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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Fresh Nutrition

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 Fresh Nutrition 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin by Fresh Nutrition

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin by Fresh Nutrition

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: astaxanthin, a carotenoid (a type of plant pigment with antioxidant properties). The capsule also holds vegetarian softgel capsule material, extra virgin olive oil, mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), and rosemary leaf extract as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

No specific claim
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
General wellness

This Astaxanthin product is marketed for general wellness, not a specific health condition, so there's no single claim to grade — see Astaxanthin's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“Antioxidant support for health and wellness”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The evidence for astaxanthin in the conditions listed — age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome — is rated insufficient. That means the studies done so far aren't reliable or complete enough for us to say whether it works for these uses.

If you're considering it for a specific reason, your doctor or pharmacist can help you weigh what's known.

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 — the red color comes from the astaxanthin itself.

Higher doses (40 mg daily) have caused severe stomach pain in a small number of people. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe for your baby.

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 astaxanthin, check any medications you take that are broken down by your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes — both are Moderate-severity interactions. Your pharmacist can run your specific drugs through the search tool on this page to see if any of yours are affected.

If you're unsure, ask before you begin.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Astaxanthin may be worth considering if you're looking for an antioxidant supplement and you're not on medications metabolized through CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 pathways. If you take any prescription drugs, check them with your pharmacist first — the interaction list is large.

Avoid it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Start with a conversation with your pharmacist about whether this fits your health picture.

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 22, 2021.

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 Fresh Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 850012956662
Net contents 90 Softgel Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 22, 2021
DSLD ID 241898
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Qualified Health, 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 Fresh Nutrition, 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:
3 Softgel Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Softgel Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
850012956662
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin5 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Softgel Capsule, extra virgin Olive Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary leaf extract

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

Vegan

Non GMO Gluten free Soy free

No artificial colors. No artificial flavors. No preservatives. Made with Non-GMO, all natural ingredients!

Quality Verified Third Party Tested For Quality And Purity To provide our consumers with complete confidence in our product quality, every batch is 3rd party tested for quality & purity.

Immunity health support Supports cardiovascular health Supports healthy immune system Provides antioxidant protection

Fresh Nutrition produces the most potent and highest quality Astaxanthin. Our raw materials are carefully sourced and cultivated; contain no fillers, additives, and are manufactured domestically in a cGMP facility. Thank you for choosing Fresh!

Formula

Astaxanthin Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, a natural pigment found in a variety of foods. Believed to be the most powerful antioxidant in nature, it's ability to fight free-radicals is many times higher than Vitamin C, Astaxanthin benefits heart and brain health, energy and endurance levels, and research shows supplementation with astaxanthin increases immune response.

Made with Non-GMO, all natural ingredients!

General Statements

Fresh Nutrition Our goal is to create high-quality natural products using both organic and responsibly sourced ingredients to optimize health and well-being.

All natural

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Dosage Take three (3) softgel capsules daily with sufficient water before a meal.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA

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.

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin by Fresh Nutrition 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 Fresh Nutrition

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

Serving size3 Softgel Capsule(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
5 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis algae

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: Vegetarian Softgel Capsule, Extra virgin Olive Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary leaf extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin by Fresh Nutrition 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

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. 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.

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, from the product label.

Fresh Nutrition

See all Fresh Nutrition products
Name
Fresh Nutrition by Excelsior Nutrition Inc.
Street Address
1601 Dove St
City
Newport Beach
State
California
ZipCode
92660
Web Address
www.fresh-nutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin by Fresh Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin by Fresh Nutrition 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.
What exactly is astaxanthin?
It's a carotenoid — a natural pigment from certain algae and seafood — that acts as an antioxidant in your body. It's the compound that gives salmon and shrimp their pink-red color.
Will my stool really turn red if I take this?
It may. Red-colored stools are one of the most common side effects reported and are caused by the astaxanthin itself, not a sign of harm. Abdominal pain and diarrhea are also possible, though less frequent.
Is there strong evidence that astaxanthin works for anti-aging or memory?
Not yet. For the conditions in our data — including aging skin, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer disease — the evidence is rated insufficient. We can't say whether it works based on what's been studied so far.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data, so the recommendation is to avoid it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor if you're considering it.
Why does my pharmacist need to check my medications?
Astaxanthin may slow how your liver clears certain drugs, potentially lowering their levels. This is a Moderate-level concern for a large number of common medications — your pharmacist can tell you if any of yours are affected.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 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 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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