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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 4 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Douglas Cooper Co.

Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Astaxanthin 4 mg is a dietary supplement by Douglas Cooper Co. 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 Zanthin natural Astaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 4 mg by Douglas Cooper Co.

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: Zanthin natural Astaxanthin, a carotenoid — a naturally occurring pigment — at 4 mg per capsule. The softgel itself is vegetarian, and the formula includes extra virgin olive oil to help your body absorb the astaxanthin, plus mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) and rosemary leaf extract as preservatives.

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: Antioxidant support for eyes and brain health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer disease, Dry eye, Exercise-induced muscle damage, Exercise-induced muscle soreness — and 4 related terms.
  • 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), Alzheimer disease, Athletic performance, Dry eye, and more.

The evidence for astaxanthin is still being built. For the uses listed here — age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration (a vision condition), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome — the data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate whether it works.

That doesn't mean it doesn't; it means the research hasn't yet reached the bar to say it does.

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 reported orally are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red fecal color — the red color comes from the astaxanthin itself and isn't harmful.

At the 4 mg dose in this product, side effects are uncommon, but at higher doses (40 mg daily in some studies) severe stomach pain has been reported in a small number of people. There isn't enough safety data to recommend this supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

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 whether you take any medications broken down by the CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes in your liver — astaxanthin may lower their blood levels. These include many heart medications, immunosuppressants, statins, and other common drugs.

Use the interaction checker on this page 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 is a natural carotenoid generally well tolerated at this dose. It's worth a conversation with your pharmacist if you take medications metabolized by your liver — especially if you're on a drug with a narrow safety window.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should skip it until more safety data exists.

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 Nov 21, 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 4 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Douglas Cooper Co.
Net contents 60 Veggie Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 239502
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) 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 4 mg by Douglas Cooper Co., 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)
IngredientAmount% DV
Zanthin natural Astaxanthin4 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Softgel Capsule, extra virgin Olive Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary leaf 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 Usage: Take 1 softgel 1 to 2 times daily with food.

Formula

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid with a unique structure that is known to be a potent free radical scavenger. Because Astaxanthin freely crosses the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, it can neutralize free radicals in the eye and central nervous system. Scientific studies also demonstrate that Astaxanthin can support the body's healthy and balanced immune system responses. This product features Zanthin, which can help to support overall ocular health and promote a healthy nervous system.

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not eat freshness packet. Keep in bottle.

To report a serious adverse event, or for product information, contact 1-800-234-8686

Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

General Statements

Douglas Cooper Co. "Trace Minerals Make the Difference." Since 1950

Please recycle.

Formulation

Supports eye health Potent free radical scavenger

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

Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Non-GMO

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Zanthin is a registered trademark of Valensa International.

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Douglas Cooper Co. label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astaxanthin 4 mg by Douglas Cooper Co.

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 Amounts shown are per serving.

Zanthin natural Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
4 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis Extract

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

Zanthin natural Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian Softgel Capsule, Extra virgin Olive Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary leaf extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Douglas Cooper Co. Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 4 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 4 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.

Zanthin natural 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 4 mg, from the product label.

Douglas Cooper Co.

See all Douglas Cooper Co. products
Name
Douglas Cooper Co.
Street Address
377 Ridge Point Dr
City
Carmel
State
IN
ZipCode
46032
Phone Number
1-800-234-8686
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Douglas Cooper Co.: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 4 mg by Douglas Cooper Co. interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 4 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 4 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 why is it in this supplement?
Astaxanthin is a natural pigment called a carotenoid that gives some seafood and algae their color. It's included because it's being studied for potential benefits in aging, brain health, eye health, and athletic performance, though the evidence is still building.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data isn't there yet, so it's best to avoid it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice if you have specific questions.
Will this turn my stool red?
It might. Red or reddish stool has been reported with astaxanthin and is due to the pigment itself — it's not harmful, just unexpected. It's more common at higher doses.
Is astaxanthin proven to work for any of these conditions?
Not yet. The evidence for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome all fall short of what we need to say it definitely works. Research is ongoing.
What's in the softgel besides the active ingredient?
The capsule itself is vegetarian, and inside you'll find extra virgin olive oil to help absorption, plus mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) and rosemary leaf extract to keep it stable.
What side effects should I watch for?
At this 4 mg dose, side effects are uncommon, but some people report mild abdominal pain or diarrhea. Red stool can also happen. At much higher doses, severe stomach pain has been reported rarely.

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

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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 4 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astaxanthin 4 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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