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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 4 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature Made

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

Astaxanthin 4 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature Made 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 4 mg by Nature Made

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.

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Nature Made contains a single active ingredient: astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment with antioxidant properties. The softgel also contains inactive ingredients — gelatin, corn oil, glycerin, and water — which serve as the capsule and delivery system.

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 healthy skin and eye function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Aging skin, Dry eye, Sunburn, ocular health, dermal antioxidant protection — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Aging skin, Dry eye, Sunburn.

The evidence for astaxanthin isn't established in the data we hold. The product facts show insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

That means research so far hasn't been robust enough to say whether it works for these uses. If you're considering it for a specific condition, talk with your pharmacist about what the current science actually supports.

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 from oral astaxanthin are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stool — the stool discoloration is harmless and related to the pigment itself.

At much higher doses (40 mg daily), severe stomach pain has been reported in a small number of people. During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best to avoid it.

The same applies to breastfeeding — the data are insufficient to say either way. If you're pregnant or nursing and interested in astaxanthin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

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 4 mg, double-check any medications metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes — these include a large range of heart drugs, psychiatric medications, immunosuppressants, and others. Lab data suggest astaxanthin may speed up how your liver clears these drugs, but this hasn't been confirmed in human studies yet.

Use the medication checker on this page to see if yours are affected.

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 4 mg might appeal to you if you're interested in antioxidant support, but evidence for specific health claims isn't established yet. The main thing to watch is whether it slows down medications your liver processes — a real possibility in theory, though it hasn't been seen in people.

Before you start, check your exact medications with the tool on this page, and talk with your pharmacist if you're pregnant, nursing, or have any stomach sensitivities.

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 Aug 31, 2018.

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 Nature Made
Barcode (UPC) 031604027520
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 31, 2018
DSLD ID 179791
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), Gluten 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 Nature Made, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
031604027520
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin4 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Corn Oil, Glycerin, 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.
General

List No. 2752 L201 Cat. A628 5A004

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Antioxidant properties to help support healthy skin & eye function

Astaxanthin (pronounced asta-ZAN-thin) is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in some fish and algae. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that has antioxidant properties. It helps support healthy skin and eye function. Nature Made Astaxanthin comes from green algae.

Astaxanthin softgels are made to Nature Made’s guaranteed purity and potency standards.

Formulation

No color added No artificial flavors No preservatives No yeast or starch Gluten free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take one softgel daily with a meal. For easier swallowing, take with water before and during ingestion.

Storage

Keep bottle tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.

Precautions

Store in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.

Do not use if imprinted seal under cap is broken or missing.

Caution: Not intended for children, or if you are pregnant or nursing.

Caution: Not intended for children, or if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your physician prior to use if you have any medical condition or are taking any medications.

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.

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Nature Made label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astaxanthin 4 mg by Nature Made

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.

Astaxanthin

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

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: Gelatin, Corn Oil, Glycerin, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Nature Made 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.

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.

Nature Made

See all Nature Made products
Name
Nature Made Nutritional Products
City
Mission Hills
State
CA
ZipCode
91346-9606
Phone Number
1-800-276-2878
Web Address
www.NatureMade.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Nature Made: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 4 mg by Nature Made 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?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment — a natural red-orange compound — that acts as an antioxidant in your body. It's found in certain seafood and algae. This supplement delivers 4 mg of it per softgel.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way, so it's best to avoid astaxanthin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your situation.
What side effects might I notice?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stool — the stool color is just the pigment and isn't harmful. If you take much higher doses, severe stomach pain is possible, though rare.
Does this work for anti-aging or brain health?
We don't have reliable evidence that it does. The data on astaxanthin for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome are all insufficient to say it works.
How does astaxanthin interact with medications?
Lab research suggests it may speed up how your liver processes certain drugs (those cleared by CYP3A4 and CYP2B6), potentially making them less effective. This hasn't been confirmed in humans yet, but it spans a lot of medications, so check yours with our tool before starting.

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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