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Astaxanthin 8 mg

Swanson
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(638 ratings)
Astaxanthin 8 mg
Product Image
Score81
An 8 mg astaxanthin serving provides meaningful antioxidant potency in a convenient softgel. The source is described only as a natural complex, with no named algae, carrier oil, or stability protection.
How scoring works
Quantity:30 Softgel(s) • (30 servings)
Goals:
Skin Health
Heart Health
Anti-Aging
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Vision Support
Cardiovascular Support
Joint Health
Cognitive Support

Score 81

An 8 mg astaxanthin serving provides meaningful antioxidant potency in a convenient softgel. The source is described only as a natural complex, with no named algae, carrier oil, or stability protection.
How scoring works
$16.99($0.56 per serving)
iHerb
$ 16.99
iHerb
$ 16.99
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Analysis

An 8 mg astaxanthin serving provides meaningful antioxidant potency in a convenient softgel. The amount is relevant to skin, eye, vascular, and joint-related oxidative support.

The source is described only as a natural complex, with no named algae, carrier oil, or stability protection. Those gaps make source quality and absorption less verifiable than the dose.

It fits users wanting a substantial astaxanthin amount at a moderate serving cost. People prioritizing traceability should choose a clearly identified H. pluvialis source.

Who is it for
  • users wanting a substantial astaxanthin amount at a moderate serving cost
  • Adults seeking antioxidant support
  • Users comfortable with the stated formulation trade-offs
Best for
  • Substantial astaxanthin dosing
  • Broad antioxidant support
  • Simple softgel routines

Pros

  • Clinically relevant 8 mg amount
  • Softgel may aid absorption
  • Focused formula

Cons

  • Biological source is vague
  • Carrier oil is undisclosed
  • No oxidation-protection details

Warnings

  • Astaxanthin may add to the effects of blood-pressure or glucose-lowering medicines
  • Use cautiously with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines because combined effects are uncertain
  • Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only with individualized professional guidance

Nutrient quality

90 Highest impact

A natural astaxanthin complex in a softgel gives the formula reasonable ingredient quality. The disclosed amounts are meaningful and the ingredient selection stays focused.

Ingredient transparency

78 High impact

Important active details are incomplete or internally inconsistent. Serving guidance and the complete inactive-ingredient list are not fully supplied.

Customer satisfaction

68 High impact

The aggregate rating is strong and supported by useful review volume. No review excerpts are supplied to assess repeated complaints or purpose-specific experiences.

Value for money

88 Highest impact

Formula quality provides fair value for the category. Serving value is reasonable, with trade-offs in delivery or disclosure.

Report analysis

Goals

Skin Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 8 mg

An 8 mg astaxanthin serving provides a clinically relevant antioxidant amount for skin resilience against UV-related oxidative stress. Human studies also suggest support for elasticity, moisture, and fine-line appearance.

The softgel format may help this fat-soluble carotenoid, but no carrier oil, algal source, or branded standard is identified. The focused formula offers strong antioxidant depth without addressing structural building blocks or the moisture barrier directly.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 12 studies
Heart Health
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 8 mg

Astaxanthin at 8 mg provides a meaningful antioxidant amount that may support vascular oxidative balance and circulation. Softgel delivery suits a fat-soluble compound, although the algal source, carrier oil, and stability controls are not stated.

The focused formula offers depth in antioxidant protection but does not address lipids, blood pressure, or cardiac energy through separate actives. Cardiovascular evidence is promising for intermediate markers but less established than for omega-3s or CoQ10 in defined clinical settings.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 16 studies
Anti-Aging
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 8 mg

Astaxanthin provides lipid-soluble antioxidant support with relevance to skin, eye, and cellular aging. Human evidence is promising for skin and oxidative-stress markers but does not show broad healthspan extension.

The 8 mg dose is clinically relevant and the softgel should help absorption. The natural complex does not identify an algal source, carrier oil, trademark, or stability protection.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 4 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 8 mg

Astaxanthin provides focused antioxidant support that may help limit oxidative drivers of inflammatory stress. The disclosed amount falls in a meaningful range and the softgel may aid absorption.

The source is described only as a natural complex, with no verified algal source, carrier oil, or stability details. The formula is narrow but delivers a useful amount without distracting additions.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 18 studies
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA- Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 8 mg

Astaxanthin provides eye-specific antioxidant support and may help with visual fatigue or oxidative stress. It does not replace lutein and zeaxanthin for macular filtering or DHA for retinal membrane structure.

The 8 mg amount is clinically relevant and fully disclosed, while the softgel may aid absorption. The label does not name the biological source, carrier oil, or stability protection, leaving important quality details uncertain.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Mixed 7 studies
Cardiovascular Support
Impact
High effect
C Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 8 mg

Astaxanthin provides antioxidant support that may help limit lipid oxidation and support blood flow. Human cardiovascular evidence is promising but less established than for core actives such as omega-3s or magnesium.

The 8 mg amount falls within a clinically relevant range, and softgel delivery may help absorption. The label does not identify an algal source, carrier oil, trademarked standard, or oxidation protection.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 12 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Astaxanthin (natural Astaxanthin Complex)
8 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
D Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

The 8 mg dose is clinically relevant and clearly disclosed, but the label calls the source only a natural astaxanthin complex. Softgel delivery may help absorption, although no carrier oil, verified algal source, trademarked standard, or stability protection is shown. Cost per milligram is within the fair market range.

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Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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 participantsAnti-Aging Skin Health forAstaxanthin
  10. Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential.
    Kidd P · Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic · 2012
    Narrative reviewAnti-Aging Vision Support forAstaxanthin
  11. 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 pooledAnti-Aging forAstaxanthin
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  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. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects.
    Tominaga K; Hongo N; Karato M; Yamashita E · Acta biochimica Polonica · 2012
    Other66 participantsSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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