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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 5 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Bounty

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

Astaxanthin 5 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature's Bounty 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 5 mg by Nature's Bounty

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 product contains one active ingredient: astaxanthin, a carotenoid antioxidant (a pigment found naturally in algae and some seafood). The softgel capsule also includes inactive ingredients for delivery — sunflower seed oil, gelatin, and vegetable glycerin.

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 evidence for astaxanthin's effectiveness in the conditions listed here — age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome — is insufficient to rate. That means the data we hold don't establish whether it works for these purposes, not that it definitely doesn't.

If you're considering it for one of these reasons, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current evidence 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 use are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stool (a harmless discoloration from the pigment itself).

At much higher doses (40 mg daily), severe stomach pain has been reported in a small number of people. Safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not adequate, so it's best to avoid this supplement if you're pregnant or nursing.

If you're in either situation and want to take astaxanthin, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist to weigh the limited safety data against any potential benefit.

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, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications metabolized by the liver enzymes CYP3A4 or CYP2B6. Lab research suggests astaxanthin may speed up how your body clears these drugs, though this effect hasn't been confirmed in patients.

The interaction list is extensive — use the checker on this page or ask your pharmacist to review your specific medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant that's generally well tolerated at the 5 mg dose in this product, though long-term safety isn't fully established. The main caution is potential interaction with medications broken down by two liver enzymes — a large group.

If you take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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 Jan 25, 2012.

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 5 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Bounty
Barcode (UPC) 074312362033
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2012
DSLD ID 4229
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 5 mg by Nature's Bounty, 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
074312362033
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin5 mg--

Other ingredients: Sunflower seed Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Contains <2% of

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: For adults, take one (1) softgel twice daily, preferably with a meal.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

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

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.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

General Statements

(C) 2011 Nature’s Bounty, Inc.

As an antioxidant, Astaxanthin is perfect for busy and active lifestyles.* Antioxidants help fight free radicals throughout the body to support overall health and wellness.*

Naturally Derived

Naturally Occurring Carotenoid

RAPID RELEASE LIQUID SOFTGEL

Supports Antioxidant Health*

General

Prod. No. 36203 00A B36202

Brand IP Statement(s)

Nutrition Questions or Comments? Call NutraPhone(R) 1-800-433-2990 Mon. - Fri. 9 AM - 7 PM ET

Formulation

No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.

Seals/Symbols

LABORATORY TESTED GUARANTEED QUALITY

NATURE'S BOUNTY(R)

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 5 mg by Nature's Bounty label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astaxanthin 5 mg by Nature's Bounty

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
5 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: Sunflower seed Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Contains <2% of. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 5 mg by Nature's Bounty Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 5 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 5 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 5 mg, from the product label.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 5 mg by Nature's Bounty: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 5 mg by Nature's Bounty interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 5 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 5 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 carotenoid — a type of antioxidant pigment found in algae and certain seafood like salmon and krill. In this supplement, it's isolated and put into a softgel for easy dosing.
Does astaxanthin really work for aging skin, cognitive decline, or macular degeneration?
The evidence we have isn't strong enough to say. The data on these uses is insufficient to rate. If you're considering it for a specific health reason, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist to see what science currently supports.
What side effects might I experience?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stool — the red color is just the pigment and isn't harmful. At much higher doses, severe stomach pain has occurred in a few people, but this product is 5 mg.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, not enough safety data exist for either pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's best to avoid astaxanthin in both situations. If you're pregnant or nursing and interested in this supplement, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
How does astaxanthin interact with medications?
Lab studies show it may speed up your liver's breakdown of certain drugs — specifically those processed by the CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 enzymes. This could lower drug levels and reduce how well they work. However, this hasn't been confirmed in actual patients yet. Check your specific medications with your pharmacist or doctor 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 5 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astaxanthin 5 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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