Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 4 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Mercola

Astaxanthin 4 mg label
See full label image
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 4 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 4 mg is a dietary supplement by Dr. Mercola with 2 active ingredients. 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 organic Astaxanthin. 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 4 mg by Dr. Mercola

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astaxanthin 4 mg by Dr. Mercola — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 4 mg by Dr. Mercola

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has 2 active ingredients. Organic astaxanthin is a natural red pigment (a type of carotenoid) — the main ingredient at 4 mg per capsule.

Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid, though we hold no detailed interaction or effectiveness data for it in our system. The capsule also contains several inactive ingredients: sunflower lecithin, organic olive oil, rosemary leaf extract, and the capsule shell itself.

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 for astaxanthin's effectiveness isn't established in our data. The facts list several uses — age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome — but all are rated as having insufficient reliable evidence to know whether it works.

You'd want to talk with your doctor about whether astaxanthin makes sense for what you're hoping to address.

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.

Orally, astaxanthin is generally well tolerated, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects reported in studies are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red fecal color — the red color comes from the pigment itself and isn't harmful.

Higher doses (40 mg daily) have caused severe stomach pain in a small number of people. Astaxanthin is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as there isn't enough safety data to know it's okay.

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, check whether you take any drugs metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4 (Moderate interaction) — this includes many cholesterol drugs, blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, and some cancer medicines. Also ask about drugs that use CYP2B6 (Moderate interaction).

Use the medication checker on this page to verify your exact prescriptions.

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.

If you're looking at astaxanthin for age-related eye health or cognition, the evidence isn't there yet to say it works. Before starting it, check your medications for CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 interactions — the product can slow how your body clears these drugs.

If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 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 Dr. Mercola
Barcode (UPC) 813006013048
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2020
DSLD ID 214101
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 4 mg by Dr. Mercola, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
813006013048
IngredientAmount% DV
Alpha-Linolenic Acid300 mg--
organic Astaxanthin4 mg--

Other ingredients: Capsule, Sunflower Lecithin, organic Olive Oil, 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 Use: Adults, as a dietary supplement, take one (1) capsule daily with a meal.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

If you are nursing, pregnant, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before taking this product.

Contains Fish (Tilapia).

General Statements

Dr. Mercola has been providing quality products since 2001.

Formula

Astaxanthin 4 mg with 300 mg ALA per capsule

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary supplement

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Dr. Mercola label

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

Astaxanthin 4 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 4 mg by Dr. Mercola

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Alpha-Linolenic Acid

300 mg per serving Form: Perilla Seed Oil

Organic 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...

Organic Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Capsule, Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Olive Oil, Rosemary leaf extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Dr. Mercola 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

organic Astaxanthin 671

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Astaxanthin 4 mg interact with 671 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Astaxanthin 4 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. organic Astaxanthin

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.

organic 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
organic Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Astaxanthin 4 mg, from the product label.

Dr. Mercola

See all Dr. Mercola products
Name
NHP
Street Address
125 SW 3rd Place
City
Cape Coral
State
FL
ZipCode
33991
Phone Number
(877) 985-2696
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Dr. Mercola: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 4 mg by Dr. Mercola 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 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough safety data for astaxanthin in pregnancy, so it's best to avoid it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
Can I take this if I'm breastfeeding?
No — there's not enough safety data, so it's best to avoid astaxanthin while breastfeeding.
What are the most common side effects?
The main ones reported in studies are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. The red color comes from the astaxanthin pigment and isn't dangerous. Higher doses can cause severe stomach pain.
Does astaxanthin actually help with age-related vision loss or memory?
The evidence isn't established yet — our data rates it as having insufficient reliable evidence for conditions like macular degeneration and cognitive decline. You'd want to discuss this with your doctor.
What is alpha-linolenic acid in this product?
It's an omega-3 fatty acid, another active ingredient. We don't hold detailed data on it, so we can't say what role it plays in this specific formula.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 4 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 4 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin 4 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 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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