neuroprotectiveEVIDENCEBUSOTC

Astaxanthin

aka AstaPure · BioAstin

Red carotenoid pigment with high antioxidant potency. Crosses the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier. Found in salmon, krill, and microalgae.

Dose range4–12mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety5/5medium evidence base

Mechanism of action

A red carotenoid with antioxidant capacity approximately 500-1000x stronger than vitamin E and 10x stronger than beta-carotene by some measures. Unique among carotenoids in crossing the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier. Mitochondrial membrane protection. Modulates Nrf2 antioxidant signalling. Anti-inflammatory through NF-κB suppression.

History

Astaxanthin is the compound responsible for the pink-red color of salmon and shrimp. It's synthesised in microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis is the commercial source) and accumulates up the food chain. The supplement market emerged in the late 1990s. Multiple cardiovascular, eye health, and skin protection trials support use. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

Eye health and visual function
EVIDENCEB
Multiple trials show improved eye fatigue and accommodation.
Skin protection from UV
EVIDENCEB
Multiple RCTs.
Cardiovascular markers
EVIDENCEB
Multiple trials.

Side effects

Pink-orange stool (high dose)uncommonmild

Cited research

Astaxanthin and eye fatigue: clinical trial (Nagaki)2002
PMID 12511246 ↗
Astaxanthin and skin UV protection (Tominaga)2012
PMID 22270201 ↗
Astaxanthin for cardiovascular health: review (Fassett)2011
PMID 21686056 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Astaxanthin — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Life Extension 4.3	Astaxanthin — Life Extension	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Astaxanthin — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Astaxanthin — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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