Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in certain algae and causes the pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood.

Astaxanthin is taken by mouth for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, high cholesterol, age-related macular degeneration (age-related vision loss), and preventing cancer. It is also used for metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It is also used for improving exercise performance, decreasing muscle damage after exercise, and decreasing muscle soreness after exercise. Also, astaxanthin is taken by mouth for carpal tunnel syndrome, dyspepsia, male infertility, symptoms of menopause, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Astaxanthin is applied directly to the skin to protect against sunburn, to reduce wrinkles, and for other cosmetic benefits. In food, it may be used as a feed supplement and food coloring additive for salmon, crabs, shrimp, chicken, and egg production.

Age-related macular degeneration (age-related vision loss). Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when a portion of retina becomes damaged. Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and copper (Azyr by Sifi S.p.A) by mouth daily for 12 months improves damage in the center of the retina in people with AMD. It does not improve damage in the outer areas of the retina.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. Early research suggests that taking a combination product containing astaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, and vitamin E (BioAstin by Cyanotech) by mouth 3 times daily for 8 weeks does not reduce pain in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Indigestion (dyspepsia). Early research shows that taking 40 mg of astaxanthin (AstaCarox by AstaReal AB) daily for 4 weeks reduces reflux symptoms in people with indigestion. It seems to work best in people with indigestion due to H. pylori infection. A lower dose of 16 mg daily does not improve reflux symptoms. Neither dose reduces stomach pain, indigestion, or the amount of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach of people with indigestion.
Muscle damage caused by exercise. Early research shows that taking 4 mg of astaxanthin for 90 days does not reduce muscle damage caused by exercise in male soccer players.
Muscle soreness caused by exercise. Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, lutein, and safflower oil (BioAstin by Cyanotech) by mouth daily for 3 weeks does not reduce muscle soreness or improve muscle performance 4 days after exercise compared to taking only safflower oil.
Exercise performance. Research regarding the effects of astaxanthin on exercise performance is conflicting. Some early research shows that taking 4 mg of astaxanthin for 4 weeks decreases the time needed to complete a cycling exercise in trained male athletes. But other research shows that using a higher dose of astaxanthin daily for 4 weeks does not improve the time needed to complete a timed exercise.
High cholesterol. Early research suggests that taking 6-18 mg of astaxanthin (AstaReal Astaxanthin by Fuji Chemical Industry) daily for 12 weeks reduces blood fats called triglycerides and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. Other early research shows that taking a combination of astaxanthin, berberine, policosanol, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, and folic acid (Armolipid Plus by Rottapharm S.p.A.) by mouth for 4 weeks increases HDL cholesterol levels and lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with abnormal cholesterol levels.
Male infertility. Early research suggests that taking astaxanthin (AstaCarox by AstaReal AB) daily for 3 months increases the pregnancy rates of men considered to be infertile.
Menopausal symptoms. Early research suggests that taking a product containing astaxanthin, vitamin D3, lycopene, and citrus bioflavonoids (MF Afragil by Cor.Con. International Srl) daily for 8 weeks reduces menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, joint pain, moodiness, and bladder problems.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, lutein, vitamin A, vitamin E, and safflower oil (BioAstin by Cyanotech) 3 times daily for 8 weeks reduces pain and improves feelings of satisfaction in people with RA.
Wrinkled skin. Early research shows that taking 2-3 mg of astaxanthin by mouth twice daily for 6 weeks improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines and wrinkles in middle-aged women and men. It also seems to improve the moisture content in the skin. Specific astaxanthin products have been evaluated (Astavita Astaxanthin by Astavita; AstaReal Oil 50F by Fuji Chemical Industry). Other research shows that taking astaxanthin by mouth twice daily along with applying1 mL of astaxanthin cream to the face twice daily for 8 weeks improves the appearance of skin wrinkles.