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Dietary supplement

Best Astaxanthin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Doctor's Best

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 Best 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

Best 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 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 Best Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Best 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 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.

Best Astaxanthin is a single-ingredient supplement containing astaxanthin, a naturally occurring pigment with antioxidant properties. The softgel capsule also contains extra virgin olive oil, glycerin, and gelatin as inactive ingredients to deliver the active ingredient.

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”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The effectiveness evidence for astaxanthin is limited. The data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you're considering it for one of these reasons, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the current evidence supports its use for your particular situation.

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.

At standard doses (6 mg daily), a small number of study participants experienced increased bowel movements and red stool color; at much higher doses (40 mg daily), two patients reported severe stomach pain. There isn't enough safety data to know whether astaxanthin is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, nursing, or planning either, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

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 Best Astaxanthin, double-check any drugs you take that are metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4 (Moderate risk) — astaxanthin may theoretically decrease their levels. Also check medications broken down by CYP2B6 (Moderate risk) for the same reason.

If you're unsure whether your prescriptions are affected, use the medication checker on this page or ask your pharmacist.

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.

Best Astaxanthin is a single-ingredient supplement that's generally well tolerated but has limited long-term safety data and unproven benefits for the conditions listed in our facts. Because it may theoretically slow how your body clears certain medications, check your prescriptions before starting — especially if you take drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes.

If you're pregnant, nursing, or taking any regular medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.

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 Best Astaxanthin, straight from the product label.

Brand Doctor's Best
Barcode (UPC) 753950002814
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2016
DSLD ID 59907
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 Best 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:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
753950002814
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin12 mg--

Other ingredients: extra virgin Olive Oil, Glycerin, Gelatin Capsule

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 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

YDRB281

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

ULTRA-POTENT NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT

Astaxanthin is an ultra-potent antioxidant with unique effects on cell membranes that manage important life functions. This action is linked to clinically proven benefits for the circulation and for vision, immunity, and overall well-being. Doctor’s Best is pleased to offer this breakthrough nutrient at clinical potency. Versatile cell membrane and whole-body protectant* Supports healthy blood flow and vessel integrity* Promotes healthy, integrated immune response*

12 mg

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Adult Use: Take 1 softgel daily after meals. Higher intakes may be beneficial, as recommended by a nutritionally informed physician.

Formulation

Non-GMO and Gluten Free

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Science-Based Nutrition

AstaPure is a registered trademark of ALGAtechnologies LTD

Formula

Best Astaxanthin featuring AstaPure supplies natural astaxanthin, an exceptionally valuable carotenoid nutrient, along with other naturally occurring carotenoids.

Best Astaxanthin featuring AstaPure 12

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

See for yourself

Best Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best label

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

Best 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 Best Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best

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 container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
12 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae

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: Extra virgin Olive Oil, Glycerin, Gelatin Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Best Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Best 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 Best 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 Best Astaxanthin, from the product label.

Doctor's Best

See all Doctor's Best products
Name
Doctor's Best, Inc.
City
San Clemente
State
CA
ZipCode
92673
Phone Number
(800) 777-2474
Web Address
www.drbvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Best Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best: Common Questions

Does Best Astaxanthin by Doctor's Best interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Best 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?
Best 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 if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data for astaxanthin during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not sufficient to know either way. Because of that, it's best to avoid it during these times. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant.
What are the most common side effects?
Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. At standard doses, these were reported in a small number of study participants. Higher doses caused more severe stomach pain in a couple of patients.
Does astaxanthin really work for anti-aging or brain health?
The data we have shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate astaxanthin for age-related cognitive decline, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Talk with your doctor about whether it's worth trying for your specific needs.
Is this product safe long-term?
Astaxanthin appears well tolerated in short-term studies, but we don't have enough long-term safety data to say how safe it is over months or years. If you're considering regular use, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring pigment with antioxidant properties — the compound that gives salmon and other seafood their pink or red color. This supplement delivers it as a concentrated dose in a softgel capsule.

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

Not sure if Best Astaxanthin is safe with your meds?

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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.

Best Astaxanthin label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Best 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

Best 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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