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Astaxanthin 4 mg

Dr. Mercola
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(245 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:90 Capsule(s) • (90 servings)
Goals:
Cardiovascular Support
Skin Health
Anti-Aging
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Vision 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

3 options
30 servings Astaxanthin 4 mg • 30 Capsule(s) • 30 servings $14.99 ($0.49 per serving) 12.00mg • 90 Capsule(s) servings Astaxanthin 12 mg • 90 Capsule(s) • 90 servings $94.97 ($1.05 per serving) 12.00mg • 30 servings Astaxanthin 12 mg • 30 Capsule(s) • 30 servings $39.97 ($1.33 per serving)
$43.99($0.48 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 56.19
iHerb
$ 43.99
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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. Organic Haematococcus pluvialis extract makes the ingredient identity easier to assess than an unspecified carotenoid blend.

The capsule does not establish the presence of a lipid carrier. 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 long supply offers reasonable routine convenience. Adults preferring organic sourcing and a lower dose 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 preferring organic sourcing and a lower dose
Best for
  • Daily antioxidant support
  • Skin and eye carotenoid routines
  • Users avoiding complex blends

Pros

  • Clearly stated 4 mg amount
  • Organic Haematococcus pluvialis extract
  • Focused one-active formula

Cons

  • Carrier oil is not identified
  • Oxidation-protection details are absent
  • Absorption support is less clear than with an oil softgel.

Nutrient quality

92 Highest impact

Organic Haematococcus pluvialis provides a strong source, though no branded standard is 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

78 High impact

Listed actives generally have specific amounts; no proprietary blend hides key doses except where noted. The organic algal source is specific, but carrier oil and oxidation protection are not described; 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 rating sample is moderate, 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

83 Highest impact

Organic sourcing supports fair formula value; the serving cost is reasonable for the active amount. The focused formula contains no low-value active additions; the product is moderately competitive within natural astaxanthin supplements.

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Report analysis

Goals

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

Ubiquinone supports mitochondrial energy production in heart muscle and provides lipid-phase antioxidant activity. The standard amount may be especially relevant when statin use or low CoQ10 status is a concern.

The focused capsule clearly discloses the ubiquinone amount and form. CoQ10 may reduce warfarin’s anticoagulant effect, so stable use requires clinical monitoring.

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

Organic Haematococcus pluvialis extract provides 4 mg of astaxanthin for antioxidant and photo-protective support. Human trials suggest benefits for skin moisture, elasticity, and response to UV exposure, though it remains a single-pathway formula.

The active amount and source are clearly disclosed in a streamlined product. No collagen-building or direct hydration ingredient broadens the skin strategy.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 12 studies
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportB- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Astaxanthin provides targeted antioxidant support that may help protect skin and other tissues from oxidative stress. Human evidence is useful for skin and oxidative markers but less conclusive for broad healthspan outcomes.

The 4 mg amount from Haematococcus pluvialis is clearly disclosed and sits at the lower end of common supplemental use. The focused single-active design avoids dilution across unrelated ingredients.

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

Natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis provides targeted antioxidant support relevant to systemic inflammatory stress. The disclosed amount reaches a commonly used daily level.

The capsule does not identify a carrier oil, branded source, or protective stabilizer. Those omissions reduce confidence in absorption and long-term stability despite the well-matched active ingredient.

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

Natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis provides a relevant carotenoid antioxidant at a clinically aligned 4 mg amount. It may support visual comfort and retinal oxidative defenses, although it is not part of the AREDS2 core formula.

The active yield and source are clear, but no carrier oil or protective stabilizer is disclosed. The focused formula has useful depth for astaxanthin while leaving macular-pigment, structural-lipid, and broader antioxidant pathways uncovered.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Mixed 7 studies
Cognitive Support
Cognitive Support
Impact
Moderate effect
D+ Goal FitB- Strength of SupportD- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Natural astaxanthin may support brain cells through antioxidant protection, but it is not a direct focus or memory enhancer. Human cognitive evidence remains limited compared with its skin and eye uses.

The 4 mg amount is clinically relevant for general antioxidant use, yet the capsule has no stated carrier oil. The formula is clean and focused, but absorption uncertainty further limits its cognitive contribution.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Mixed 6 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
organic Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis extract)
 4 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis extract) · 4 mg OverallScore74
C Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

The natural algal source and clinically aligned amount are meaningful strengths. The capsule has no stated carrier oil, trademarked ingredient, or protective stabilizer, leaving absorption and oxidation protection uncertain. Cost per active amount sits near the market norm.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
88 Performance

Vegan Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12 mg

BioAstin
<p>A substantial amount from a recognized algal source in a vegan fat-containing softgel supports quality and absorption. Compared with Astaxanthin 4 mg, the stronger ingredient assessment offers a clearer combination of astaxanthin source, dose, and delivery.</p>
88 Performance

Astaxanthin 10 mg

Lake Avenue Nutrition
<p>Natural algal astaxanthin provides a meaningful amount in a focused softgel formula. Compared with Astaxanthin 4 mg, the stronger ingredient assessment offers a clearer combination of astaxanthin source, dose, and delivery.</p>
87 Performance

Extra Strength Astaxanthin 10 mg

NOW
<p>A clinically relevant amount from a well-regarded algal source supports a focused antioxidant formula. Compared with Astaxanthin 4 mg, the stronger ingredient assessment offers a clearer combination of astaxanthin source, dose, and delivery.</p>
87 Budget

Astaxanthin 12 mg

California Gold Nutrition
<p>Natural algal astaxanthin provides a meaningful amount in a focused softgel formula. Compared with Astaxanthin 4 mg, the lower serving cost improves value while keeping astaxanthin as the central active.</p>
86 Budget

Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12 mg

BioAstin
<p>Natural Haematococcus pluvialis astaxanthin in a fat-containing softgel provides a strong source, dose, and delivery combination. Compared with Astaxanthin 4 mg, the lower serving cost improves value while keeping astaxanthin as the central active.</p>
86 Budget

Astaxanthin 12 mg

SR Sports Research
<p>Branded natural astaxanthin in a softgel provides a strong source, dose, and delivery combination. Compared with Astaxanthin 4 mg, the lower serving cost improves value while keeping astaxanthin as the central active.</p>
86 Value

Astaxanthin 4 mg

NOW
<p>A lower but still useful amount from a well-regarded algal source supports straightforward antioxidant use. Compared with Astaxanthin 4 mg, it maintains similar formulation quality at a lower recurring cost.</p>
83 Value

Astaxanthin Plus 4 mg

Natural Factors
<p>The natural carotenoid combination is coherent and provides a useful entry-level astaxanthin amount. Compared with Astaxanthin 4 mg, it maintains similar formulation quality at a lower recurring cost.</p>
86 Value

Astaxanthin with AstaReal 6 mg

Doctor's Best
<p>AstaReal supplies a well-characterized natural astaxanthin source at a useful midrange amount. Compared with Astaxanthin 4 mg, it maintains similar formulation quality at a lower recurring cost.</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 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 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 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