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

Astaxanthin 12 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Jarrow Formulas

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

Astaxanthin 12 mg is a dietary supplement by Jarrow Formulas 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.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 12 mg by Jarrow Formulas

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 softgel contains one active ingredient: astaxanthin 12 mg, a red pigment from marine algae and other natural sources. The rest of the capsule is made up of inactive ingredients — safflower oil, bovine gelatin, glycerin, water, mixed tocopherols, olive oil, and rosemary extract — which help deliver and preserve the astaxanthin.

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: immune, skin, and eye health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Aging skin, Dry eye, Sunburn, ocular health, skin aging — and 1 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, Dry eye, Sunburn.

The evidence for astaxanthin isn't established in our data. The effectiveness ratings we hold — for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome — all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the research so far hasn't been robust enough for a clear answer.

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 mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red stool color (which comes from the supplement itself).

A small number of study participants at higher doses reported increased bowel movements or, rarely, severe stomach pain. There isn't enough safety data to use astaxanthin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

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.

If you take any medication broken down by your liver — especially heart drugs, blood pressure medications, cholesterol drugs, or antidepressants — check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting astaxanthin. The supplement may theoretically lower their blood levels, though this hasn't been confirmed in people yet.

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 marine antioxidant supplement that's generally well tolerated at typical doses. The main thing to sort out before you start is whether it might affect how your liver processes your other medications — that's a conversation to have with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take prescription drugs.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you'll want their advice on this one too.

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 Jan 24, 2024.

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 Jarrow Formulas
Barcode (UPC) 790011200413
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 24, 2024
DSLD ID 307556
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), No Allergies, 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 12 mg by Jarrow Formulas, 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)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
790011200413
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin12 mg--

Other ingredients: Safflower Oil, Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Mixed Tocopherols, Olive Oil, Rosemary Extract

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 use: Adults take 1 softgel once a day, preferably with a fat-containing meal or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional.

Formula

Jarrow Formulas Astaxanthin, featuring AstaPure astaxanthin is naturally derived from the cultivation of a unique Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae strain. Clinical studies have demonstrated that astaxanthin supports immune, skin, and eye health.

Algal antioxidant

Precautions

Warning: Consult a healthcare professional before using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, under the age of 18, are taking medication or have a medical condition; if adverse reactions occur, discontinue use.

Warning: Consult a healthcare professional before using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, under the age of 18, are taking medication or have a medical condition; if adverse reactions occur, discontinue use. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

AstaPure is a registered trademark of Algatechnologies Ltd. AstaPure

Copyright 2022 Jarrow Formulas

Formulation

Supports immune, skin, and eye health Immune support

Non-GMO Gluten free

No wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, peanuts/tree nuts or sesame.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 12 mg by Jarrow Formulas label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astaxanthin 12 mg by Jarrow Formulas

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 Servings per container30 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: Safflower Oil, Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Mixed Tocopherols, Olive Oil, Rosemary Extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 12 mg by Jarrow Formulas 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

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
The maker

Brand information

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

Jarrow Formulas

See all Jarrow Formulas products
Name
Jarrow Formulas, Inc.
City
Sherman Oaks
State
CA
ZipCode
91403
Phone Number
1-866-459-4154
Web Address
www.Jarrow.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 12 mg by Jarrow Formulas: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 12 mg by Jarrow Formulas 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?
Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment found in marine organisms like algae and krill. It's an antioxidant, meaning it may help protect cells from damage, though the evidence for specific health benefits is still being studied.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data to know either way. The facts advise against it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are mild — stomach pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stool (a harmless effect of the pigment itself). At higher doses, some people have reported more frequent bowel movements or, rarely, severe stomach pain.
Does astaxanthin work for anti-aging or brain health?
The evidence isn't established in the data we hold. Effectiveness ratings for aging skin, age-related cognitive decline, and Alzheimer disease all show insufficient reliable evidence, so we can't say whether it works for those uses.
Why is this 12 mg if some studies use higher doses?
Different products and studies use different doses. This one contains 12 mg per softgel. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you figure out whether this dose is right for what you're hoping to do.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 12 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 12 mg label
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

Keep exploring