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Astaxanthin 4 mg

Swanson
4.7
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(1077 ratings)
Astaxanthin 4 mg
Product Image
Score82
A well-sized 4 mg astaxanthin serving offers focused antioxidant support, while missing carrier and stability details are the main quality gaps.
How scoring works
Quantity:60 Softgel(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Vision Support
Heart Health
Anti-Aging
Cognitive Support

Score 82

A well-sized 4 mg astaxanthin serving offers focused antioxidant support, while missing carrier and stability details are the main quality gaps.
How scoring works

Also available as

2 options
8.00mg • 30 servings Astaxanthin 8 mg • 30 Softgel(s) • 30 servings $16.99 ($0.56 per serving) 12.00mg • 30 servings Astaxanthin 12 mg • 30 Softgel(s) • 30 servings $32.99 ($1.09 per serving)
$18.59($0.30 per serving)
iHerb
$ 18.59
iHerb
$ 18.59
Amazon
$ 0.00
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Analysis

The 4 mg serving sits within a commonly used supplemental range and supports antioxidant pathways relevant to skin, eye, cardiovascular, and exercise-recovery goals. A stated natural astaxanthin complex makes the ingredient identity easier to assess than an unspecified carotenoid blend.

The softgel format is appropriate for a fat-soluble active. 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 moderate dose and serving cost suit entry-level use. Adults starting with a lower astaxanthin amount 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 starting with a lower astaxanthin amount
Best for
  • Daily antioxidant support
  • Skin and eye carotenoid routines
  • Users avoiding complex blends

Pros

  • Clearly stated 4 mg amount
  • A stated natural astaxanthin complex
  • Focused one-active formula

Cons

  • Carrier oil is not identified
  • Oxidation-protection details are absent
  • The exact microalgae source is not provided.

Nutrient quality

90 Highest impact

A natural complex is preferable to an unspecified synthetic source, but the algae and purity standard are not named; the amount is meaningful for general antioxidant support. 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

76 High impact

Listed actives generally have specific amounts; no proprietary blend hides key doses except where noted. The active is clear, while its algal source, standardization, and carrier system remain unspecified; serving directions and inactive ingredients are not supplied.

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Customer satisfaction

71 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

89 Highest impact

Useful dosing matches the moderate price; the serving cost is reasonable for a general-support amount. The focused formula contains no low-value active additions; the product is competitive among entry-level astaxanthin softgels.

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Report analysis

Goals

Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Astaxanthin directly supports antioxidant defense and may improve skin resilience to ultraviolet stress. Human trials also suggest benefits for moisture, elasticity, and skin texture at commonly used amounts.

The 4 mg amount is clearly disclosed and lies within a clinically used range. A natural complex is stated, but the biological source, carrier oil, and stability protection are not disclosed. The focused formula avoids unrelated active ingredients.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 12 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Astaxanthin provides a focused carotenoid antioxidant that may help limit oxidative signals linked with inflammation. The 4 mg amount falls within a meaningful supplemental range, although it does not directly target as many inflammatory pathways as curcumin, boswellia, or omega-3 fats.

The softgel suits a fat-soluble carotenoid and the active amount is clear. The biological source and carrier oil are not fully identified, which limits confidence in absorption and authenticity.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 18 studies
Vision Support
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportD CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Astaxanthin offers targeted retinal antioxidant support and may help visual fatigue. Human evidence is promising for eye strain, though it is less established than core macular pigment evidence.

The 4 mg amount is a practical entry-level dose used in vision formulas. The single-carotenoid formula is coherent for focused antioxidant support.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Mixed 7 studies
Heart Health
Heart Health
Impact
High effect
C Goal FitB Strength of SupportC- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Astaxanthin provides a clinically relevant antioxidant amount that may support vascular oxidative-stress defenses. The source is described only as a natural complex, limiting confidence in identity and standardization.

The one-softgel amount is clear, but the carrier oil, branded material, and stability protection are not disclosed. The focused product covers antioxidant support without broader cardiovascular mechanisms.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 16 studies
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitB- Strength of SupportD CoverageA Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Astaxanthin provides a meaningful antioxidant amount relevant to skin and eye resilience. The natural complex is identified, though the exact algal source is not.

The softgel may help absorption while missing carrier details limit quality assessment. The lean formula offers useful depth for oxidative stress but little pathway breadth.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 4 studies
Cognitive Support
Cognitive Support
Impact
High effect
D+ Goal FitB- Strength of SupportD CoverageA Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Astaxanthin can reach brain tissue and may help protect neurons from oxidative stress, which supports long-term cognitive resilience. Direct evidence for improving memory, attention, or processing speed is limited compared with established cognitive actives.

The 4 mg serving is clinically relevant, and a natural complex is stated without naming the exact algal source. The softgel suits a fat-soluble carotenoid, although carrier oil and oxidation-protection details are not fully disclosed.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Mixed 6 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Astaxanthin (natural Astaxanthin Complex)
 4 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Astaxanthin (natural Astaxanthin Complex) · 4 mg OverallScore72
D+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

The 4 mg serving provides a clinically relevant amount and clearly states the active yield. A natural complex and softgel format are positive, but the exact algal source, carrier oil, branded material, stabilizer, and packaging protection are not identified. Cost efficiency falls within the fair market range for the delivered amount.

View ingredientView products
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<p>A 12 mg astaxanthin serving that uses the named Astalif astaxanthin form provides a well-defined antioxidant-focused option. Its 12 mg active amount is higher than the original’s 4 mg serving. The named form improves identification, though complete carrier and extraction details are not supplied.</p>
86 Budget

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<p>A lower per-serving cost makes the 4 mg astaxanthin dose a more economical alternative. The formula uses a named Haematococcus pluvialis algae source, while its 4 mg active amount matches the original. The algae source is identified, but the supplied data do not show the extraction ratio or complete carrier details.</p>
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Astaxanthin 10 mg

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<p>A lower per-serving cost makes the 10 mg astaxanthin dose a more economical alternative. The formula uses a named Haematococcus pluvialis algae source, while its 10 mg active amount is higher than the original’s 4 mg serving. The algae source is identified, but the supplied data do not show the extraction ratio or complete carrier details.</p>
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Astaxanthin Plus 4 mg

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<p>A lower per-serving cost makes the 4 mg astaxanthin dose a more economical alternative. The formula uses a named Haematococcus pluvialis algae source, while its 4 mg active amount matches the original. The algae source is identified, but the supplied data do not show the extraction ratio or complete carrier details.</p>
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Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12 mg

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<p>The combination of a 12 mg astaxanthin serving and practical serving economics creates a balanced quality-to-value option. The formula uses a named Haematococcus pluvialis algae source, while its 12 mg active amount is higher than the original’s 4 mg serving. The algae source is identified, but the supplied data do not show the extraction ratio or complete carrier details.</p>
87 Value

Astaxanthin 12 mg

California Gold Nutrition
<p>The combination of a 12 mg astaxanthin serving and practical serving economics creates a balanced quality-to-value option. The formula uses a named Haematococcus pluvialis algae source, while its 12 mg active amount is higher than the original’s 4 mg serving. The algae source is identified, but the supplied data do not show the extraction ratio or complete carrier details.</p>
85 Value

Astaxanthin 12 mg

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<p>The combination of a 12 mg astaxanthin serving and practical serving economics creates a balanced quality-to-value option. The formula uses a named Haematococcus pluvialis algae source, while its 12 mg active amount is higher than the original’s 4 mg serving. The algae source is identified, but the supplied data do not show the extraction ratio or complete carrier details.</p>
Report alternatives

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 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. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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 forAstaxanthin
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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-analysisCardiovascular Support Heart Health forAstaxanthin
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects.
    Tominaga K; Hongo N; Karato M; Yamashita E · Acta biochimica Polonica · 2012
    Other66 participantsSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  21. 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 participantsCardiovascular Support forAstaxanthin
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. Astaxanthin, oxidative stress, inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
    Fassett RG; Coombes JS · Future cardiology · 2009
    Narrative reviewCardiovascular Support forAstaxanthin
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. 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
  41. 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