Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids 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 With Phosphilipids is a dietary supplement by Life Extension 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 Phospholipid Proprietary Blend. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids by Life Extension

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

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids by Life Extension

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

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Astaxanthin Phospholipid Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (84 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “natural Astaxanthin” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This product has two active ingredients: astaxanthin and phospholipids. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment—a natural compound found in algae and seafood that gives them a reddish color.

Phospholipids are fat-like molecules that may help your body absorb astaxanthin more readily. The inactive ingredients are soy lecithin, gelatin, sunflower oil, medium chain triglycerides, glycerin, purified water, and extra virgin olive oil.

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: DNA protection and cellular health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Aging skin, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye, Exercise-induced muscle damage, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Heart failure — and 4 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, Heart failure, Dry eye, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, and more.

The evidence for astaxanthin's effectiveness isn't established in the data we hold. The product is studied for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome, but current evidence is insufficient to rate whether it works for any of these.

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 stools.

At higher doses, some people have experienced increased bowel movements or severe stomach pain. The product should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding—there isn't enough safety data either way.

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, double-check any medications that are broken down by your liver enzymes CYP3A4 or CYP2B6—astaxanthin may lower their levels. This includes many common blood pressure and cholesterol drugs, among others.

Use the medication checker on this page with your exact prescriptions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is best for someone already familiar with astaxanthin who wants to try it for its antioxidant potential and who doesn't take medications that rely on liver enzymes CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 to be cleared. If you take any prescription drugs, check them against the interaction tool on this page first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk with your pharmacist before starting.

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 Apr 22, 2016.

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 With Phosphilipids, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870172031
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2016
DSLD ID 58992
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)
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 With Phosphilipids by Life Extension, 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
737870172031
IngredientAmount% DV
Phospholipids0 NP--
Astaxanthin4 mg--
Astaxanthin Phospholipid Proprietary Blend84 mg--
natural Astaxanthin0 NP--

Other ingredients: Soy Lecithin, Gelatin, Sunflower Oil, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Glycerin, purified Water, extra virgin Olive Oil

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

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. DIRECTIONS: Take one (1) softgel once or twice daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

WARNINGS: ~ KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

~ DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE. ~ Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

~ When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

Contains soybeans.

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.

General Statements

DNA Protection with Advanced Phospholipid Cellular Delivery*

Scan for product info

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Contains soybeans.

General

Q01720G

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids by Life Extension label

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

Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids 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 With Phosphilipids by Life Extension

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 Phospholipid Proprietary Blend

Interacts with
671 drugs
84 mg per serving

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 Phospholipid Proprietary Blend monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soy Lecithin, Gelatin, Sunflower Oil, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Glycerin, Purified Water, Extra virgin Olive Oil. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids?

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 Phospholipid Proprietary Blend 671

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin Phospholipid Proprietary Blend

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids 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.

Astaxanthin Phospholipid Proprietary Blend2 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 Phospholipid Proprietary Blend full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids 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 With Phosphilipids 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.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Not enough safety data exists for astaxanthin during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in either situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people tolerate astaxanthin well, but some report abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools. At higher doses, increased bowel movements or severe stomach pain have occurred in a small number of cases.
What's the phospholipid for?
Phospholipids are fat-like compounds included to help your body absorb astaxanthin more efficiently. We don't have interaction data on phospholipids, but they're a common absorption booster in supplements.
Does astaxanthin actually work for anti-aging or brain health?
The current evidence isn't strong enough to say whether it works for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, or athletic performance. You're looking at early or inconclusive research.
Why are my stools red?
Red-colored stools are a known side effect of astaxanthin—the pigment itself gives stools that color. It's harmless, but worth knowing about so it doesn't alarm you.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 With Phosphilipids label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin 4 mg With Phosphilipids’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 With Phosphilipids'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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team