Astaxanthin
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) is a dietary supplement with 25 published peer-reviewed studies involving 638 participants, researched for Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Exercise Performance & Recovery, Skin Health & Anti-Ageing and 3 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Effects
ModerateExercise Performance & Recovery
ModerateSkin Health & Anti-Ageing
WeakCardiovascular & Metabolic Health
StrongClinical trials
ModerateSystematic reviews
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Effects
To evaluate the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in humans through a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in humans through a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.
Dose
Various (4-40 mg/day)
Participants
Meta-analysis of multiple RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
Astaxanthin supplementation mildly but significantly reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA) and inflammation biomarkers (CRP, IL-6). Effects were more pronounced at higher doses and longer durations.
How They Measured It
MDA, SOD, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α across included trials
To assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of astaxanthin as adjunctive therapy in community-acquired pneumonia.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of astaxanthin as adjunctive therapy in community-acquired pneumonia.
Dose
12 mg/day astaxanthin
Participants
80 patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia
Duration
7 days
Results
Astaxanthin adjunctive therapy significantly reduced inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and improved antioxidant capacity compared to standard treatment alone. Clinical recovery was faster in the astaxanthin group.
How They Measured It
CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, total antioxidant capacity, clinical recovery outcomes
To investigate the effects of oral astaxanthin on arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, and inflammation in renal transplant recipients.
Study Type
Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind
Purpose
To investigate the effects of oral astaxanthin on arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, and inflammation in renal transplant recipients.
Dose
12 mg/day astaxanthin
Participants
61 renal transplant patients
Duration
12 months
Results
Astaxanthin had no significant effect on arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, or inflammation in renal transplant recipients. This population may be different from healthy individuals due to immunosuppressive medications.
How They Measured It
Pulse wave velocity (arterial stiffness), oxidative stress markers, inflammatory biomarkers
Exercise Performance & Recovery
To examine the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on physical activity factors, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and antioxidant indices in athletic men.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To examine the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on physical activity factors, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and antioxidant indices in athletic men.
Dose
Various (4-20 mg/day)
Participants
Meta-analysis of RCTs in male athletes
Duration
Various
Results
Astaxanthin supplementation significantly improved cycling time trial performance and total antioxidant capacity (TAC: SMD 1.1, 95% CI 0.43-1.77, p=0.046). No significant effect on VO2max or lipid profile.
How They Measured It
VO2max, endurance performance, lipid profile, CRP, TAC across RCTs
To assess the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on cycling performance, muscle damage biomarkers and oxidative stress in young adults.
Study Type
Randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on cycling performance, muscle damage biomarkers and oxidative stress in young adults.
Dose
28 mg/day astaxanthin
Participants
10 physically active male adults (mean age 22.5 years)
Duration
4 days (acute loading)
Results
Astaxanthin supplementation significantly reduced TNF-α and hs-CRP after exercise compared to placebo. Total antioxidant capacity was higher in the AST trial. Muscle damage markers (CK, LDH) were not significantly reduced.
How They Measured It
Cycling time trial performance, CK, LDH (muscle damage), MDA, TAC (oxidative stress), TNF-α, hs-CRP
To assess effects of 4-week astaxanthin supplementation on athletic performance and body composition in young male taekwondo athletes.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess effects of 4-week astaxanthin supplementation on athletic performance and body composition in young male taekwondo athletes.
Dose
20 mg/day astaxanthin
Participants
30 male taekwondo athletes
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Astaxanthin supplementation did not significantly change body composition but improved some anaerobic performance indicators. Antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly higher in the astaxanthin group.
How They Measured It
Anaerobic performance (Wingate test), body composition (DEXA), muscle strength (isokinetic dynamometry)
Skin Health & Anti-Ageing
To systematically evaluate whether astaxanthin applications have anti-ageing effects on human skin.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To systematically evaluate whether astaxanthin applications have anti-ageing effects on human skin.
Dose
3-6 mg/day oral astaxanthin
Participants
Meta-analysis of 11 studies (9 RCTs on oral, 2 on topical/oral)
Duration
8-16 weeks
Results
Oral astaxanthin supplementation significantly improved skin moisture content, elasticity, and reduced wrinkle depth. Effects were consistent across multiple well-controlled RCTs, suggesting a real anti-ageing benefit for human skin.
How They Measured It
Skin elasticity, moisture, wrinkle depth, texture, sebum content across included studies
To summarise clinical evidence for astaxanthin effects on skin health including photoprotection, moisture, wrinkles, and elasticity.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To summarise clinical evidence for astaxanthin effects on skin health including photoprotection, moisture, wrinkles, and elasticity.
Dose
3-12 mg/day oral astaxanthin
Participants
Systematic review of 11 clinical studies
Duration
8-16 weeks
Results
Clinical studies support astaxanthin's beneficial effects on skin moisture, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction, with consistent findings across RCTs and prospective studies. Oral supplementation appears effective for skin anti-ageing.
How They Measured It
Various skin health outcomes across 11 clinical studies
Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
To evaluate the effect of astaxanthin on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress markers, and body composition in overweight subjects.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of astaxanthin on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress markers, and body composition in overweight subjects.
Dose
6 mg/day or 12 mg/day astaxanthin
Participants
61 overweight and obese adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Both doses of astaxanthin significantly reduced triglycerides and improved HDL cholesterol. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, 8-OHdG) were significantly reduced. Effects were dose-dependent.
How They Measured It
Triglycerides, LDL, HDL, apolipoprotein B, MDA, 8-OHdG
To evaluate the effects of astaxanthin on blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation in patients with hypertension.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of astaxanthin on blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation in patients with hypertension.
Dose
6 mg/day astaxanthin
Participants
27 hypertensive adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Astaxanthin supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and improved antioxidant markers (SOD activity) compared to placebo. CRP and MDA were also reduced.
How They Measured It
Blood pressure, CRP, MDA, SOD activity
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in astaxanthin supplement improves clinical outcomes, quality of life, and inflammatory factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized clini
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in astaxanthin supplement improves clinical outcomes, quality of life, and inflammatory factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized clini
Dose
20 mg
Participants
60 participants
Duration
8 weeks
Results
not change in either group by the end of the study, and the difference between the two groups also was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of ASX on some important clinical outcomes, quality of life, and inflammatory factors in patients with RA. Including it as part of their treatment plan could significantly aid in managing their condition.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in astaxanthin (astareal(®)) improved acute and chronic digital eye strain in children: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in astaxanthin (astareal(®)) improved acute and chronic digital eye strain in children: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
This study assessed the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on chronic and acute digital eye strain in school-aged children (10-14 years) and evaluated its safety. While previous studies focused on adults, this study examined astaxanthin's effects on developing eyes.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in impact of astaxanthin on oxidative markers, uric acid, and clinical symptoms in heart failure: a randomized clinical trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in impact of astaxanthin on oxidative markers, uric acid, and clinical symptoms in heart failure: a randomized clinical trial.
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Chronic heart failure (HF) is often linked to increased oxidative stress and metabolic issues like high uric acid, which can worsen outcomes. Astaxanthin (ASX), a strong antioxidant, may help reduce these harmful effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ASX supplementation on oxidative stress markers as the primary outcome and clinical symptoms in patients with HF.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in boosting antioxidant defense: the effect of astaxantin on superoxidase dismutase and malondialdehyde reduction in patients with head and neck cancer r
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in boosting antioxidant defense: the effect of astaxantin on superoxidase dismutase and malondialdehyde reduction in patients with head and neck cancer r
Dose
4 mg
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
21 days
Results
Patients with HNC who receive cisplatin chemotherapy can have an increase in SOD and a decrease in MDA after receiving astaxanthin for 21 days.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in astaxanthin improves assisted reproductive technology outcomes in poor ovarian responders through alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apop
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in astaxanthin improves assisted reproductive technology outcomes in poor ovarian responders through alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apop
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ed ovarian reserve, resulting in low live birth rates. Many patients prefer to conceive with their eggs, underscoring the need for improved treatments. This study explores astaxanthin potential as a COS adjuvant to improve ovarian response and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, considering its impact on oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and apoptosis, which are key factors in POR.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in redox-sensitive mirnas and humanin could mediate effects of exercise and astaxanthin on oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetes.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in redox-sensitive mirnas and humanin could mediate effects of exercise and astaxanthin on oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetes.
Dose
8 mg/day
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
tly in CT groups but remained unchanged with S group. The metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits of CT and AST in T2DM may mediated by the effects of HN on mitochondrial function and insulin signaling, together with miRNA-mediated regulation of lipid metabolism, endothelial health, and innate immunity. Targeting these molecular pathways may improve therapeutic strategies for diabetes management.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in calanus oil and lifestyle interventions improve glucose homeostasis in obese subjects with insulin resistance.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in calanus oil and lifestyle interventions improve glucose homeostasis in obese subjects with insulin resistance.
Dose
2 g
Participants
266 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
vement with 2 g CO/day + LI (estimated marginal means [EMM] 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.19 [-0.80-0.41], p = 0.021). Secondary analysis revealed that 4 g CO/day had significant effects in subjects with mild IR (HOMA index 2.5-5.0) (EMM [95% CI]: -0.76 [-1.53-0.03], p = 0.043). CO supplementation improved glucose homeostasis, with effects varying by dose, combination with LI, and IR phenotype.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in exploring the impact of astaxanthin supplementation in conjunction with a 12-week crossfit training regimen on selected adipo-myokines levels in obese
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in exploring the impact of astaxanthin supplementation in conjunction with a 12-week crossfit training regimen on selected adipo-myokines levels in obese
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Obesity is associated with an exacerbated metabolic condition that is mediated through impairing balance in the secretion of some adipo-myokines. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to explore the impact of astaxanthin supplementation in conjunction with a 12-week CrossFit training regimen on some selected adipo-myokines, insulin insensitivity, and serum lipid levels in obese males.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in the effects of antioxidant supplementation on pain, oxidative stress markers, and clinical pregnancy rate in women with endometriosis: a systematic re
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in the effects of antioxidant supplementation on pain, oxidative stress markers, and clinical pregnancy rate in women with endometriosis: a systematic re
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
21 randomized controlled trials involving 1,626 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
duration of intervention. These findings suggest that antioxidant supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits in alleviating specific pain symptoms and reducing oxidative stress in women with endometriosis. Further large-scale and high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these results and establish optimal antioxidant strategies for long-term management of endometriosis.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in functional recovery promotion after spinal cord injury with astaxanthin treatment in preclinical studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in functional recovery promotion after spinal cord injury with astaxanthin treatment in preclinical studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Astaxanthin has the potential to be used as an adjuvant in improving motor behavior, and it is suggested to conduct clinical studies on it.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in effects of carotenoid supplementation on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in effects of carotenoid supplementation on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of carotenoid supplementation on glycemic indices, and the certainty of evidence.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in antioxidant lipid supplement on cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in antioxidant lipid supplement on cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
s. Notably, n9 fatty acid increased triglyceride and hemoglobin A1C in the total population, which increases CVD risk. Antioxidant lipid supplementations ameliorate cardiometabolic risk factors, while their effect may depend on type and cardiometabolic health status. Long-term RCTs are needed to corroborate risk-benefit ratios across different antioxidant functional lipid supplementation settings.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in effectiveness of dietary supplements for skin photoaging in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in effectiveness of dietary supplements for skin photoaging in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
The dietary supplement industry offers a wide range of orally consumed products that claim to combat skin photoaging, however, there is a lack of research on the proof of safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements in anti-skin photoaging. To further confirm their safety and efficacy, this article provides a detailed review and meta-analysis.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in effects of carotenoid supplementation on liver enzymes in adults: a grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized con
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in effects of carotenoid supplementation on liver enzymes in adults: a grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized con
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Carotenoids are known for their beneficial effects in improving chronic diseases through their antioxidant properties. However, there has been no meta-analysis on the effects of carotenoids on liver enzymes and the evidence is inconsistent. So, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of carotenoid supplementation on liver enzyme levels in adults.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in exploring the benefits of astaxanthin as a functional food ingredient: its effects on oxidative stress and reproductive outcomes in women with pcos -
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astaxanthin in exploring the benefits of astaxanthin as a functional food ingredient: its effects on oxidative stress and reproductive outcomes in women with pcos -
Dose
Astaxanthin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
earch with standardized protocols and larger sample sizes. Future studies should focus on determining optimal dosing, exploring mechanistic pathways, and investigating the combined effects of astaxanthin with other interventions. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess long-term benefits and safety, and personalized approaches could enhance treatment efficacy for individuals with PCOS.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Astaxanthin research
There are currently 25 peer-reviewed studies on Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis), involving 638 total participants. Research covers Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Exercise Performance & Recovery, Skin Health & Anti-Ageing and 3 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (14 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Astaxanthin has been researched for: Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Exercise Performance & Recovery, Skin Health & Anti-Ageing, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, Clinical trials, Systematic reviews. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 14 out of 25 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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