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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Doctor's Best

Astaxanthin 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 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 is a dietary supplement by Doctor's Best 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 Natural 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 by Doctor's Best

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best

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 12, 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.

Doctor's Best Astaxanthin is a single-ingredient softgel: natural astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment found in marine algae and seafood. It's suspended in extra virgin olive oil inside a vegetarian softgel capsule.

That's it — no fillers or binders beyond what holds the capsule together.

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: vision, immunity and muscle endurance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye, Athletic performance, Exercise-induced muscle damage, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Physical performance — and 3 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 Athletic performance, Dry eye, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Physical performance, and more.

The evidence for astaxanthin isn't established yet. The product facts show insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (vision health), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means studies haven't been rigorous or conclusive enough to say one way or the other. If you're considering it for any of these reasons, talk with your doctor about what the current science actually 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 or reddish-colored stool — that last one is harmless discoloration, not bleeding.

Higher doses (40 mg daily) have caused severe stomach pain in a small number of people. The facts advise against using astaxanthin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance if either applies to 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 Doctor's Best Astaxanthin, check with your pharmacist about any medications your liver processes. The main concerns are drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 enzymes — a large group that includes many common heart, immune, and psychiatric medications — where astaxanthin may theoretically lower their levels.

These interactions are based on lab data and haven't been confirmed in people, but they're worth ruling out.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Astaxanthin from Doctor's Best is a single, well-tolerated ingredient with limited long-term safety data and unproven benefits for the conditions listed. It's reasonable to consider if you're interested in a carotenoid supplement and have no liver-processed medications — but do check your exact prescriptions first.

Skip it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and talk with your pharmacist about whether it makes sense for your health goals.

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 May 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, straight from the product label.

Brand Doctor's Best
Barcode (UPC) 753950004139
Net contents 60 Veggie Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2016
DSLD ID 59908
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, 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 by Doctor's Best, 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:
2 Veggie Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veggie Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
753950004139
IngredientAmount% DV
Natural Astaxanthin6 mg--

Other ingredients: extra virgin Olive Oil, Vegetarian Softgel

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.
Formulation

Non-GMO / Gluten Free / Soy Free

Vegan

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

AstaPure is a registered trademark of ALGAtechnologies LTD.

Science-Based Nutrition

Best Astaxanthin featuring AstaPure 12

Formula

Doctor’s Best Astaxanthin with AstaPure supplies natural astaxanthin, a natural carotenoid pigment, ultra-potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger with unique effects on cell membranes.

Astaxanthin with AstaPure

General Statements

Our bodies cannot synthesize astaxanthin.

Doctor’s Best Astaxanthin is derived from a solvent-free concentrate from green microalgae which have the ability to biosynthesize astaxanthin very effectively. This action is linked to vision, immunity and muscle endurance.* Helps support healthy blood flow and vessel integrity* Helps promote healthy, integrated immune response* May help maintain healthy vision*

ULTRA-POTENT NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT*

3 mg

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

YDRB413

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Vegan

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Adult Use: Take 2 softgels daily after meals. Higher intakes my be beneficial, as recommended by a nutritionally-informed physician.

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best label

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

Astaxanthin 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 by Doctor's Best

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Veggie Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Natural Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
6 mg per serving Form: AstaPure

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Natural Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Extra virgin Olive Oil, Vegetarian Softgel. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin?

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

Natural Astaxanthin 671

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astaxanthin interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Natural Astaxanthin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astaxanthin 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.

Natural 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
Natural Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Doctor's Best

See all Doctor's Best products
Name
Doctor's Best, Inc.
State
California
Phone Number
(800) 777-2474
Web Address
www.drbvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 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 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 I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data aren't there. The facts advise against astaxanthin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in those situations.
What does astaxanthin actually do?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid — a type of plant pigment — but the evidence for what it does in your body isn't established yet. Studies haven't been conclusive enough to say whether it helps with aging, memory, vision, skin, or athletic performance.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are stomach pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stool — that last one is just how your stool looks, not a sign of bleeding. Higher doses may cause more severe stomach pain.
Is the red color in my stool normal?
Yes, that's a known side effect and it's harmless. It's just the astaxanthin pigment passing through — not blood or a sign something's wrong.
Why does this product have so few ingredients?
It's a single-ingredient supplement — just astaxanthin in olive oil in a vegetarian softgel. No fillers or binders needed beyond what holds the capsule shape.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 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 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin’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'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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