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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 6 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Healthy Directions

Astaxanthin 6 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 6 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 6 mg is a dietary supplement by Healthy Directions 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.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin 6 mg by Healthy Directions

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astaxanthin 6 mg by Healthy Directions — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 6 mg by Healthy Directions

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 16, 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 product contains a single active ingredient: astaxanthin 6 mg per softgel. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid — a type of plant pigment with antioxidant properties — that your body cannot make on its own, so it must come from food or supplements.

The softgel also contains several inactive ingredients that help deliver the astaxanthin: safflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, beeswax, sunflower lecithin, and mixed tocopherols, among others. These are fillers and capsule materials meant to keep the product stable and easy to swallow.

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 is not yet established in the data we hold. The product is marketed for age-related macular degeneration, cognitive decline, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome — but for all of these conditions, current evidence is rated insufficient to say whether it truly works.

That doesn't mean it's ineffective; it means more rigorous human studies are needed before we can be confident.

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 are mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools (the color comes from the carotenoid itself).

At the 6 mg dose in this product, a small number of people reported increased bowel movements and red fecal color. There isn't enough safety data to know whether astaxanthin is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it in both situations.

If you're pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement.

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 take astaxanthin, check any medications you're on that are metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 liver enzymes — astaxanthin may theoretically lower their levels (Moderate severity). This includes many common drugs, so use the search tool on this page to confirm your specific medications are safe to combine.

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 6 mg may be worth considering if you're interested in antioxidant support, but the evidence for specific health claims is still limited. The main caution is its theoretical interaction with liver enzymes — if you take medications metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6, you'll want to check them against our tool before you start.

Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding it to your routine.

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 Jun 16, 2022.

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 6 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Healthy Directions
Barcode (UPC) 810047390152
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 267458
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
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 6 mg by Healthy Directions, 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
810047390152
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin6 mg--

Other ingredients: Safflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Triacylglycerol, Mono-di-acyglycerol, yellow Beeswax, purified Water, Sunflower Lecithin, free Fatty Acids, Mixed Tocopherols, Other Carotenoids

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

Almost out? Call 1-866-599-9491

Formulation

Unconditionally guaranteed for purity and labeled potency.

Clinical grade

Daily wellness For total body antioxidant support

GF Gluten free

Storage

To preserve quality and freshness, store bottle with cap tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Precautions: Consult a health care practitioner if you are pregnant or nursing, have a serious medical condition, or use any medications.

Keep out of reach of children.

Brand IP Statement(s)

AstaReal is a registered trademark of Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1 softgel daily with a meal. For additional support, take 1 softgel twice daily.

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 6 mg by Healthy Directions label

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

Astaxanthin 6 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 6 mg by Healthy Directions

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

Interacts with
671 drugs
6 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis Algae extract

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, Triacylglycerol, Mono-di-acyglycerol, Yellow Beeswax, Purified Water, Sunflower Lecithin, Free Fatty Acids, Mixed Tocopherols, Other Carotenoids. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 6 mg by Healthy Directions Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 6 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 6 mg interact with 671 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astaxanthin 6 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 6 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 6 mg, from the product label.

Healthy Directions

See all Healthy Directions products
Name
Healthy Directions
City
Bethesda
State
MD
ZipCode
20817
Phone Number
1-866-599-9491
Web Address
www.healthydirections.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 6 mg by Healthy Directions: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 6 mg by Healthy Directions interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 6 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 6 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 carotenoid — a natural pigment found in certain algae and seafood — that acts as an antioxidant in your body. Your body can't produce it on its own, so you need to get it from food or a supplement like this one.
Can I take astaxanthin if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data on astaxanthin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it. If you're in either situation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplement.
What side effects might I experience?
Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — the red color is just from the carotenoid itself. At the 6 mg dose in this product, these effects are uncommon.
Does astaxanthin actually work for memory or eye health?
The current evidence isn't strong enough to say for certain. The product is marketed for conditions like age-related macular degeneration and cognitive decline, but studies so far don't provide reliable proof that it works for these purposes.
Is this product safe to take long-term?
Short-term safety looks good based on the studies we have, but we don't have much data on what happens if you take it for many years. If you plan to use it regularly, check in with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure it's right for you.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 6 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 6 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin 6 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 6 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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