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MaculaPF

Jarrow Formulas
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2598 ratings)
Astaxanthin 4 mg
Choline 10 mg
Product Image
Score84
Strong, focused carotenoid dosing supports eye nutrition, while token choline and limited delivery details are the main weaknesses.
How scoring works
Quantity:30 Softgel(s) • (30 servings)
Goals:
Vision Support
Anti-Aging
Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support

Score 84

Strong, focused carotenoid dosing supports eye nutrition, while token choline and limited delivery details are the main weaknesses.
How scoring works
$16.48($0.54 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 17.99
iHerb
$ 16.48
Vitacost
$ 17.99
Daily Vita
$ 17.99
Amazon
$ 23.94
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Analysis

Lutein and zeaxanthin from marigold provide strong macular-pigment coverage, while astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis adds another ocular antioxidant. The 4 mg astaxanthin amount is meaningful within this focused combination.

Choline from sunflower lecithin is only 10 mg and should be viewed as a minor carrier-related addition rather than useful choline supplementation. The supplied information does not identify carrier oil, stability protection, or other delivery details.

One softgel daily keeps the routine simple, and the formula concentrates on relevant eye nutrients. It best suits buyers seeking carotenoids rather than a broad multivitamin or dedicated choline product.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking concentrated eye carotenoids
  • Users wanting lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin together
  • People who prefer one softgel daily
Best for
  • Macular pigment support
  • Ocular antioxidant coverage
  • Focused carotenoid intake

Pros

  • Provides 20 mg lutein
  • Includes 13 mg zeaxanthin
  • Uses natural-source astaxanthin
  • Requires one softgel per serving

Cons

  • Choline amount is nutritionally minor
  • Carrier oil is not disclosed
  • Stability details are not provided
  • Does not include broader eye-health minerals or omega fats

Nutrient quality

93 Highest impact

Marigold carotenoids and microalgae-derived astaxanthin are well-regarded forms in a suitable softgel. The three carotenoids have meaningful amounts, while the choline contribution is very small.

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Ingredient transparency

79 High impact

Every listed active ingredient has a specific amount. The supplied label data does not identify the carrier oil or complete inactive ingredients.

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Customer satisfaction

71 High impact

The aggregate satisfaction measure and review volume support a favorable first impression. Missing firsthand feedback leaves repeat complaints and real-world purpose fit uncertain.

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Value for money

91 Highest impact

The price is well matched to a focused formula with meaningful natural carotenoid amounts. Each serving provides good value for three complementary eye-support actives.

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Report analysis

Goals

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

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin directly target macular pigment and retinal antioxidant protection. The lutein-zeaxanthin pair has strong human evidence, with astaxanthin adding promising support for visual fatigue.

The 20 mg lutein, 13 mg zeaxanthin, and 4 mg astaxanthin amounts are all meaningful. The three carotenoids form a highly coherent ocular formula with complementary roles.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Mixed 7 studies
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportB- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin provide targeted antioxidant support for visual function as people age. The carotenoid amounts are meaningful, and the natural astaxanthin source is clearly identified.

The softgel suits these fat-soluble actives, though its carrier oil is not disclosed. Coverage is strong for eye resilience but narrow for whole-body healthy aging.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 4 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
A- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageC 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. Natural Haematococcus pluvialis sourcing is clear, but the carrier oil and stability protection are not disclosed. Lutein and zeaxanthin mainly broaden eye support rather than adding distinct skin pathways.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 12 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
C- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageB Formula Quality
Astaxanthin · 4 mg

Astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin provide antioxidant protection that may reduce local oxidative inflammatory stress. Human evidence is strongest for eye-related antioxidant outcomes rather than broad systemic inflammation.

The carotenoid amounts are meaningful, including a clinically relevant 4 mg of astaxanthin. Natural sources and amounts are clear, but the carrier oil, branded status, and oxidation safeguards are not disclosed.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Supportive 18 studies
Cognitive Support
Cognitive Support
Impact
Moderate effect
D+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageC+ Formula Quality
Choline · 10 mgAstaxanthin · 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 the Haematococcus pluvialis source is identified. The softgel suits a fat-soluble carotenoid, although carrier oil and oxidation-protection details are not fully disclosed.

Study evidence
Astaxanthin Mixed 6 studies
Choline Supportive 76 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Choline (Sunflower Lecithin)
 10 mg
Lutein (Marigold)
 20 mg
Zeaxanthin (Marigold)
 13 mg
Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis)
 4 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) · 4 mg OverallScore76
B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The natural microalgae source and clinically relevant amount support a credible astaxanthin contribution within this multi-ingredient eye formula. The softgel suits a fat-soluble active, but the carrier oil, branded ingredient status, and oxidation safeguards are not disclosed. Cost per milligram is relatively high for buyers focused mainly on astaxanthin.

View ingredientView products
Choline (Sunflower Lecithin) · 10 mg OverallScore47
D+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityC- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

The serving supplies 10 mg of elemental choline from sunflower lecithin within a one-softgel eye formula. 10 mg of elemental choline is below the level expected for meaningful standalone impact. Elemental yield is clear, but cost efficiency remains weak for the active amount.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
88 Performance

Vegan Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12 mg

BioAstin
<p>A substantial amount of recognized algal astaxanthin in a vegan fat-containing softgel improves astaxanthin strength and delivery clarity. Lutein and zeaxanthin are not included, so the original remains broader for direct macular support.</p>
86 Performance

Astaxanthin 12 mg

SR Sports Research
<p>Branded natural astaxanthin provides a stronger focused antioxidant dose in an appropriate softgel. Carrier and stability details are incomplete, and the absence of lutein and zeaxanthin prevents a full vision-focused upgrade.</p>
87 Performance

Astaxanthin 12 mg

California Gold Nutrition
<p>Clearly sourced natural algal astaxanthin provides a high focused amount with broad antioxidant alignment. The formula lacks lutein and zeaxanthin, so it is an alternative for astaxanthin emphasis rather than a complete replacement.</p>
87 Budget

Astaxanthin 12 mg

California Gold Nutrition
<p>A high amount of branded natural astaxanthin offers strong antioxidant and skin support at lower serving cost. Lutein and zeaxanthin are absent, so it is less complete for macular support than the original.</p>
88 Budget

Astaxanthin 10 mg

Lake Avenue Nutrition
<p>Natural algal astaxanthin provides a meaningful focused dose at lower serving cost with clear source information. The single-active formula gives up the original’s lutein and zeaxanthin eye-support core.</p>
86 Budget

Astaxanthin with AstaReal 6 mg

Doctor's Best
<p>AstaReal astaxanthin supplies a well-characterized natural source at a useful amount and lower serving cost. It omits lutein and zeaxanthin, making its vision coverage narrower than the original.</p>
86 Value

Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12 mg

BioAstin
<p>Natural algal astaxanthin in a fat-containing softgel offers a large supply and exceptional active value. Missing lutein and zeaxanthin make it narrower for macular support despite the strong astaxanthin economics.</p>
87 Value

Extra Strength Astaxanthin 10 mg

NOW
<p>A meaningful algal astaxanthin amount provides focused antioxidant support with a long supply and attractive value. Carrier and stability details are incomplete, while lutein and zeaxanthin are absent.</p>
86 Value

Natural Astaxanthin 5 mg

Solgar
<p>Clearly identified algal astaxanthin provides a useful amount at favorable value. The formula is simple but does not replace the original’s substantial lutein and zeaxanthin amounts.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
    De Jesus Moreno Moreno M · Clinical therapeutics · 2003
    Randomized trial261 participantsCognitive Support forCholine
  18. Association of dietary choline intake with incidence of dementia, Alzheimer disease, and mild cognitive impairment: a large population-based prospective cohort study.
    Niu YY; Yan HY; Zhong JF; Diao ZQ; Li J; Li CP; Chen LH; Huang WQ; Xu M; Xu ZT; Liang XF; Li ZH; Liu D · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2025
    Cohort study125,594 participantsCognitive Support forCholine
  19. Choline intake during pregnancy and child cognition at age 7 years.
    Boeke CE; Gillman MW; Hughes MD; Rifas-Shiman SL; Villamor E; Oken E · American journal of epidemiology · 2013
    Cohort study895 participantsCognitive Support forCholine
  20. Effects of choline alfoscerate on cognitive function and quality of life in type 2 diabetes: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
    Sohn M; Park YH; Lim S · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2025
    Randomized trial36 participantsCognitive Support forCholine
  21. Maternal choline supplementation mitigates alcohol exposure effects on neonatal brain volumes.
    Warton FL; Molteno CD; Warton CMR; Wintermark P; Lindinger NM; Dodge NC; Zöllei L; van der Kouwe AJW; Carter RC; Jacobson JL; Jacobson SW; Meintjes EM · Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research · 2022
    Randomized trial52 participantsCognitive Support forCholine
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects.
    Tominaga K; Hongo N; Karato M; Yamashita E · Acta biochimica Polonica · 2012
    Other66 participantsSkin Health forAstaxanthin
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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