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Safety
Astaxanthin is generally safe when consumed orally through food. Astaxanthin has achieved a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the United States. Taking 4 up to 40mg of astaxanthin daily is safe for up to 12 weeks; 4mg daily in combination with vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids is also safe when consumed up to 12 months.
There is insufficient information on the safety of astaxanthin on children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Astaxanthin is generally well-tolerated although some side effects may include increased bowel movement, and red fecal color. Consuming over 40mg of astaxanthin may lead to abdominal pain.
Medication Interactions
Astaxanthin may lower plasma levels and reduce the effectiveness of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6. These drugs include the following:
- • Ketamine (Ketalar)
- • Phenobarbital
- • Orphenadrine (Norflex)
- • Secobarbital (Seconal)
- • Dexamethasone (Decadron)
Supplement and Food Interactions
Using astaxanthin with other carotenoids, such as lutein, beta-carotene, and lycopene, or consuming it with with carotenoin-containing foods, may decrease the absorption of astaxanthin, as the other carotenoids compete for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. *
