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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 12 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals

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 Source Naturals 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.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin 12 mg by Source Naturals

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 12 mg by Source Naturals

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.
  • “Haematococcus pluvialis Algae extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (132 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This supplement contains 1 active ingredient: astaxanthin 12 mg, derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae (provided as AstaREAL, a standardized extract). Astaxanthin is a red pigment from algae with antioxidant properties.

The softgel also contains inactive ingredients — olive oil, gelatin, glycerin, and purified water — to deliver the ingredient.

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

This is a single-ingredient Astaxanthin product and its label doesn't state a use — see Astaxanthin's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish astaxanthin's effectiveness for any of its common uses. Astaxanthin has been studied for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (an eye condition affecting older adults), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome, but the reliable evidence for each of these is insufficient to make a clear rating.

If you're considering astaxanthin for one of these reasons, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the emerging research is a fit 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, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects reported are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red or reddish-colored stool (a harmless discoloration).

At the 12 mg dose in this product, these effects are mild in most people, but at much higher doses (40 mg daily), severe stomach pain has been reported in a small number of cases. During pregnancy, the safety data are not sufficient — it's best to avoid astaxanthin.

The same applies to breastfeeding. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

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 astaxanthin, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medication broken down by the CYP3A4 enzyme — a group that includes many statins, blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, and other common drugs. Also check if you take any drugs metabolized by the CYP2B6 enzyme.

Both interactions are rated Moderate, meaning astaxanthin may reduce how well these medications work by speeding up how your liver clears them.

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 works best for someone looking to explore an antioxidant supplement where the long-term benefits are still under investigation. Because it can interact with a very large number of medications by altering how your liver processes them, you must check your exact prescriptions before starting — this is especially important if you take any daily medications.

Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist first to make sure it's a fit for your health and your current drug regimen.

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 22, 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 Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078026891
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2022
DSLD ID 274051
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 Source Naturals, 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
021078026891
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Haematococcus pluvialis Algae extract132 mg--
AstaREAL12 mg--

Other ingredients: Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, purified Water

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Antioxidant carotenoid

Astaxanthin, a member of the carotenoid family, is a powerful antioxidant. In vitro research demonstrates that astaxathin may be up to 4 times stronger than other carotenoids such as lutein, cryptoxanthin, and beta-carotene, and may be up to 85 times stronger than alpha-tocopherol. Astaxanthin possesses both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, and may provide health benefits throughout the body by modulating the activity of free radicals.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 softgel daily with a meal.

Precautions

Note: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using this product.

Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

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

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.

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 12 mg by Source Naturals 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 Source Naturals

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.

Haematococcus pluvialis Algae extract

132 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Purified Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 12 mg by Source Naturals 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.

Source Naturals

Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 12 mg by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 12 mg by Source Naturals 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 exactly is astaxanthin, and where does it come from?
Astaxanthin is a red pigment produced naturally by algae. This product sources it from Haematococcus pluvialis algae in a form called AstaREAL, which is a standardized extract. It's an antioxidant — a compound that may help protect cells from damage.
Will astaxanthin help with my aging skin or memory?
The evidence we hold is insufficient to say whether astaxanthin helps with aging skin, memory, or any other condition listed on the label. Researchers are still studying it, but we don't have enough reliable data to rate its effectiveness for these uses yet.
What are the most common side effects?
Astaxanthin is usually well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red or reddish-colored stool — the stool color change is harmless and comes from the pigment itself. Severe stomach pain is rare and has only been reported at much higher doses.
Is it safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid astaxanthin during these times. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.
How does astaxanthin interact with my medications?
Astaxanthin may speed up how your liver breaks down drugs that depend on the CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 enzymes, potentially lowering their levels and reducing how well they work. This spans 672 individual medications. Use the interaction checker on this page with your exact drug names, and talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.

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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