Astaxanthin (3,3′-dihydroxy-β, β′-carotene-4,4′-dione) is a natural pink xanthophyll that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids.
Astaxanthin is produced by several freshwater and marine microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and microalgae like Haematococcus pluvialis.
Because of its deep red-orange color, Astaxanthin leaves a pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood that feed on these organisms.
Its unique molecular structure makes it a powerful antioxidant.
Astaxanthin is 550-times more effective than Vitamin E against lipid peroxidation in the mitochondria.[i]
Astaxanthin provides a potent nootropic because its unique chemical structure allows it to easily cross the blood-brain barrier.[ii]
Research and clinical trials over the last 10 years have shown Astaxanthin’s potential for Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, high cholesterol, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, and even cancer.
Astaxanthin has been shown to improve exercise performance including decreasing muscle damage and soreness related to exercise.[iii]
And Astaxanthin is used to prevent sunburn, improve sleep, male infertility, ease symptoms of menopause and rheumatoid arthritis.
Here we’ll explore how Astaxanthin benefits your brain.
Astaxanthin helps:
- Neuroprotection: Astaxanthin (AST) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory providing protection from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disease
- Memory & cognitive function: Astaxanthin protects your cells from the destructive effects caused by free radicals, and protects cognitive function by increasing cerebral blood flow for better memory and overall cognitive performance
- Mental fatigue and performance: Supplementing with Astaxanthin helps reduce cortisol, a biomarker for stress and mental fatigue.
Table of Contents
Overview
Astaxanthin (3,3′-dihydroxy-β, β′-carotene-4,4′-dione) is a natural pink xanthophyll found primarily in Haematococcus pluvialis algae, and the salmon, shellfish, krill, and birds that feed on them (i.e., pink flamingos).
Shrimp and lobsters turn red when cooked. Because Astaxanthin in crustaceans is surrounded by a protein that turns pink when released by heat.
The single largest source of natural Astaxanthin is the algae Haematococcus pluvialis.
Astaxanthin boosts the health of skin, joints, heart, and brain. And it’s use as a nootropic supplement is supported by more than 1,097 peer-reviewed papers in the last 5 years.[iv]
It is one of the few antioxidants that can cross the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier, benefiting both your brain and vision.[v]
A comparative study shows Astaxanthin 6,000-times more potent than Vitamin C, 550-times more powerful than Vitamin E, and 5-times better than Beta Carotene in trapping energy from a singlet oxygen, one of the most common Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in your body and brain.[vi]
Astaxanthin can also neutralize ROS without generating pro-oxidants, a common side effect of other antioxidants.[vii]
Astaxanthin prevents the accumulation of phospholipid hydroperoxide (PLOOH), which accumulates abnormally in dementia patients.
In one study, dementia patients were given Astaxanthin for 12 weeks. The study showed patients supplementing with Astaxanthin had lower concentrations of PLOOH and erythrocytes. Demonstrating its potential in preventing and possibly treating dementia.[viii]
Astaxanthin as a nootropic has also been shown to boost cognitive function and memory.
96 healthy and aged individuals with some level of age-related forgetfulness received either Astaxanthin 6 or 12 mg per day, or a placebo for 12 weeks.
The researchers concluded that Astaxanthin improved memory, and boosted cognition, attention, and information processing in the aged study participants.[ix]
How does Astaxanthin work in the brain?
Astaxanthin boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Astaxanthin protects the brain from neurodegenerative disease. Studies show that Astaxanthin scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Age-related cognitive decline often includes reduced blood flow to the brain. Resulting in memory loss and impaired cognition.
Astaxanthin easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and scavenges free radicals. Enhancing brain blood flow and providing more oxygen and nutrients for neuroprotection against inflammatory disease that can lead to a stroke.
Astaxanthin’s antioxidant power is greater than other members of the carotenoid family. Helping prevent metal ion-induced oxidative stress by chelating heavy metals and acting as an anti-inflammatory.[x]
- Astaxanthin helps reduce mental fatigue. Studies show that supplementing with Astaxanthin can help prevent mental fatigue including in healthy people.
Mental fatigue is often caused by oxidative stress. Measuring phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) is the blood plasma marker used when testing for a cause of fatigue.
Supplementing with Astaxanthin helps recovery from mental fatigue because it decreases PCOOH which is often elevated during mental and physical tasks.[xi]
When you supplement with Astaxanthin, it primarily accumulates in the mitochondria. Mitochondrial membranes are especially prone to oxidative stress, which can then hamper energy production.
Astaxanthin neutralizes free radicals in mitochondrial membranes, resulting in an increase in cellular energy production.[xii]
How things go bad
Oxidation is a natural byproduct of cellular energy production in your brain and body. But as you age, oxidative stress in your brain also increases. Often accelerated by our modern Western diet.
Increasing oxidative stress can lead to:
↑ increased inflammation
↑ accelerated aging
↓ Memory loss
↓ Chronic fatigue
↓ Neurodegenerative disease
Supplementing with Astaxanthin as a nootropic may help slow and even reverse this cognitive decline caused by oxidative stress.
Potentially preventing age-related neurocognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, strokes, and dementia.
Astaxanthin benefits
Astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure which makes it more potent than any other antioxidant.
Astaxanthin has the unique ability to help protect both the cell’s exterior as well as interior from oxidative stress.[xiii]
While you can’t prevent aging, you can slow down the aging process by reducing oxidative stress. Protecting your brain cells and mitochondria.
Energy production in the mitochondria generates enormous amounts of free radicals that can cause oxidative stress. Astaxanthin helps to support and strengthen your body’s own antioxidant defense system against this stress.
Studies have shown that Astaxanthin counteracts mental fatigue, and improves clarity of thinking, concentration, motivation, and mood.
Natural Astaxanthin easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps prevent diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Several clinical studies have shown that natural Astaxanthin as a nootropic helps improve memory and multitasking in those experiencing age-related forgetfulness.
How does Astaxanthin feel?
If you have chronic fatigue, or memory issues, you may want to try supplementing with Astaxanthin.
Neurohackers who supplement with Astaxanthin report a dramatic difference in how they feel. With more energy and less brain fog.
People with joint and muscle pain say they get relief from their pain.
It may take 6-8 weeks supplementing with Astaxanthin before you begin to experience its benefits. But some say it worked for them in a few days.
Many find their skin becomes clearer just a week into taking Astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is especially beneficial for vision. And you may find your eyesight getting better.
And many using Astaxanthin say they found that they can stay in the sun significantly longer without getting burned.
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant. Resulting in fewer fine lines and wrinkles with continued usage.
If you are experiencing brain fog, slow thinking, or poor vision or skin health, you may start feeling better once you’ve added Astaxanthin to your nootropic stack.
Astaxanthin Clinical Research
The rapid increase in neurodegenerative disease world-wide has inspired more and new research of natural supplements such as Astaxanthin. Looking for ways to put a stop to this increase in disease.
Astaxanthin for neurodegenerative disease
Astaxanthin improved the antioxidant capacity of red blood cells in a study conducted with 30 elderly people. Resulting in a decreased risk factor for developing dementia due to reduced buildup of phospholipid hydroperoxides (oxidized fats) in their cell membranes.[xiv]
An animal study in China showed that supplementing with Astaxanthin can delay brain aging by reducing oxidative damage and increasing levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) needed for the creation and repair of neurons.[xv]
When rats were pre-treated with high doses of (80 mg/kg) of Astaxanthin, the possibility of brain damage from a stroke was significantly reduced. And the animals performed better in a learning performance test after a stroke.[xvi]
Astaxanthin also sped up recovery and reduced inflammation after a traumatic brain injury in mice.[xvii] [xviii] [xix]
Astaxanthin protects brain cells from beta-amyloid-induced toxicity, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.[xx] [xxi]
Astaxanthin for memory and cognition
In 2009, a study in Japan showed Astaxanthin is effective for age-related decline of psychomotor and cognitive functions.
10 healthy males ages 60-69 experiencing age-related memory loss were recruited for this study.[xxii]
By the end of the study, the men experienced a significant improvement in cognition, attention, memory, and information processing.
In another Japanese study, researchers gave Astaxanthin to 96 elderly subjects with age-related forgetfulness. The researchers concluded that supplementing with Astaxanthin resulted in better learning and memory.[xxiii]
Astaxanthin for mental fatigue
Mental fatigue can be caused by increased oxidative stress due to a reduction in the brain’s oxygen supply.
Fujifilm conducted a study on how Astaxanthin can be used to reduce mental fatigue. They gave either Astaxanthin or a placebo to a group of 24 volunteers. Mental fatigue was induced in these volunteers. The researchers concluded the group that received Astaxanthin showed significant improvement from mental fatigue compared to the placebo group.[xxiv]
In a study published by The Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines, 39 healthy subjects experiencing mental fatigue were divided into test and control groups, and given either Astaxanthin or placebo.
The group who received natural Astaxanthin exhibited reduced symptoms of mental and physical fatigue.
Digging deeper, the researchers also found the subjects experienced better clarity of thinking, concentration, motivation, and mood.
Astaxanthin Recommended Dosage
Recommended nootropic dosage of Astaxanthin is 4 – 16 mg per day.
To achieve the equivalent of this dosage through diet alone you would need to consume 600 to 2,000 g of seafood per day.[xxv]
Studies conducted in Japan show that supplementing with 4 mg of Astaxanthin per day leads to protection of the skin against UV rays. And supplementing with 6 mg leads to better skin texture, elasticity, and improved eye health.
If you’re an athlete, you can use up to 16 mg of Astaxanthin per day. But I highly recommend consulting with your doctor before using such a high dose.
Astaxanthin is fat-soluble and needs to be taken with a meal containing healthy fats, or a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil for absorption.
Astaxanthin Side Effects
If you’re dealing with a bleeding disorder or using blood-thinning medication you should not use Astaxanthin.
If you are diabetic or hypoglycemic you must use Astaxanthin with caution. Monitor your blood glucose levels closely and adjust your medications accordingly.
Astaxanthin may also lower your blood pressure. If you’re using natural or prescription medication that lowers blood pressure, be careful while using Astaxanthin.[xxvi]
If you are using 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors for an enlarged prostate or hair loss, I don’t recommend using Astaxanthin.
Because Astaxanthin may inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Possibly resulting in low libido, enlarged breasts, decreased semen quantity during ejaculation, impotence, increased skin pigmentation, hair growth, weight gain, and depression.
And if you are hypersensitive to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors should completely avoid Astaxanthin.[xxvii]
You should NOT use Astaxanthin if you have autoimmune disorders, are on immunosuppressors, have hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, or have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Astaxanthin or related carotenoids.
And if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should avoid using Astaxanthin.
Some may experience milder side effects like abdominal pain and cramping.
As a nootropic, Astaxanthin dosages are low. More IS NOT BETTER and will more than likely cause serious health issues.
Type of Astaxanthin to Buy
Astaxanthin is available as softgel capsules or as a powder.
Because Astaxanthin is gaining in popularity as a nootropic supplement, 95% of it is generated synthetically using petrochemicals due to cost-efficiency for mass production.[xxviii]
But safety issues have been identified when using synthetic Astaxanthin as a nootropic supplement. So, make sure you choose an Astaxanthin supplement that is naturally sourced.[xxix]
You can also get natural Astaxanthin in my favorite vision supplement – Performance Lab® Vision. Which also
contains European Freeze-Dried Blackcurrant 300 mg, European Blackcurrant Extract 25 mg, European Bilberry Extract 25 mg, FloraGLO® Lutein 10 mg, FloraGLO® Zeaxanthin 2 mg, Astaxanthin (organic Haematococcus pluvialis algae) 1mg, and Saffron 1 mg.
As a standalone supplement, two patented versions of Astaxanthin are on the market and both naturally sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis algae. And they are:
BioAstin® is made in Hawaii by Nutrex from organic Haematococcus pluvialis algae. And licensed to other dietary supplement manufacturers.
Zanthin® is made by Valensa from Haematococcus pluvialis grown at their sister company in Chile. And then using a CO2 extraction system in Florida. The company licenses Zanthin® to other dietary supplement companies.
Whatever form of Astaxanthin you choose, be sure to take this fat-soluble supplement with a meal containing healthy fats or a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil. Because it is digested by activating digestive enzymes which help break down fats.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Astaxanthin – 4-16 mg per day
I recommend using Astaxanthin as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Astaxanthin on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Astaxanthin is especially helpful for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, high cholesterol, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, or age-related cognitive decline.
Astaxanthin is a potent nootropic supplement. And may help boost energy levels, reduce brain fog, improve your mood, and help protect you from age-related cognitive decline.
You can safely use to 8 mg of Astaxanthin per day if needed. Dosages up to a maximum of 16 mg should done in consultation with your doctor.
Keep in mind that this supplement is fat-soluble and requires healthy fats from a meal, or a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil for absorption.
You can also get natural Astaxanthin in my favorite vision supplement – Performance Lab® Vision.
Or as a standalone nootropic supplement offered by several dietary supplement companies. Look for the natural branded versions BioAstin® or Zanthin® to ensure quality.
[i] Zhang, Z. W., Xu, X. C., Liu, T., & Yuan, S. (2016). Mitochondrion-Permeable Antioxidants to Treat ROS-Burst-Mediated Acute Diseases. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2016, 6859523. (Source)
[ii] Grimmig, B., Kim, S. H., Nash, K., Bickford, P. C., & Douglas Shytle, R. (2017).” Neuroprotective mechanisms of astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic role in preserving cognitive function in age and neurodegeneration.” GeroScience, 39(1), 19–32. (source)
[iii] Brown, D. R., Gough, L. A., Deb, S. K., Sparks, S. A., & McNaughton, L. R. (2018). Astaxanthin in Exercise Metabolism, Performance and Recovery: A Review. Frontiers in nutrition, 4, 76. (Source)
[iv] Higuera-Ciapara, I., Félix-Valenzuela, L., & Goycoolea, F. M. (2006). Astaxanthin: a review of its chemistry and applications. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 46(2), 185–196.(Source)
[v] Galasso, C., Orefice, I., Pellone, P., Cirino, P., Miele, R., Ianora, A., Brunet, C., & Sansone, C. (2018). On the Neuroprotective Role of Astaxanthin: New Perspectives?. Marine drugs, 16(8), 247. (Source)
[vi] Igielska-Kalwat, J., Gościańska, J., & Nowak, I. (2015). Karotenoidy jako naturalne antyoksydanty [Carotenoids as natural antioxidants]. Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej (Online), 69, 418–428. (Source)
[vii] Sandmann G. (2019). Antioxidant Protection from UV- and Light-Stress Related to Carotenoid Structures. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(7), 219. (Source)
[viii] Nakagawa, K., Kiko, T., Miyazawa, T., Carpentero Burdeos, G., Kimura, F., Satoh, A., & Miyazawa, T. (2011). Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. The British journal of nutrition, 105(11), 1563–1571. (Source)
[ix] Satoh, A., Tsuji, S., Okada, Y., Murakami, N., Urami, M., Nakagawa, K., Ishikura, M., Katagiri, M., Koga, Y., & Shirasawa, T. (2009). Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of Toxicity and Efficacy of A New Astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis Extract. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 44(3), 280–284. (Source)
[x] Lobos, P., Bruna, B., Cordova, A., Barattini, P., Galáz, J. L., Adasme, T., Hidalgo, C., Muñoz, P., & Paula-Lima, A. (2016). Astaxanthin Protects Primary Hippocampal Neurons against Noxious Effects of Aβ-Oligomers. Neural plasticity, 2016, 3456783. (Source)
[xi] Imai, A., Oda, Y., Ito, N., Seki, S., Nakagawa, K., Miyazawa, T., & Ueda, F. (2018). Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Astaxanthin and Sesamin on Daily Fatigue: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Two-Way Crossover Study. Nutrients, 10(3), 281. (Source)
[xii] Sztretye, M., Dienes, B., Gönczi, M., Czirják, T., Csernoch, L., Dux, L., Szentesi, P., & Keller-Pintér, A. (2019). Astaxanthin: A Potential Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment in Diseases and with Aging. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2019, 3849692. (Source)
[xiii] Kidd P. (2011). Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic, 16(4), 355–364. (Source)
[xiv] Nakagawa, K., Kiko, T., Miyazawa, T., Carpentero Burdeos, G., Kimura, F., Satoh, A., & Miyazawa, T. (2011). Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. The British journal of nutrition, 105(11), 1563–1571. (Source)
[xv] Wu, W., Wang, X., Xiang, Q., Meng, X., Peng, Y., Du, N., Liu, Z., Sun, Q., Wang, C., & Liu, X. (2014). Astaxanthin alleviates brain aging in rats by attenuating oxidative stress and increasing BDNF levels. Food & function, 5(1), 158–166. (Source)
[xvi] Lu, Y. P., Liu, S. Y., Sun, H., Wu, X. M., Li, J. J., & Zhu, L. (2010). Neuroprotective effect of astaxanthin on H(2)O(2)-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and on focal cerebral ischemia in vivo. Brain research, 1360, 40–48. (Source)
[xvii] Hussein, G., Nakamura, M., Zhao, Q., Iguchi, T., Goto, H., Sankawa, U., & Watanabe, H. (2005). Antihypertensive and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in experimental animals. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin, 28(1), 47–52. (Source)
[xviii] Zhang, M., Cui, Z., Cui, H., Cao, Y., Zhong, C., & Wang, Y. (2016). Astaxanthin alleviates cerebral edema by modulating NKCC1 and AQP4 expression after traumatic brain injury in mice. BMC neuroscience, 17(1), 60. (Source)
[xix] Ji, X., Peng, D., Zhang, Y., Zhang, J., Wang, Y., Gao, Y., Lu, N., & Tang, P. (2017). Astaxanthin improves cognitive performance in mice following mild traumatic brain injury. Brain research, 1659, 88–95. (Source)
[xx] Wang, H. Q., Sun, X. B., Xu, Y. X., Zhao, H., Zhu, Q. Y., & Zhu, C. Q. (2010). Astaxanthin upregulates heme oxygenase-1 expression through ERK1/2 pathway and its protective effect against beta-amyloid-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Brain research, 1360, 159–167. (Source)
[xxi] Lobos, P., Bruna, B., Cordova, A., Barattini, P., Galáz, J. L., Adasme, T., Hidalgo, C., Muñoz, P., & Paula-Lima, A. (2016). Astaxanthin Protects Primary Hippocampal Neurons against Noxious Effects of Aβ-Oligomers. Neural plasticity, 2016, 3456783. (Source)
[xxii] Satoh, A., Tsuji, S., Okada, Y., Murakami, N., Urami, M., Nakagawa, K., Ishikura, M., Katagiri, M., Koga, Y., & Shirasawa, T. (2009). Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of Toxicity and Efficacy of A New Astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis Extract. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 44(3), 280–284. (Source)
[xxiii] Katagiri, M., Satoh, A., Tsuji, S., & Shirasawa, T. (2012). Effects of astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis extract on cognitive function: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 51(2), 102–107. (Source)
[xxiv] Imai, A., Oda, Y., Ito, N., Seki, S., Nakagawa, K., Miyazawa, T., & Ueda, F. (2018). Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Astaxanthin and Sesamin on Daily Fatigue: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Two-Way Crossover Study. Nutrients, 10(3), 281. (Source)
[xxv] Galasso, C., Orefice, I., Pellone, P., Cirino, P., Miele, R., Ianora, A., Brunet, C., & Sansone, C. (2018). “On the Neuroprotective Role of Astaxanthin: New Perspectives?.” Marine drugs, 16(8), 247. (source)
[xxvi] Mashhadi, N. S., Zakerkish, M., Mohammadiasl, J., Zarei, M., Mohammadshahi, M., & Haghighizadeh, M. H. (2018). Astaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 27(2), 341–346. (Source)
[xxvii] Hirshburg, J. M., Kelsey, P. A., Therrien, C. A., Gavino, A. C., & Reichenberg, J. S. (2016). Adverse Effects and Safety of 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors (Finasteride, Dutasteride): A Systematic Review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 9(7), 56–62. (Source)
[xxviii] Panis G., Carreon J.R. “Commercial astaxanthin production derived by green alga Haematococcus pluvialis: a microalgae process model and a techno-economic assessment all through production line.” Algal Research Volume 18, September 2016, Pages 175-190 (source)
[xxix] Capelli B., Bagchi D.. Cysewski G.R. “Synthetic astaxanthin is significantly inferior to algal-based astaxanthin as an antioxidant and may not be suitable as a human nutraceutical supplement” Nutrafoods 12, pages145–152(2013) (source)
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Hello David,
since astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory effects and it promotes muscle health, I was wondering if it has any negative effect on muscle growth like nsaids for example (or is it negligible)? Thank you!
Adrien it does not as long as you stay within the recommended dosage range.
How well is it absorbed? isn’t its bioavailability too low? or it depends on the form and where it is mined/synthetically
Dan, Astaxanthin is fat-soluble and needs to be taken with a meal containing healthy fats, or a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil for absorption. If you skip that part of course it will not be ‘absorbed’.
The studies show how effective Astaxanthin is as a supplement. How did Pink Flamingos get pink? or shrimp? They must be absorbing it or they would not be that color.
Hi David,
Could you please write a blog about Kefir and L Reuteri strain. They are said to affect gut microbiome and thus act as a noot.
Thanks!
Jatin, if I can find enough peer-reviewed human clinical trials supporting their use as a nootropic supplement I will. Thanks.
I am currently on resveratrol 100MG could I take Astaxanthin on top at the max dosage of 16MG recommended here is that safe?
Amber, should not be a problem.
can I take spirulina and Astaxanthin together?
Yes you can take them together.
I forgot to ask sometime I have to take nurofen or Panadol for neck pain I some times get not very often but is this okay while on Astaxanthin?
I normally take 1 nurofen 2 Panadol to get rid of any unshakeable neck pain works like a charm. I just want to make sure its safe while on this particular supplement
Andrew, all of the drug interactions that I know of for Astaxanthin is under the Side Effects section above. I do not see either of those drug as being contraindicated. That’s not saying that they are not. Just that I have seen no evidence of this. The following are complete contraindication lists for both drugs:
https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/acetaminophen,tylenol-index.html
https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/ibuprofen-index.html
Would taking Astaxanthin with Magnolia Bark be safe or no
Also do you take Astaxanthin?
I decided to order more but decided on this brand
Doctor’s Best – Astaxanthin with astareal
My head feels much clearer already on it compeered to anything else I’ve tried
Andrew, it would be safe but Magnolia Bark extract is a very powerful supplement. So test the dosages.
The only Astaxanthin I get every day is in the Performance Lab Vision supplement that I use.
the question i have more to do with Fat soluble vitamin, what happen if you don’t take it with any fat does some still absorb or just complete waste
and should i take my astaxanthin or vit D with like with full milk be fine or have it with an avocado
So if im taking a b-complex which is water and then say vit D which order should i take, the water vitimins first then the fat one right away or wait a bit
cheers
Andrew, take them all at once and just make sure you have some fat or oil with your stack to ensure bile acids and enzymes in your gut metabolize the fat-soluble ingredients. You may get enough fat from whole milk and very likely an avocado. The water soluble supplements will take care of themselves.
If you do not take fat-soluble ingredients with a heathy fat or oil your body will simply expel them unused.
final question,
so my new stack is for the next year
morning
Astaxanthin -6mg
NAC 500mg Twice daily
DHA – 500MG morning
VIT D 2000-ui morning
B-complex- every second day
before bed
magnesium 300mg
inositol – 500mg
sometimes 3mg melatonin
Taurine 1 gram
all that sounds good and safe for a 37 year old
also would nurofen be safe on Astaxanthin, I very really take it, only if I absolute have to for neck pain or headache
Thanks
Andrew, you need to use NAC 3-times per day. And your total daily dose of DHA needs to be 1,000 mg.
B-Complex needs to be used daily because it is water soluble. And you will piss out what your body and brain do not use the day you take it.
will this effect sexual libido in a person who is 37, also I’m starting out with the 4mg daily, how much fish would I have to eat to reach 4MG is that like 2 salmon fish daily? naturally just curious
also could I take this before bed or will it stimulate me
just trying to help brain mitochondria, Alcar was horrible for me
Andrew, Astaxanthin may inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which may affect libido. Notice is said “may” and the only way to find out is trying it.
But you have plenty of other options is all you are trying to do is support mitochondria: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hack-your-mitochondria-with-nootropics/
Astaxanthin is fat-soluble so it doesn’t really matter when you take it as long as you take it with a healthy oil.
will 4MG Astaxanthin be enough I took it with pro labs vision at 1MG no side effects will 4MG daily be safe
also take
Selenium daily at 200mg
DHA 500mg daily
NAC 500mg twice daily
B’s and D daily
will it matter if i’m drinking coffee too
I don’t eat fish like salmon which is why i consider Astaxanthin
can i take it any time of day
Andrew, up to 16 mg per day is considered safe. And you can take it at any time during the day.
Okay cool, I order this one for now
Life Extension, Astaxanthin with Phospholipids, 4 mg
What do you think
its says astaxanthin-with-phospholipids- 84MG tho so im guessing it mixed with stuff, however if you know of a better product 4mg and over you wish to share please let me know
Andrew, that supplement is Astaxanthin which will work fine.
Hi David!
If I take Astaxantin mix with Shilajit or Zinc will I avoid getting the low libido or low testosterone?
Misael, it depends on how much Astaxanthin you use daily. If you keep your dose at the lower end you may be OK. Best thing to do is experiment with the 3 and different dosages of Astaxanthin and see how you feel.
Hi David, I’m interested in consuming Astaxanthin for its antioxidant effects, but I’m concerned about what you mention about inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). resulting in low libido, enlarged breasts, and depression.
Could you please tell me if consuming only 4 mg a day of Astaxanthin, I could still suffer from these effects?
Marvin, more research needs to be done on this but one thing we do know is if you are using 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors then it could be a problem. But if you are not using 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors then 4 mg of Astaxanthin per day should be fine.
I read astaxanthin should not be taken if have diagnosis of osteoporosis. I have osteopenia (basically about the same). What effect does astaxanthin on this?
Marilyn, on the contrary, studies show that astaxanthin has therapeutic potential for the treatment of osteoporosis. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/3/912/htm
Hello David !
Thank you for all your work, and for sharing it.
I was wondering ; why shouldn’t we take some astaxanthin in case of autoimmune disease? I have had Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease declared 7 years ago, resulting in a slightly diminuished level of T4 hormones and a slightly bigger TSH.
Thank you !
Alice, I cannot find any clinical evidence about Astaxanthin and the thyroid. Thank you for bringing this to my attention and forcing me to re-think Astaxanthin and the thyroid. Using Astaxanthin with Hashimoto’s should not be a problem.
Thank you again David 🙂
I am glad about this
Hello David How long before I ‘see’ results from taking Astaxanthin? I am 65 yrs old, vegetarian(+-35yrs) and have been wearing glasses since age 12 at age 38 I had lasik surgery and it was good for about 5 yrs then back to glasses for reading – driving was fine. Thank you.
Valeria, you’ll hate me for this but “it depends”. We all react differently to these supplements. Someone in the comments section on another thread earlier today experienced immediate results. But for you it may take days or longer.
I highly recommend continuing using this supplement and combine it with Performance Lab Vision (https://bit.ly/2JNb70o) which is the best eye supplement I’ve ever used. I felt it the first day I used it.
Hi David,
If you are already taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid can it be stacked with Astaxanthin is it one or the other?
Wolfgang, Alpha Lipoic Acid would be complementary to a supplement like Astaxanthin. They should work well together.
Hi David, Performance Lab Vision requires to be taken on an empty stomach, what about the fat for absorption? Can we take this with a bulletproof coffee?
Brigitte, after carefully looking at all of the ingredients in Performance Lab Vision I’ve concluded that it should be taken with meal containing healthy fats or something like unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil. Because there are fat-soluble ingredients in it like Astaxanthin.
If there is adequate fat in your Bulletproof coffee that my be enough to ensure absorption of all the ingredients in Performance Lab Vision.