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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 4 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Solaray

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 Solaray 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 Solaray

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: astaxanthin at 4 mg per capsule. Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring pigment (carotenoid) sourced to support various aspects of health, though evidence for most of its uses is still being built.

The capsule also contains several inactive ingredients — safflower oil, vitamin E (D-alpha tocopherol), medium-chain triglyceride, gelatin, water, and glycerin — that help deliver and stabilize the astaxanthin.

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: Youthful skin and physical endurance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Aging skin, Athletic performance, Exercise-induced muscle damage, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Physical performance, Sunburn — and 3 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Aging skin (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Sunburn, Physical performance, and more.

The data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate astaxanthin for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome. That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means the research isn't yet solid enough for us to draw firm conclusions.

If you're considering this for a specific reason, ask your pharmacist or doctor what the latest evidence shows.

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, but long-term safety data are limited, so we don't have a full picture of how it behaves over years. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — the last is often just because astaxanthin is a red pigment and passes through your system.

A small number of study participants at higher doses (40 mg daily) reported severe stomach pain, and a few at 6 mg daily had increased bowel movements. There isn't enough safety data to know whether astaxanthin is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so the safety data advises against it during both.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, 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 taking Astaxanthin 4 mg by Solaray, double-check any medications you take that are broken down by your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzyme systems (Moderate severity for both). These include many blood pressure drugs, cholesterol medications, immunosuppressants, and others.

Use the search tool on this page to check your exact medications.

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 may be worth considering if you're interested in antioxidant support, but the evidence for most claimed benefits is still thin. The bigger question for you is whether it interacts with your medications — 661 drugs can theoretically be affected.

Check your exact medications with the tool on this page, and talk to your pharmacist before you start. Steer clear if you're pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor says otherwise.

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 22, 2025.

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 Solaray
Barcode (UPC) 076280325966
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2025
DSLD ID 338213
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), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Solaray, 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
076280325966
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin4 mg--

Other ingredients: Safflower Oil, D-Alpha Tocopherol, Medium Chain Triglyceride, Gelatin, Water, Glycerin

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Solaray Est. 1973 A Brighter Way 1973

Formula

Astaxanthin from Microalgae 4 mg

Discussion: Astaxanthin is a carotenoid derived from Haematococcus pluvialis, a type of microalgae. Astaxanthin is intended to provide support for youthful skin, physical endurance, and maintaining moisture.

Formulation

Youthful Skin Physical Endurance

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Lab Verified

General Statements

Since 1973, we've scoured the globe for the highest-quality ingredients, connecting you with the most efficacious supplements that help you Live Brighter and embrace the moments that matter most

100% PCR Bottles

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing. Keep your licensed health care practitioner informed when using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Use only as directed. Take 1 Softgel daily with a meal or glass of water.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Solaray label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astaxanthin 4 mg by Solaray

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.

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
4 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, D-Alpha Tocopherol, Medium Chain Triglyceride, Gelatin, Water, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Solaray 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.

Solaray

See all Solaray products
Name
Solaray
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
ZipCode
84101
Phone Number
800-538-5888
Web Address
www.solaray.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Solaray: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 4 mg by Solaray 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 where does it come from?
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring red pigment that belongs to a family of compounds called carotenoids. It's been studied for potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles in the body, which is why it shows up in supplements aimed at eye health, skin, and aging-related concerns.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know whether astaxanthin is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The safety data advises against it during both. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your situation.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — the red color is just the pigment passing through. If you experience severe stomach pain or persistent bowel changes, stop and let your pharmacist know.
Does astaxanthin actually work for anti-aging or eye health?
The evidence we hold is insufficient to reliably rate astaxanthin for those uses. That doesn't mean it doesn't help — it means the research isn't yet solid enough for us to say so with confidence. Ask your pharmacist what the latest studies show.
Why is the red color in my stools normal?
Astaxanthin is a red pigment, and when you take it orally, some passes through your digestive system and colors your stools red. It's not a sign of bleeding or a problem — just a visible sign that the supplement is working through your system.
What's in the capsule besides astaxanthin?
The softgel contains safflower oil, vitamin E, medium-chain triglyceride, gelatin, water, and glycerin — these are inactive ingredients that help stabilize and deliver the astaxanthin. They're not active ingredients in the supplement itself.

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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