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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 12 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC

Astaxanthin 12 mg label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Astaxanthin 12 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Astaxanthin 12 mg is a dietary supplement by GNC 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 Astaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin 12 mg by GNC

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astaxanthin 12 mg by GNC — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 12 mg by GNC

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

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: astaxanthin 12 mg per softgel. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid — a pigment found in marine organisms — that acts as an antioxidant in your body.

The inactive ingredients are soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, beeswax, and food colorings (FD&C Red #40, FD&C Blue #1), plus mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) as a preservative.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: antioxidant protection against harmful free radicals.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence we hold for astaxanthin doesn't yet establish its effectiveness. For age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome, the research is rated as insufficient to make a reliable claim either way.

If you're considering this product for one of those reasons, talk with your doctor about what the current research actually supports for your situation.

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 are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red fecal color (a harmless discoloration from the pigment itself).

Most people who experience side effects report mild symptoms, though higher doses have occasionally caused severe stomach pain. There isn't enough safety data to recommend this supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.

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.

Before taking GNC Astaxanthin 12 mg, check your medications against the search tool below. The ingredient may theoretically reduce levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 enzymes (both Moderate concerns) — a large group that includes certain statins, blood pressure medications, and others — though this effect has only been seen in lab studies, not yet confirmed in people.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with any prescription drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Astaxanthin 12 mg might appeal to people interested in antioxidant support, but the evidence for specific benefits isn't yet established in our data. If you take prescription medications — especially those your liver processes — check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before starting, and confirm with your doctor or pharmacist that it's appropriate for you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not recommended without talking it over with your healthcare provider first.

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 Apr 11, 2022.

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 12 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC
Barcode (UPC) 048107184674
Net contents 60 Softgel Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 11, 2022
DSLD ID 260138
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)
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 12 mg by GNC, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
048107184674
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin12 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Beeswax, FD&C Red #40, Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Blue #1, mixed Tocopherols

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.
Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Contains: Soy.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

Fore more information: 1-888-462-2548 GNC.com

60-day supply

Formulation

Powerful antioxidant to help protect against harmful free radicals

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one softgel capsule daily with food.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 12 mg by GNC label

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

Astaxanthin 12 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astaxanthin 12 mg by GNC

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

Serving size1 Softgel Capsule(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
12 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis

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

Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Beeswax, FD&C Red #40, Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Blue #1, Mixed Tocopherols. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 12 mg by GNC Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 12 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

Astaxanthin 671

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Astaxanthin 12 mg interact with 671 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astaxanthin 12 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astaxanthin 12 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.

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
Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Astaxanthin 12 mg, from the product label.

GNC

See all GNC products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 12 mg by GNC: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 12 mg by GNC interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 12 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 12 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 in the body?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid — a natural pigment found in marine organisms like algae and shrimp — that works as an antioxidant. It's included in this supplement for its potential health-supporting properties, though the evidence for specific benefits like improved cognition or eye health isn't yet established in the data we hold.
What are the side effects of astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and harmless red discoloration of your stool (from the pigment itself). Most people who experience these have mild symptoms, though very high doses have occasionally caused severe stomach pain.
Is it safe to take astaxanthin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to recommend astaxanthin during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing — they can help you weigh what you know about your individual situation.
Does astaxanthin really work for age-related cognitive decline or macular degeneration?
The research we hold doesn't yet establish that astaxanthin works for those conditions — the evidence is rated insufficient. If you're considering it for a specific health goal, talk with your doctor about what the current science actually supports.
Will astaxanthin make my stool red?
Yes, it can — the red discoloration is harmless and comes from the pigment itself. It's one of the most common side effects people notice, though it's not dangerous.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 12 mg is safe with your meds?

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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 12 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin 12 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

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

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astaxanthin 12 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

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