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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 12 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Protocol For Life Balance

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 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 AstaReal. 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 Protocol For Life Balance

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 12 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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 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 (from AstaReal brand). Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment — a naturally occurring compound with antioxidant properties.

The softgel also contains several inactive ingredients that serve as stabilizers, thickeners, and carriers: corn starch, glycerin, water, carrageenan, sorbitol, extra virgin olive oil, and mixed tocopherols.

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: supports brain health and manages eyestrain.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye, eye fatigue, visual health.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye, Fatigue.

We hold effectiveness data for astaxanthin across several conditions — age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome — but the evidence for all of them is rated insufficient. That means the current research isn't reliable enough for us to say whether this ingredient actually works for any of these purposes.

If you're considering astaxanthin for a specific reason, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the current evidence shows.

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. Most common side effects reported with oral use are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — which is a harmless color change from the astaxanthin itself.

A small number of trial participants on astaxanthin 6 mg daily reported increased bowel movements or red stools, and two patients on a much higher dose (40 mg daily) experienced severe stomach pain. There isn't enough safety data to know whether astaxanthin is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so the data advises against use in both situations.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

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 this product, double-check any medications you take that are broken down by your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes — this includes many common drugs across different categories. Astaxanthin may lower their levels.

These interactions carry Moderate severity and haven't been confirmed in humans yet, but they're worth verifying with your exact medication list.

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 12 mg is an antioxidant supplement with theoretical interactions affecting how your liver processes certain medications. The evidence for its effectiveness against the conditions listed isn't established yet.

If you take any prescription medications — especially ones your liver metabolizes — check them against this product before you start. A conversation with your pharmacist is a smart move.

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 Sep 25, 2025.

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 Protocol For Life Balance
Barcode (UPC) 707359122536
Net contents 60 Veggie Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2025
DSLD ID 337778
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, 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 12 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)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
707359122536
IngredientAmount% DV
AstaReal12 mg--

Other ingredients: Corn Starch, Modified, Glycerin, Water, Carrageenan, Sorbitol, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, D-Alpha-Tocopherol, 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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested usage: Take 1 softgel daily with a fat-containing meal, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Formula

How it works: Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid derived from non-GMO Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. Due to its unique structure, astaxanthin plays an important role in cellular free radical protection and healthy immune system responses. Astaxanthin has been shown in clinical studies to promote normal cognitive function and may help to maintain a positive mood in adults. In the eye, it helps to neutralize free radicals and helps to manage eyestrain due to computer usage.

AstaReal

This extra strength product has more Astaxanthin (12 mg per softgel) than our regular strength product (10 mg per softgel).

Formulation

How it works: Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid derived from non-GMO Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae

Extra strength Supports brain health Helps manage eyestrain

Vegetarian/Vegan

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

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Precautions

Cautions/Interactions: Consult your healthcare practitioner if pregnant/nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or sesame 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 Statements

This bottle is made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

AstaReal is a registered trademark of Fuji Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 12 mg by Protocol For Life Balance 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 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 Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

AstaReal

Interacts with
671 drugs
12 mg per serving Form: Astaxanthin

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

AstaReal monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Corn Starch, Modified, Glycerin, Water, Carrageenan, Sorbitol, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, D-Alpha-Tocopherol, Mixed Tocopherols. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 12 mg by Protocol For Life Balance 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

AstaReal 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. AstaReal

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.

AstaReal2 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
AstaReal full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Astaxanthin 12 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
protocolforlife.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 12 mg by Protocol For Life Balance: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 12 mg by Protocol For Life Balance 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's it supposed to do?
Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid pigment with antioxidant properties. This product lists it for conditions like age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, and Alzheimer disease, but we don't have reliable evidence it works for any of them yet.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on astaxanthin during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so the safety data advises against use in both. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation.
What side effects might I get?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — that color change is harmless and comes from the astaxanthin itself. Higher doses may cause more severe stomach pain.
Does astaxanthin interact with my medications?
Astaxanthin may slow down how your liver clears certain medications, potentially lowering their effectiveness. Use the search tool on this page to check your exact medications before you start.
How much long-term safety data exists for astaxanthin?
Long-term safety data are limited, so we know it's generally well tolerated in short-term studies but can't say as much about years of use. If you're planning to take it long-term, check with your pharmacist.

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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