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Astaxanthin 12 mg

California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(46516 ratings)
Astaxanthin 12 mg
Product Image
Score87
A well-sized 12 mg astaxanthin serving offers focused antioxidant support, while missing carrier and stability details are the main quality gaps.
How scoring works
Quantity:120 Softgel(s) • (120 servings)
Goals:
Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Aging
Cardiovascular Support
Vision Support
Heart Health
Cognitive Support
Joint Health

Score 87

A well-sized 12 mg astaxanthin serving offers focused antioxidant support, while missing carrier and stability details are the main quality gaps.
How scoring works
$46.60($0.38 per serving)
iHerb
$ 46.60
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Analysis

The 12 mg serving sits within a commonly used supplemental range and supports antioxidant pathways relevant to skin, eye, cardiovascular, and exercise-recovery goals. Branded AstaLif astaxanthin makes the ingredient identity easier to assess than an unspecified carotenoid blend.

The softgel format is well suited to the fat-soluble carotenoid. Astaxanthin is fat soluble, so delivery details matter, yet the supplied data do not identify the carrier oil, stabilizer system, or light-protective packaging.

The large supply and low serving cost provide excellent value. Adults seeking strong long-term dose efficiency The formula remains a single antioxidant, so it does not provide the broader carotenoid or nutrient coverage of an eye-specific blend.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking focused astaxanthin support
  • People who prefer a single active carotenoid
  • Adults seeking strong long-term dose efficiency
Best for
  • Daily antioxidant support
  • Skin and eye carotenoid routines
  • Users avoiding complex blends

Pros

  • Clearly stated 12 mg amount
  • Branded AstaLif astaxanthin
  • Focused one-active formula

Cons

  • Carrier oil is not identified
  • Oxidation-protection details are absent
  • Carrier oil and oxidation protection are not identified.

Nutrient quality

97 Highest impact

AstaLif supplies a branded natural astaxanthin ingredient with strong quality assurance; the amount is substantial and well aligned with supplemental use. The astaxanthin amount is within a commonly used supplemental range; astaxanthin directly fits the antioxidant, eye, skin, and cardiovascular purposes listed; the focused formula contains no low-value active additions.

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Ingredient transparency

79 High impact

Listed actives generally have specific amounts; no proprietary blend hides key doses except where noted. The branded active is clear, while carrier oil and packaging protection are not described; serving directions and inactive ingredients are not supplied.

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Customer satisfaction

72 High impact

The supplied aggregate average is favorable, though no individual feedback is available; the large rating sample improves confidence in the aggregate average, but no individual feedback is supplied. Detailed feedback is absent, so repeated complaints cannot be assessed; real-world fit with the intended purpose remains uncertain.

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Value for money

99 Highest impact

Premium sourcing and strong dosing justify the price very well; the serving offers excellent active value. The focused formula contains no low-value active additions; the product is highly competitive among high-potency softgels.

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Report analysis

Goals

Skin Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 12 mg

Natural astaxanthin provides targeted antioxidant support for skin and may improve resilience to ultraviolet stress. The branded source and substantial serving align closely with human skin research.

Softgel delivery supports absorption of this fat-soluble carotenoid. Carrier-oil and oxidation-protection details are missing, but the active amount and branded source are clear.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 12 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 12 mg

Astaxanthin provides potent lipid-phase antioxidant activity with relevant effects on oxidative inflammatory signaling. The branded ingredient and high-potency amount support strong quality and dose confidence.

The softgel offers focused depth in one antioxidant pathway rather than broad anti-inflammatory coverage. Carrier-oil and oxidation-protection details are not supplied, but the single-active design remains clean and coherent.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 18 studies
Anti-Aging
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 12 mg

Astaxanthin provides focused antioxidant support and may help protect skin and other tissues from oxidative stress. Human evidence supports selected skin and oxidative-stress outcomes, though it does not prove a broad effect on biological aging.

The branded active is supplied at a substantial amount in an absorption-friendly softgel. The single-ingredient design is clear and avoids unrelated vitamins or proprietary blends.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 4 studies
Cardiovascular Support
Impact
Highest effect
B- Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 12 mg

Astaxanthin provides targeted antioxidant protection for lipids and may support healthy blood flow. Its evidence is promising but less established for major cardiovascular outcomes than fish oil, magnesium, or CoQ10.

The 12 mg amount is strong and the branded AstaLif source improves confidence in standardization. Softgel delivery is appropriate, although the carrier oil and oxidation protections are not listed.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 12 studies
Vision Support
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 12 mg

Astaxanthin may support ocular antioxidant defenses and visual comfort during eye strain. Human evidence is promising for eye fatigue, though it is less established than core macular pigments or AREDS2.

The high-potency astaxanthin amount sits in a strong functional range. The branded AstaLif ingredient supports standardized sourcing, although carrier-oil details are absent.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Mixed 7 studies
Heart Health
Impact
Highest effect
C+ Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 12 mg

Astaxanthin provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support that may benefit vascular health. The single carotenoid does not address lipids, blood flow, cardiac energy, or homocysteine directly.

The branded active is fully disclosed at a substantial amount and uses an absorption-friendly softgel. Evidence for broad cardiovascular outcomes is less established than for omega fatty acids or CoQ10.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 16 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Astalif (Astaxanthin)
12 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free
Report overview
Astaxanthin · 12 mg OverallScore89
A- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

The high-potency dose and AstaLif branded ingredient provide strong evidence of standardized astaxanthin quality. A softgel format should support absorption, although the supplied label details do not identify the carrier oil or oxidation-protection features. The amount delivered across the package offers strong cost efficiency.

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Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Lipid profile and glucose changes after supplementation with astaxanthin: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Ursoniu S; Sahebkar A; Serban MC; Banach M · Archives of medical science : AMS · 2015
    Meta-analysis280 participants7 studies pooledCardiovascular Support Heart Health forAstaxanthin
  2. Astaxanthin (AstaReal®) Improved Acute and Chronic Digital Eye Strain in Children: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    Hecht KA; Marwah M; Wood V; Nishida Y; Bach AE; Gerson J; Hom MM; Schnackenberg J; Raote S; Srivastava S; Negi P; Caston E · Advances in therapy · 2025
    Randomized trial64 participantsVision Support forAstaxanthin
  3. Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.
    Fornari Laurindo L; Dogani Rodrigues V; Penna Carneiro D; Sérgio Marangão Filho L; Pereira ESBM; José Tofano R; Chagas EFB; Dos Santos Haber JF; Cristina Castilho Caracio F; Moreira LZ; Valenti VE; Maria Barbalho S · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025
    Meta-analysis8 studies pooledHeart Health forAstaxanthin
  4. Effectiveness of dietary supplements for skin photoaging in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Yang Q; Li H; Zhang H; Ma L; Zhang X; Wu J · Frontiers in medicine · 2025
    Meta-analysis40 studies pooledSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  5. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing.
    Zhou X; Cao Q; Orfila C; Zhao J; Zhang L · Nutrients · 2021
    Meta-analysis11 studies pooledSkin Health Anti-Aging forAstaxanthin
  6. Sports and Kinetic Visual Acuity.
    Sawaki K; Kohmura Y; Aoki K; Nakamura M; Murakami S; Suzuki Y · Juntendo Iji zasshi = Juntendo medical journal · 2024
    Narrative reviewVision Support forAstaxanthin
  7. Astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant, lowers cholesterol and markers of cardiovascular risk in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidaemia.
    Ciaraldi TP; Boeder SC; Mudaliar SR; Giovannetti ER; Henry RR; Pettus JH · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2023
    Randomized trial34 participantsCardiovascular Support Heart Health forAstaxanthin
  8. The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    Ito N; Seki S; Ueda F · Nutrients · 2018
    Randomized trial23 participantsSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  9. Astaxanthin Influence on Health Outcomes of Adults at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Leung LY; Chan SM; Tam HL; Wong ES · Nutrients · 2022
    Meta-analysis321 participants7 studies pooledHeart Health forAstaxanthin
  10. Effects of diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study.
    Sekikawa T; Kizawa Y; Li Y; Miura N · Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition · 2023
    Randomized trial60 participantsVision Support forAstaxanthin
  11. Effects of Astaxanthin supplementation on selected metabolic parameters, anthropometric indices, Sirtuin1 and TNF-α levels in patients with coronary artery disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
    Heidari M; Chaboksafar M; Alizadeh M; Sohrabi B; Kheirouri S · Frontiers in nutrition · 2023
    Randomized trial50 participantsCardiovascular Support forAstaxanthin
  12. Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Wan S; Wu W; Zhang Y; He J; Wang X; An P; Luo J; Zhu Y; Luo Y · Nutrients · 2024
    Meta-analysisHeart Health Cardiovascular Support forAstaxanthin
  13. Supplementating with dietary astaxanthin combined with collagen hydrolysate improves facial elasticity and decreases matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -12 expression: a comparative study with placebo.
    Yoon HS; Cho HH; Cho S; Lee SR; Shin MH; Chung JH · Journal of medicinal food · 2015
    Randomized trial44 participantsSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  14. Benefits and Safety of Astaxanthin in the Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Dry Eye Disease.
    Tian L; Wen Y; Li S; Zhang P; Wang Y; Wang J; Cao K; Du L; Wang N; Jie Y · Frontiers in nutrition · 2022
    Single-arm trial60 participantsVision Support forAstaxanthin
  15. Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia.
    Yoshida H; Yanai H; Ito K; Tomono Y; Koikeda T; Tsukahara H; Tada N · Atherosclerosis · 2010
    Randomized trial61 participantsCardiovascular Support Heart Health forAstaxanthin
  16. The effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory markers, lipid profile, and anthropometric indices in patients with heart failure: a randomized controlled trial.
    Ghotboddin Mohammadi S; Shafie D; Feizi A; Ahmadi AR; Bagherniya M; Kafeshani M · Scientific reports · 2026
    Randomized trial80 participantsHeart Health Cardiovascular Support forAstaxanthin
  17. Continuous astaxanthin intake reduces oxidative stress and reverses age-related morphological changes of residual skin surface components in middle-aged volunteers.
    Chalyk NE; Klochkov VA; Bandaletova TY; Kyle NH; Petyaev IM · Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) · 2018
    Single-arm trial31 participantsSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  18. Nutritional Supplementation for Myopia Prevention and Control: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    Martinez-Perez C; Oliveira AP · Nutrients · 2026
    Systematic review9 studies pooledVision Support forAstaxanthin
  19. Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profile in Patients With Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    Molani-Gol R; Bohlouli Sardroudi S; Rafraf M · Nutrition and metabolic insights · 2026
    Meta-analysis403 participants9 studies pooledCardiovascular Support Heart Health forAstaxanthin
  20. The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity.
    Phetcharat L; Wongsuphasawat K; Winther K · Clinical interventions in aging · 2016
    Randomized trial34 participantsSkin Health Anti-Aging forAstaxanthin
  21. Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential.
    Kidd P · Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic · 2012
    Narrative reviewVision Support Anti-Aging forAstaxanthin
  22. Astaxanthin Supplemented with High-Intensity Functional Training Decreases Adipokines Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men with Obesity.
    Saeidi A; Nouri-Habashi A; Razi O; Ataeinosrat A; Rahmani H; Mollabashi SS; Bagherzadeh-Rahmani B; Aghdam SM; Khalajzadeh L; Al Kiyumi MH; Hackney AC; Laher I; Heinrich KM; Zouhal H · Nutrients · 2023
    Randomized trial68 participantsCardiovascular Support forAstaxanthin
  23. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects.
    Tominaga K; Hongo N; Karato M; Yamashita E · Acta biochimica Polonica · 2012
    Other66 participantsSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  24. Astaxanthin has no effect on arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, or inflammation in renal transplant recipients: a randomized controlled trial (the XANTHIN trial).
    Coombes JS; Sharman JE; Fassett RG · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2016
    Randomized trial61 participantsHeart Health forAstaxanthin
  25. The Xanthophyll Carotenoid Astaxanthin has Distinct Biological Effects to Prevent the Photoaging of the Skin Even by its Postirradiation Treatment.
    Imokawa G · Photochemistry and photobiology · 2019
    Narrative reviewSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  26. Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin: Recent scientific evidence, possible mechanisms, and potential indications.
    Singh KN; Patil S; Barkate H · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2020
    Narrative reviewSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  27. Astaxanthin, oxidative stress, inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
    Fassett RG; Coombes JS · Future cardiology · 2009
    Narrative reviewCardiovascular Support forAstaxanthin
  28. Impact of astaxanthin on oxidative markers, uric acid, and clinical symptoms in heart failure: a randomized clinical trial.
    Mohammadi SG; Shafie D; Feizi A; Bagherniya M; Ahmadi AR; Kafeshani M · BMC cardiovascular disorders · 2025
    Randomized trial80 participantsHeart Health forAstaxanthin
  29. Preparation and in vitro characterization studies of astaxanthin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers with antioxidant properties.
    Gu L; Wang W; Wu B; Ji S; Xia Q · Journal of biomaterials applications · 2023
    In vitro / ex vivo studySkin Health forAstaxanthin
  30. The effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress indices, lipid profile, uric acid level, blood pressure, endothelial function, quality of life, and disease symptoms in heart failure subjects.
    Mohammadi SG; Feizi A; Bagherniya M; Shafie D; Ahmadi AR; Kafeshani M · Trials · 2024
    Protocol80 participantsCardiovascular Support forAstaxanthin
  31. Markers of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress in Aging Volunteers Ingesting Lycosomal Formulation of Dark Chocolate Containing Astaxanthin.
    Petyaev IM; Klochkov VA; Chalyk NE; Pristensky DV; Chernyshova MP; Kyle NH; Bashmakov YK · The journal of nutrition, health & aging · 2019
    Randomized trial32 participantsAnti-Aging forAstaxanthin
  32. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of astaxanthin as an adjunctive therapy in community-acquired pneumonia: a randomized controlled trial.
    Youssef FM; Ateyya H; Hanna Samy AE; Elmokadem EM · Frontiers in pharmacology · 2025
    Randomized trial80 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forAstaxanthin
  33. The Role of Astaxanthin as an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agent in Human Health: A Systematic Review.
    Malcangi G; Inchingolo AM; Casamassima L; Trilli I; Ferrante L; Longo M; Inchingolo F; Marinelli G; Palermo A; Dipalma G; Inchingolo AD · International journal of molecular sciences · 2026
    Systematic review15 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forAstaxanthin
  34. Astaxanthin ameliorates inflammation, oxidative stress, and reproductive outcomes in endometriosis patients undergoing assisted reproduction: A randomized, triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
    Rostami S; Alyasin A; Saedi M; Nekoonam S; Khodarahmian M; Moeini A; Amidi F · Frontiers in endocrinology · 2023
    Randomized trial50 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forAstaxanthin
  35. Astaxanthin Modulates Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes via Regulation of microRNAs, Lysophosphatidylcholine, and α-Hydroxybutyrate.
    Sharifi-Rigi A; Zal F; Aarabi MH; Dehghani M; Roustaei Rad N; Taghiyar S · International journal of endocrinology · 2025
    Randomized trial50 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forAstaxanthin
  36. Redox-sensitive miRNAs and Humanin could mediate effects of exercise and astaxanthin on oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetes.
    Basereh A; Khoramipour K; Hosseini N; HajHosseini M; Khodabakhshi A; Amirkhosravi L; Khoramipour K · Scientific reports · 2025
    Randomized trial90 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forAstaxanthin
  37. Effects of astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis extract on cognitive function: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
    Katagiri M; Satoh A; Tsuji S; Shirasawa T · Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition · 2012
    Randomized trial96 participantsCognitive Support forAstaxanthin
  38. Effect of astaxanthin-rich extract derived from Paracoccus carotinifaciens on cognitive function in middle-aged and older individuals.
    Hayashi M; Ishibashi T; Maoka T · Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition · 2020
    Clinical trial54 participantsCognitive Support forAstaxanthin
  39. The Effects of Astaxanthin on Cognitive Function and Neurodegeneration in Humans: A Critical Review.
    Queen CJJ; Sparks SA; Marchant DC; McNaughton LR · Nutrients · 2024
    Narrative reviewCognitive Support forAstaxanthin
  40. Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Fatigue, Motor Function and Cognition: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    Liu C; Dong X; Jia J; Ha M · Biological research for nursing · 2024
    Meta-analysis346 participants11 studies pooledCognitive Support forAstaxanthin
  41. Astaxanthin and improvement of dementia: A systematic review of current clinical trials.
    Utomo NP; Pinzon RT; Latumahina PK; Damayanti KRS · Cerebral circulation - cognition and behavior · 2024
    Systematic reviewCognitive Support forAstaxanthin
  42. Astaxanthin supplement improves clinical outcomes, quality of life, and inflammatory factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized clinical trial.
    Grigorian A; Tabatabaeyan A; Salesi M; Feizi A; Ahmadi AR; Kafeshani M · Food & function · 2025
    Randomized trial60 participantsJoint Health forAstaxanthin
  43. A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Krill Oil, Astaxanthin, and Oral Hyaluronic Acid Complex on Joint Health in People with Mild Osteoarthritis.
    Hill WS; Dohnalek MH; Ha Y; Kim SJ; Jung JC; Kang SB · Nutrients · 2023
    Randomized trial100 participantsJoint Health forAstaxanthin