercising heart rate
- recovery
However, the researchers conclude that current evidence is mixed and further research in humans is necessary.
Reproductive health
A 2024 review suggests that astaxanthin may improve the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology, ovarian function, and oocyte maturation. Oocytes are developing eggs in the ovary.
These effects may be due to astaxanthin’s beneficial effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.
A 2022 study suggests these effects may also improve testosterone levels and reduce sperm cell death in roosters.
However, more research is necessary to fully prove and understand these effects in humans.
Astaxanthin is generally safe, and studies have reported that people tend to tolerate an acute (short-term) intake of up to 40 mg daily, with only some mild adverse effects occurring within two days of this intake.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepts daily doses of astaxanthin supplements for humans ranging from 2 to 12 mg, but as high as 24 mg for up to 30 days.
It is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements. Supplements can vary in quality and may interact with certain medications.
If someone wishes to increase their astaxanthin intake, a healthcare professional may suggest increasing dietary sources.
Natural sources of astaxanthin include:
Adding these sources to a person’s regular diet may help to improve their intake of astaxanthin.
Try out the following recipes to add more astaxanthin to the diet:
Astaxanthin is a type of red-orange pigment that occurs naturally in various sources, including algae, certain plants, and some sea life, such as salmon, trout, and krill.
Artificial astaxanthin has a different chemical composition from natural astaxanthin. People should always speak with a healthcare professional before taking astaxanthin supplements to ensure there is no interaction with any current medications.
For example, a 2019 case report suggests a potential interaction between astaxanthin supplements and warfarin, a blood-thinning medication.
The time it takes to see benefits from astaxanthin may depend on a person’s reason for taking it and the amount they consume. There is currently no research that states a specific beneficial timeframe for taking astaxanthin supplements.
Astaxanthin is a type of red-orange pigment that occurs naturally in certain algae, plants, and sea life. It is also available as a dietary supplement.
Potential benefits of astaxanthin include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. These effects may help with brain, skin, gastrointestinal, and reproductive health, although more research is necessary.
Anyone wanting to try astaxanthin supplements should speak with a healthcare professional to reduce the risk of adverse reactions. People can also add dietary sources of astaxanthin to their diet to increase their intake.