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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids 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 Phospholipids 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids by Life Extension

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids 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.
  • “Astaxanthin” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: astaxanthin (4 mg) and phospholipids. Astaxanthin is a red pigment from algae studied for potential effects on aging, eye health, and inflammation.

The phospholipids are included to help your body absorb the astaxanthin more effectively. The softgel capsule itself contains sunflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, extra virgin olive oil, and purified water.

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 data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate astaxanthin for the conditions it's marketed for — age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome. That means the research so far isn't strong enough for us to say whether it works.

It doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the evidence isn't established in our data.

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 fecal color — the red color comes from the astaxanthin itself and isn't harmful.

At the dose in this product (4 mg daily), these effects appear uncommon, though higher doses have caused more stomach upset. Because there isn't enough safety data, the facts advise against taking astaxanthin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're in either situation to discuss whether it's right for you.

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, check whether you take any drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 (a major liver enzyme pathway affecting hundreds of medications — many statins, some blood pressure drugs, some immunosuppressants, and others) or CYP2B6 (affecting some antidepressants and other drugs). These interactions are Moderate severity and theoretical — not yet observed in people — but worth confirming with your exact medication list.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Astaxanthin is a supplement with theoretical interactions affecting how your liver processes certain drugs. If you take any prescription medications — especially those metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 — check them against the interaction tool before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip it and talk with your pharmacist.

Otherwise, it's generally well tolerated at this dose.

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 Feb 23, 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 with Phospholipids, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870192336
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2025
DSLD ID 328284
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, 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 with Phospholipids 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)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
737870192336
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin4 mg--
Phospholipids0 NP--
Astaxanthin Phospholipid Proprietary Blend84 mg--
Astaxanthin0 NP--

Other ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Water, Purified

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

Scan for product info

Precautions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use.

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.

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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one (1) softgel once or twice daily, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

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.

Formulation

Gluten Free Non GMO Le Certified

DNA and Cellular Production

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO Le Certified

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids by Life Extension label

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

Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids 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 Phospholipids 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 Servings per container30 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: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Water, Purified. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids?

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 Phospholipids interact with 671 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids 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 Phospholipids 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 Phospholipids, 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 Phospholipids by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids 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 Phospholipids 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 red pigment produced by algae. It's a type of carotenoid — the same class of compounds that gives carrots their orange color. In this product, it's paired with phospholipids to improve absorption.
Will this turn my stool red?
It may. Red fecal color has been reported in trials and isn't harmful — it's just the astaxanthin itself passing through. If it happens, it's not a sign something's wrong.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data for astaxanthin aren't sufficient to recommend it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The facts advise avoiding it in both situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Does astaxanthin actually work for anti-aging or brain health?
The evidence we have is insufficient to say whether it works for age-related cognitive decline, skin aging, macular degeneration, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Research is ongoing, but we can't confirm benefit yet.
What are the inactive ingredients in this softgel?
The softgel contains sunflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, extra virgin olive oil, and purified water. These are excipients — they help form and deliver the active ingredients, not treat a condition.
Is astaxanthin safe long-term?
Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated in studies, but long-term safety data are limited. We don't have enough information about what happens if you take it for years. Talk with your pharmacist if you're considering long-term use.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids 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 with Phospholipids label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin 4 mg with Phospholipids’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 Phospholipids'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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