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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 4 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

Astaxanthin 4 mg label
See full label image
Softgel 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 The Vitamin Shoppe 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin 4 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 4 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This softgel contains 4 mg of astaxanthin, a single active ingredient. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid—a type of natural pigment found in algae and seafood that gives them their red or pink color.

The capsule is made with safflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, purified water, and vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol) as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

No specific claim
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
General wellness

This Astaxanthin product is marketed for general wellness, not a specific health condition, so there's no single claim to grade — see Astaxanthin's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“Antioxidant support”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The evidence isn't established in our data for astaxanthin's use in age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (vision loss in older adults), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome. All of these carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence.

That doesn't mean the supplement doesn't work—it means we don't yet have enough high-quality research to say either way.

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 are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stool (which is harmless and happens because astaxanthin is a pigment).

The available data advises against astaxanthin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, 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 this product, have your pharmacist check any medications you take that are broken down by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 liver enzymes. These interactions are rated Moderate and could reduce drug levels.

Many common medications depend on these pathways, so a quick verification is worth your time.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're considering astaxanthin for general antioxidant support and have no medications that depend on liver enzymes to work, this single-ingredient supplement is straightforward. If you take any prescription drugs—especially those for heart rhythm, cholesterol, hormones, or immunosuppression—check with your pharmacist first.

Pregnant or nursing women should skip it and discuss options with their doctor.

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 Oct 21, 2017.

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 The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536017058
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 21, 2017
DSLD ID 79807
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, 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 The Vitamin Shoppe, 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
766536017058
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Astaxanthin4 mg--

Other ingredients: Safflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, purified Water, D-Alpha-Tocopherol

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 Statements

Antioxidant Specialty

Actual size

Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Gluten free Dairy free Soy free Nut free

Does Not Contain: Wheat, gluten, dairy, fish, artificial colors or flavors.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

Warning: Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have any medical conditions.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) softgel daily, preferably with a meal.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

SolAsta is a trademark of Anderson Global Goup.

General

Item No. VS-1705 1471822 CR 52

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 4 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe 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 The Vitamin Shoppe

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: Micro-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: Safflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Purified Water, D-Alpha-Tocopherol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 4 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe 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

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 1 ingredient in Astaxanthin 4 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. 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.

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
Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-800-223-1216
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 4 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 4 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe 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 natural red pigment called a carotenoid that's found in algae and seafood like salmon and shrimp. In supplements, it's usually sourced from microalgae.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stool. The red stool is harmless—it's just the pigment passing through. These effects are generally mild and not everyone experiences them.
Is it safe to take astaxanthin if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, the available safety data advise against it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. There isn't enough research to know it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're in either situation.
How does astaxanthin interact with medications?
Lab research shows astaxanthin may speed up how your liver breaks down certain drugs, potentially lowering their levels. This hasn't been confirmed in actual patients yet, but if you take medications metabolized by your liver, your pharmacist should review them first.
Does astaxanthin help with aging or brain health?
The evidence for those uses—aging skin, memory, Alzheimer disease, and others—is currently insufficient to say whether it works. We need more research before we can make a clear claim.

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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