A large body of scientific research backs up the claim that astaxanthin is great for your body. As a potent antioxidant, astaxanthin scavenges free radicals that cause cellular damage. This benefits many parts of the body, including your skin, eyes, and brain. What is astaxanthin? Where does it come from? And what does the latest research say about its benefits?
Astaxanthin is a Pigment that Makes Seafood Pink
Astaxanthin is a marine xanthophyll carotenoid primarily produced by microalgae like Haematococcus pluvialis. Dietary astaxanthin can be obtained through seafood, including salmon, trout, shrimp, and krill.
Astaxanthin has higher antioxidant potency than beta-carotene, lutein, vitamin C, and alpha-tocopherol-a form of vitamin E. It has 10 times the antioxidant potency of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Astaxanthin has the following benefits:
- Reduces inflammation
- A potent singlet-oxygen quencher, an especially dangerous free radical
- Reduces oxidative stress, and increases endogenous antioxidant defenses, including superoxide dismutase (a potent antioxidant).1 2
- Supports brain health. Preclinical and human pharmacokinetic data indicate that Astaxanthin can cross the blood-brain barrier, supporting its potential role in neural protection.3
- Has photoprotective properties protecting against UV-induced oxidative damage at just 4mg – 12mg per day. It reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema (patchy red skin), improves skin moisture, and supports barrier function.
Vision Health
Astaxanthin shows stronger antioxidant activity than several other carotenoids, including alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene. It is an essential nutrient for eye health. Astaxanthin also helps raise levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD).
By helping restore balance between pro-oxidative and antioxidative factors, astaxanthin may offer protective benefits and lower risk across a variety of eye diseases impacting both the front and back of the eye. These include cataracts, corneal and ocular surface problems, and retinopathies, including macular degeneration.
The death of retinal ganglion cells is a common feature of many retinal conditions, including glaucoma, optic neuropathies, and diabetic retinopathy. Meanwhile, the death of retinal pigment epithelium cells is a major factor in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These conditions are associated with oxidative stress, cell death, and ischemia-a serious condition where blood flow to tissues or organs is reduced or restricted, limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.4
Macular Degeneration
Inflammation and oxidative stress are key drivers of eye disease. New, abnormal blood vessel growth, called “neovascularization,” can develop in conditions such as wet macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. In these cases, inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to macular degeneration, the start of neovascularization, and damage to retinal and choroid cells. Ongoing stress on the ocular surface can also contribute to dry eye disease, leading to quantitative and/or qualitative changes in tears.
Astaxanthin helps address additional causative factors of AMD, including choroidal neovascularization, most likely due to its strong antioxidant activity.
Higher levels of cytokines-part of the inflammatory process-have been found in the tears and aqueous humor of patients with corneal or retinal diseases. Studies also show astaxanthin can help lower inflammatory factors, which may help interrupt the self-perpetuating inflammatory cycle seen in chronic eye disorders.
Oxidative stress in the eyes can contribute to or cause retinal aging and visual fatigue. Just 4-9 mg of astaxanthin per day has been shown to improve markers of oxidative balance in ocular tissues and enhance visual performance in adults exposed to prolonged work on computers.5
Note: Essential nutrients that can help protect retinal cells from damage include: lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin, astaxanthin, taurine, Vitamin B12, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid, bilberry, gingko biloba, n-acetyl-cysteine, glutathione, molecular hydrogen, vitamin C, CoQ10, Vitamin E, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NMN).
Glaucoma
Astaxanthin’s neuroprotective effects may help manage glaucoma. About 90% of glaucoma and related optic nerve damage is associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Astaxanthin may also help reduce oxidative stress linked to glaucomatous optic nerve damage.
Oxidative stress can also harm the trabecular meshwork, the structure responsible for draining aqueous fluid. When this drainage is impaired, IOP can rise, which can lead to a glaucoma diagnosis.
Note: Essential nutrients that can help protect optic nerve cells from damage include: taurine, Vitamin B12, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid, bilberry, gingko biloba, n-acetyl-cysteine, glutathione, vitamin C, CoQ10, Quercetin, Vitamin E, molecular hydrogen, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NMN), and grapeseed extract.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Astaxanthin supplementation has shown effects both in living models and in eye tissue studied outside the body, supporting its potential role in preventing diabetic retinopathy and helping in its early treatment. Diabetic retinopathy involves breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier, which can lead to cellular infiltration.
Note: Essential nutrients that can help manage diabetes and support retinal health include: taurine, Vitamin B12, molecular hydrogen, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid, bilberry, gingko biloba, n-acetyl-cysteine, glutathione, vitamin C, CoQ10, Quercetin, Vitamin E, ginseng, chromium, cinnamon bark, gymnema sylvestre, holy basil, vanadium, and grapeseed extract.
Uveitis
Uveitis is a broad group of inflammatory conditions that affect the middle layer of the eye and is a common cause of eye pain and vision loss. It’s also associated with oxidative stress. Astaxanthin helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Note: Essential nutrients that can help support corneal health include: turmeric, vitamin C, glutathione, and molecular hydrogen.
Cataracts
Cataracts result from the degradation and increased opacity of the eye’s natural lens, leading to reduced visual acuity. Astaxanthin has strong antioxidant activity; therefore, it may help prevent cataract development.
Animal studies suggest astaxanthin may help prevent cataract onset and may slow the development and progression of metabolic cataracts by inhibiting oxidative stress in diabetic mouse models.6 This may be related to astaxanthin’s anti-glycation effects-reducing the binding of protein and sugar molecules that can compromise the integrity of lens cells.
Note: Essential nutrients that can support and protect lens health include lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, astaxanthin, taurine, bilberry, ginkgo biloba, N-acetylcysteine, glutathione, and molecular hydrogen.
Brain Health and Cognitive Function
Astaxanthin targets oxidative and inflammatory pathways implicated in cognitive aging. Adults supplementing with 6mg – 12mg per day showed modest improvements in memory and psychomotor performance, particularly in middle-aged and older adults.7
There is some limited evidence that Astaxanthin may have positive effects on neurodegenerative disorders.
Skin Health
Astaxanthin has photoprotective properties, mitigating UV-induced oxidative damage, improving skin moisture, and supporting barrier function.
Other Benefits
Astaxanthin has several additional beneficial effects. This includes anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. It also has protective actions for the skin, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
Astaxanthin may also help reduce the effects of keratopathy disorders. These disorders can damage nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms often include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, usually starting in the hands or feet.
Possible Contraindications
Caution is advised for individuals using antihypertensive, anticoagulant, or antidiabetic medications due to potential additive physiological effects.8
Best Sources
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring red carotenoid pigment in the xanthophyll family. It’s found in microalgae and in seafood like salmon, shrimp, crayfish, and lobster, where it contributes to their red color. Astaxanthin supplements (pills or liquids) are most often produced from microalgae, though some products use marine sources such as krill.
Suggested Supplements
Dr. Grossman’s Complete Eye Formula 2oz (oral spray)
Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps
Dr. Grossman’s Complete Eye (oral Spray)/Meso Plus Combo Package
Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps
Advanced Eye and Vision Support / Meso Plus Combo (3 month supply)
Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi120 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply
Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula 2oz
Dr. Grossman’s Vitamin C Plant-Based Formula – 60 caps
Resveratrol (Trans) w/Quercetin 60 vegcaps
NMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps
H2 Elite Molecular Hydrogen 60 tabs
Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic)
Sugar Balance Packages
Sugar Balance & Blood Vessel Support Package 1 (1 month)
Sugar Balance & Blood Vessel Support Package 2 (3-month)
Recommended Books
Natural Eye Care Series: Macular Degeneration (paperback)
- Bjorklund, G., Gasmi, A., Lenchyk, L., et al. (2022). The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions. Molecules 27(21), 7167. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/21/7167 ↩
- Yeh, P.T., Huang, H.W., Yang, C.M., Yang, W.S., & Yang, C.H. (2016). Astaxanthin Inhibits Expression of Retinal Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. PLoS ONE 11, e0146438. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0146438 ↩
- Queen, C.J., Sparks, S.A., Marchant, D.C., & McNaughton, L.R. (2023). The Effects of Astaxanthin on Cognitive Function and Neurodegeneration in Humans: A Critical Review. Nutrients 16(6), 826. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/6/826 ↩
- Lin, W.N., Kapupara, K., Wen, Y.T., Chen, Y.H., Pan, I.H., & Tsai, R.K. (2020). Haematococcus pluvialis-Derived Astaxanthin Is a Potential Neuroprotective Agent against Optic Nerve Ischemia. Marine Drugs 18, 85. https://doi.org/10.3390/md18020085 ↩
- Sekikawa, T., Kizawa, Y., Li, Y., & Miura, N. (2022). Effects of diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition 72(1), 74. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.22-65 ↩
- Yang, M., Chen, Y., Zhao, T., & Wang, Z. (2020). Effect of astaxanthin on metabolic cataract in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Experimental and Molecular Pathology 113, 104372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104372 ↩
- Queen, C.J., Sparks, S.A., Marchant, D.C., & McNaughton, L.R. (2023). The Effects of Astaxanthin on Cognitive Function and Neurodegeneration in Humans: A Critical Review. Nutrients 16(6), 826. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/6/826 ↩
- Donoso, A., Gonzalez-Duran, J., Munoz, A.A., et al. (2021). Therapeutic uses of natural astaxanthin: An evidence-based review focused on human clinical trials. Pharmacological Research 166, 105479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105479 ↩
