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Dietary supplement

Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

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

Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW 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 Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg by NOW

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 12 mg per softgel (supplied as AstaReal). Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment and antioxidant found in certain marine organisms and algae.

The remaining ingredients are inactive — corn starch, glycerin, water, carrageenan, sorbitol, extra virgin olive oil, and vitamin E (as d-alpha-tocopherol and mixed tocopherols) — which serve as capsule material, thickeners, and preservatives.

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: brain health and eye health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye, Eye strain, Cognitive function, Antioxidant protection.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye.

The evidence we hold on astaxanthin for its most common uses — age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome — is insufficient to rate. That means existing studies aren't strong enough to say whether astaxanthin actually works for these purposes.

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 the standard 12 mg dose, these are uncommon; higher doses (40 mg daily) have caused severe stomach pain in isolated cases. There isn't enough safety data to know whether astaxanthin is safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, 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 this astaxanthin supplement, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications metabolized by the CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes — these include many heart medications, immunosuppressants, and certain cancer drugs. Astaxanthin may theoretically speed up how your body clears these medications (Moderate severity for both groups), though this effect has only been seen in lab studies, not in actual patients.

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 is a natural antioxidant that's generally well tolerated, but evidence for its benefits isn't established yet. If you take medications processed by your liver, especially common heart drugs or immunosuppressants, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — lab studies suggest it might lower their levels, though this hasn't been proven in people.

Avoid it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.

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 24, 2024.

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 Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739022530
Net contents 60 Veggie Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 24, 2024
DSLD ID 303934
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, Dairy 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 Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg by NOW, 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 Veggie Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Softgel(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
733739022530
IngredientAmount% DV
AstaReal12 mg--

Other ingredients: Corn Starch, Modified, Glycerin, Water, Carrageenan, Sorbitol, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, D-Alpha-Tocopherol, Mixed Tocopherols

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested usage: Take 1 softgel daily with a fat-containing meal.

Formula

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid derived from non-GMO Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. Due to its unique structure, astaxanthin plays an important role in cellular free radical protection and healthy immune system responses. Astaxanthin has been shown in clinical studies to promote normal cognitive function and may help to maintain a positive mood in adults. In the eye, it helps to neutralize free radicals and helps manage eyestrain due to computer usage.

This triple strength product has three times the Astaxanthin (12 mg per softgel) than our regular strength product (4 mg per softgel).

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Brand IP Statement(s)

AsraReal AstaReal is a registered trademark of Fuji Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.

Family owned since 1968

General Statements

This bottle is made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin.

Formulation

Brain health Promotes normal cognitive function Helps manage eyestrain Clinically relevant dose

Vegetarian/Vegan

General health

Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish or sesame ingredients.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Quality Assured

See for yourself

Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg by NOW label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg by NOW

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

Serving size1 Veggie Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

AstaReal

Interacts with
671 drugs
12 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: Corn Starch, Modified, Glycerin, Water, Carrageenan, Sorbitol, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, D-Alpha-Tocopherol, Mixed Tocopherols. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 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

AstaReal 671

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 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.

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 Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 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?
Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 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.
What is astaxanthin, and why is it in this product?
Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment and antioxidant from marine sources like algae. It's included in this supplement because people have explored its potential for aging-related eye and cognitive health, but we don't yet have strong enough evidence to confirm it works for those purposes.
Are there any common side effects I should expect?
Most people tolerate astaxanthin well. The side effects that have shown up in studies are mild — abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. They're uncommon at the 12 mg dose in this product.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in these situations.
Does this product actually work for anti-aging or eye health?
The evidence we hold isn't strong enough to say. For age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, and other common claims, the research hasn't been conclusive enough to rate it as effective.
How long has astaxanthin been studied for safety?
While astaxanthin is generally well tolerated in the studies we have, long-term safety data are limited. We don't have decades of follow-up data on everyday use.
Are there any inactive ingredients I should know about?
The softgel contains corn starch, glycerin, water, carrageenan, sorbitol, extra virgin olive oil, and vitamin E. If you're sensitive to any of these, check the label or talk with your pharmacist.

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.

Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 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

Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12 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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