Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 10 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Protocol For Life Balance

Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Astaxanthin 10 mg is a dietary supplement by Protocol For Life Balance with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for antioxidant support, skin health and aging, eye health.Based on those ingredients, 671 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are natural Astaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 10 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: natural astaxanthin at 10 mg per softgel capsule. Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid compound that acts as an antioxidant in your body.

The capsule is filled with organic extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil, and also contains mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) and other inactive ingredients to make up the softgel.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Astaxanthin's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: cellular protection and antioxidant support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Aging skin, Athletic performance, Exercise-induced muscle damage, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Fatigue — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Aging skin, Athletic performance, Heart failure, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, and more.

The evidence we hold on astaxanthin doesn't establish its effectiveness for the conditions listed — age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome all have insufficient reliable evidence to rate. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the evidence available to us isn't strong enough to say one way or the other.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects reported orally are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red fecal color (which is harmless — just the supplement's color passing through).

At the 10 mg dose in this product, side effects appear uncommon, though a much higher 40 mg dose has caused severe abdominal pain in isolated cases. The safety data advise against using astaxanthin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because there isn't enough research to know it's safe in those situations.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing and want personalized advice.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Astaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 672 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check any drugs your liver metabolizes through the CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 pathways before taking this product — these include many heart medications, immunosuppressants, statins, and anti-anxiety drugs. The interactions are Moderate in severity and theoretical (not yet confirmed in people), but it's important to verify your exact medications on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Astaxanthin is a well-tolerated antioxidant supplement, but evidence for its claimed benefits isn't established in our data. The main caution is a theoretical interaction with drugs your liver breaks down through CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 pathways — it hasn't been seen in humans yet, but it's worth checking before you start.

Avoid it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk to your pharmacist about your specific medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Astaxanthin 10 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Protocol For Life Balance
Barcode (UPC) 707359122512
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2017
DSLD ID 77375
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Astaxanthin 10 mg by Protocol For Life Balance, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
707359122512
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
natural Astaxanthin10 mg--

Other ingredients: organic extra virgin Olive Oil, Softgel Capsule, Mixed Tocopherols, Sunflower Oil

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 softgel daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Formula

How it Works: Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family derived from non-GMO Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae.

Natural mixed tocopherols (from non-GMO soy and sunflower).

General Statements

Due to its unique chemical structure, Astaxanthin can stabilize cellular and mitochondrial membrane structures and thus protect them against free radical attack originating both inside and outside of the cell.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

~ Potent free-radical scavenger ~ Cellular protection

Precautions

Cautions/Interactions: None known.

Natural mixed tocopherols (from non-GMO soy and sunflower).

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General

CODE P2251B V7

Formulation

Non-GMO

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients.

Seals/Symbols

Non-GMO

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 10 mg by Protocol For Life Balance label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astaxanthin 10 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Natural Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
10 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis Extract

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Natural Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Organic extra virgin Olive Oil, Softgel Capsule, Mixed Tocopherols, Sunflower Oil. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 10 mg by Protocol For Life Balance Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 10 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
671Drugs
671 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astaxanthin 10 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

natural Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Astaxanthin 10 mg, from the product label.

Protocol For Life Balance

See all Protocol For Life Balance products
Name
Protocol For Life Balance
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
www.protocolforlife.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 10 mg by Protocol For Life Balance: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 10 mg by Protocol For Life Balance interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 10 mg has a known interaction with 671 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Astaxanthin 10 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is astaxanthin, and what does it do?
Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid compound — a type of antioxidant your body uses to fight oxidative stress. It's naturally found in certain algae and seafood. This product delivers 10 mg of the natural form per softgel capsule.
Will this help with my memory or eye health?
The evidence we hold on astaxanthin for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, age-related macular degeneration, and aging skin is insufficient to rate — we can't say whether it works based on the data available to us. Talk with your doctor about whether it's right for your specific health goals.
What are the side effects?
Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red fecal color — that last one is just the supplement's color and isn't harmful. At this 10 mg dose, side effects appear uncommon, though higher doses have rarely caused severe stomach pain.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data, so it's best to avoid astaxanthin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're in either situation and want personalized advice.
How long can I take this safely?
Long-term safety data are limited, so we don't have solid information on how long it's safe to use. Speak with your pharmacist about your individual situation and how long you plan to take it.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The softgel capsule is filled with organic extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil for absorption, and also contains mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) as an antioxidant to preserve the product.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Astaxanthin 10 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Astaxanthin 10 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astaxanthin 10 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 3 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring