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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 20 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium

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

Astaxanthin 20 mg is a dietary supplement by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium 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 20 mg by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium

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 delivers a single active ingredient: astaxanthin 20 mg, a carotenoid pigment derived from algae. It's wrapped in safflower oil, tocopherols (vitamin E), and a softgel capsule to help your body absorb it.

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: Supports healthy cells.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence for astaxanthin's benefits isn't established in our data. We rate it as insufficient reliable evidence for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means the research to prove it either isn't there yet or isn't strong enough to be certain. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it makes sense for what you're looking to support.

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-colored stools — the red color is normal and comes from the pigment itself.

A small number of trial participants at higher doses experienced increased bowel movements or severe stomach pain. There isn't enough safety data to recommend astaxanthin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it 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 you start, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications broken down by the liver enzymes CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 — astaxanthin may reduce their blood levels. This includes many common drugs like certain statins, blood pressure medicines, and immunosuppressants.

The interaction is theoretical (shown in lab cells, not yet proven in people), but it's worth confirming your medications are safe to combine with this product.

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 is a single-ingredient antioxidant supplement that's generally well tolerated but lacks strong evidence of benefit for the conditions it's marketed for. If you take medications metabolized by your liver, check your specific drugs before starting — the product may lower their levels.

Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide whether it's worth trying and whether it's safe with your current 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 Feb 26, 2020.

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 20 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium
Barcode (UPC) 624917083675
Net contents 30 Vegetarian Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 26, 2020
DSLD ID 214431
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 20 mg by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium, 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 Vegetarian Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
624917083675
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin20 mg--

Other ingredients: Safflower Oil, Tocopherols, Vsoftgel

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.
Formulation

GMP Manufacturing Quality assured Independent testing

Supports healthy cells

Vegan

Non-GMO Gluten free

AOR guarantees that all ingredients have been declared on the label.

Made without wheat, gluten, soy, nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, sulfites, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish or any animal byproduct.

Precautions

Do not use if safety seal is broken

Caution: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, call 1-866-215-0450

Storage

Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place

Formula

Discussion: Astaxanthin is a unique carotenoid and is formulated as a softgel, providing greater absorption for this fat-soluble nutrient.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 1 softgel per day with or without food, or as directed by a qualified health care practitioner.

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

Eco

Product of Canada

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 20 mg by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astaxanthin 20 mg by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium

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

Serving size1 Vegetarian Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
20 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, Tocopherols, Vsoftgel. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 20 mg by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 20 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 20 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 20 mg, from the product label.

AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium

See all AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium products
Name
AOR Inc.
Street Address
30 Industrial West
City
Clifton
State
NJ
ZipCode
07012
Phone Number
1-866-215-0450
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 20 mg by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 20 mg by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 20 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 20 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?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid — a natural pigment from algae that acts as an antioxidant in your body. It's the red color you see in salmon and shrimp.
Will this help with my aging skin or memory?
We don't have reliable evidence it works for either. The research to prove benefit for aging skin, cognitive decline, or Alzheimer disease isn't strong enough to say. Your doctor can discuss whether a trial might be worth it for you.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or nursing?
There isn't enough safety data. It's best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're in either situation and considering it.
What side effects might I notice?
Most people tolerate it well. Some may experience belly pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools (the red is from the pigment and is harmless). Higher doses have rarely caused severe stomach pain.
Why does the product have safflower oil and tocopherols if astaxanthin is the only active ingredient?
Safflower oil and tocopherols (vitamin E) are inactive ingredients that help your body absorb the astaxanthin and keep the softgel stable. They're not active treatments — just part of how the supplement is formulated.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 20 mg is safe with your meds?

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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 20 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astaxanthin 20 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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