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Dietary supplement

Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Solgar

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

Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg is a dietary supplement by Solgar 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.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg by Solgar

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: astaxanthin, a red pigment from algae and other aquatic sources that acts as an antioxidant in your body. The softgel also holds inactive ingredients — sunflower seed oil, gelatin, and vegetable glycerin — which help deliver and preserve the astaxanthin.

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: Antioxidant support and healthy skin.
  • We looked for evidence on: Aging skin, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye, Sunburn, Oxidative stress, UV protection — and 2 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, Dry eye, Sunburn.

Our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate astaxanthin for any of the conditions it's marketed for — age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome. That means the research we have doesn't yet support or rule out its usefulness for these purposes.

If you're considering it for one of these reasons, talk with your pharmacist about what the current science actually shows.

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, but long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects are mild — abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — and have occurred at both typical and much higher doses.

The safety data do not support use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it at those times.

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 this product, have your pharmacist check any medications you're on that are metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes — common examples include certain statins, some benzodiazepines, several antiarrhythmic drugs, and numerous others. Astaxanthin may theoretically lower their levels, though this hasn't been proven in humans.

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 may be worth a conversation if you're curious about its antioxidant role, but the evidence for its claimed benefits isn't established yet. Its main concern is with medications your liver breaks down through CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 pathways — that's a large group.

Check your specific medications before you start, and avoid this product if you're pregnant or nursing.

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 20, 2017.

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 Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Solgar
Barcode (UPC) 033984000711
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 20, 2017
DSLD ID 81021
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, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg by Solgar, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
033984000711
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin5 mg--

Other ingredients: Sunflower seed Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable 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.
General Statements

Astaxanthin is classified as a xanthophyll, which is a carotenoid pigment. It is found in fish and algae and contributes to the natural color in many marine animals. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant due to its unique molecular structure. In addition, it helps to fight free radicals and maintain a natural, healthy skin glow.

Since 1947

Antioxidant support Supports healthy skin

Brand IP Statement(s)

2015 Solgar, Inc.

Formulation

Gluten, wheat & dairy free

Free Of: Gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, yeast, sugar, sodium, artificial flavor, sweetener, preservatives and color.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Contains naturally occurring carotenoids including, Lutein, Canthaxanthin and Beta-Carotene.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement for adults, take one (1) softgel twice daily, preferably with meals, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement.

Discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if outer bottle seal is missing or damaged.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

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

SOLGB36202 05G

See for yourself

Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg by Solgar label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg by Solgar

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 Amounts shown are per serving.

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
5 mg per serving Form: H. pluvialis

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: Sunflower seed Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg by Solgar Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Natural Astaxanthin 5 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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Natural Astaxanthin 5 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg, from the product label.

Solgar

See all Solgar products
Name
Solgar, Inc.
Street Address
500 Willow Tree Road
City
Leonia
State
NJ
ZipCode
07605
Phone Number
1-877-765-4274
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg by Solgar: Common Questions

Does Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg by Solgar interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Natural Astaxanthin 5 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?
Natural Astaxanthin 5 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.
Is astaxanthin safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data, so it's best to avoid astaxanthin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether any supplement is right for you at that time.
What are the common side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. The side effects reported are mild and include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. These have shown up in both small and larger doses.
How much evidence is there that astaxanthin actually works?
Our data show insufficient reliable evidence to rate astaxanthin for the conditions it's marketed for — including aging skin, cognitive decline, macular degeneration, and athletic performance. The research so far doesn't clearly prove whether it works for these uses.
Why do I need to check my medications with a pharmacist?
Astaxanthin may theoretically speed up how your liver breaks down certain drugs through CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 pathways, which could make those medications less effective. A total of 661 medications fall into these categories, so your pharmacist can tell you if yours are affected.
What's in this softgel besides the active ingredient?
The inactive ingredients are sunflower seed oil, gelatin, and vegetable glycerin — these help deliver the astaxanthin and keep it stable in the capsule.

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

Not sure if Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg 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.

Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Natural Astaxanthin 5 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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