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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Prime

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

Astaxanthin is a dietary supplement by Prime 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 AstaReal. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin by Prime

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.

Prime Astaxanthin is a single-ingredient supplement delivering astaxanthin (AstaReal brand) in a softgel capsule. The capsule itself contains extra virgin olive oil, gelatin, and glycerin as inactive ingredients to deliver the dose.

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: cardiovascular, vision, skin health and anti-aging.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Aging skin, Dry eye, Heart failure, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension — and 4 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 Aging skin, Heart failure, Dry eye, Hyperlipidemia, and more.

The evidence we hold does not establish that astaxanthin is effective for any of the uses listed — age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome. All are rated insufficient reliable evidence to rate, meaning the data simply isn't there yet to say whether it works.

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 discoloration is a cosmetic effect from the supplement itself.

At standard doses (6 mg daily), side effects were mild; at much higher doses (40 mg daily), one trial saw severe stomach pain in two patients. The safety data do not support use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it if you're pregnant or nursing.

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 Prime Astaxanthin, check any medications you take that are broken down by your liver — specifically those metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes. Both interactions are rated moderate based on lab evidence that astaxanthin may lower drug levels, though this hasn't been proven in humans yet.

Use the medication checker below to look up your exact drugs.

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.

Prime Astaxanthin is a single-ingredient supplement with no proven effectiveness for the conditions listed in our data. Its main concern is a theoretical interaction with hundreds of medications through liver enzyme pathways — an effect seen in the lab but not yet confirmed in people.

If you take any regular medications, check them with the tool on this page before you start. Talk to your pharmacist about whether this is the right choice for you.

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 Nov 22, 2023.

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 Prime
Barcode (UPC) 848570007124
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2023
DSLD ID 298810
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 by Prime, 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
848570007124
IngredientAmount% DV
AstaReal6 mg--

Other ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Prime Anti-aging nutraceuticals

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

Formulation

(Cardio and visual vitality formula)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Prime Astaxanthin Cardio and Visual Vitality Formula contains AstaReal, the highest quality astaxanthin on the market. This powerful anti-aging antioxidant supporters cardiovascular, vision and skin health.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Take 1 softgel daily with food or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Precautions

Warning: If you are currently using any prescription drugs, have an ongoing medical condition, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using this product.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Protect from heat, light and moisture. Store at 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

General Statements

Resale on third-party website is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized by Market America or its corporate affiliates. If barcodes are altered or you purchase this product from an unauthorized third-party website, the product is not guaranteed by Market America or its corporate affiliates.

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.

See for yourself

Astaxanthin by Prime label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astaxanthin by Prime

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.

AstaReal

Interacts with
671 drugs
6 mg per serving Form: Astaxanthin

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

AstaReal monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Astaxanthin by Prime 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

AstaReal 671

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.

AstaReal2 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, from the product label.

Prime

See all Prime products
Name
Market America, Inc.
Street Address
1302 Pleasant Ridge Rd.
City
Greensboro
State
NC
ZipCode
27409
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin by Prime: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin by Prime 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 pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data don't support it. There isn't enough information to know whether astaxanthin is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it during both. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're thinking about taking it.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most commonly, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stool. The red discoloration is harmless — it's just the supplement itself. At standard doses these are mild, but higher doses have caused severe stomach pain in a small number of people in trials.
Is astaxanthin proven to work for anti-aging or brain health?
Not in the data we hold. The evidence for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome all comes back as insufficient reliable evidence to rate — meaning we don't have enough proof either way yet.
How long is it safe to take astaxanthin?
While it's generally well tolerated in the studies we reviewed, long-term safety data are limited. If you're thinking about taking it long-term, that's a good question to bring to your pharmacist.
Why does this interact with so many medications?
Astaxanthin appears to speed up how your liver breaks down certain drugs by activating enzyme pathways (CYP3A4 and CYP2B6). Since your liver uses these same pathways for hundreds of different medications, the interaction is broad — though the actual effect in people hasn't been confirmed yet.

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 label
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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