5 Best Astaxanthin Supplements (2023)

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With its antioxidant properties, astaxanthin is popular for its many health benefits. It is a carotenoid found mostly in algae, yeast, sea creatures, etc. Additionally, it is what gives the salmon its pink color. Thanks to its nutrient profile, it’s used in the best astaxanthin supplements to help treat numerous medical conditions.

As a substance rich in antioxidants, it’s been linked to lowering oxidative stress and improving blood flow. [1] Moreover, a study showed that it might help combat free radicals. [2] Also, astaxanthin may play a role in improving heart health based on research. A study from 2010 showed that it helps with regulating blood lipids, improving adiponectin, and increasing HDL (the good cholesterol) levels. [3]

Other health benefits may include improving blood pressure, alleviating joint pain, enhancing immune response, etc. However, more research needs to be done to know the extent of these benefits.

Quick Summary

Best Value For Money: Micro Ingredients Astaxanthin

Most Affordable Capsules: Solgar Natural Astaxanthin

Best In Bioavailability: Pure Encapsulations Astaxanthin

Best Astaxanthin Supplements

Micro Ingredients Astaxanthin

ASTAXANTHIN CONTENT PER SERVING:

12 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$28/90

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

1 softgel daily

As a leading brand in the industry, quality is synonymous with Micro Ingredients. Its astaxanthin supplement is no different as it went through third-party testing to guarantee potency and purity. Additionally, no artificial coloring and flavors are integrated with the softgels which improves its safety for users.

What’s more, the softgels are plant-based and are made easier to absorb with sunflower seed oil. This supplement aims to help users recover from physical activity and improve joint health. Moreover, it may aid in boosting the immune support system and improve heart health as well. Its recyclable packaging also helps in preserving freshness through UV protection.

Based on hundreds of user ratings, the product is well-received. Some said that it helped improve their vision while others felt relieved from joint pain. In addition, many users are happy with how easy to swallow the capsules are.

Pure Encapsulations Astaxanthin

ASTAXANTHIN CONTENT PER SERVING:

4 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$44/60

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

In divided doses, take 1-3 capsules daily, with meals

Despite its hefty price tag, Pure Encapsulations is one of the most trusted brands in the industry.

Its astaxanthin supplement went through quality control from the formulation to the manufacturing process. Hence, assuring users that standards are met to ensure its purity and safety. 

The aim of taking this supplement is to fight against the free radicals that are consumed by the body through food or the environment. Moreover, cigarette smoking and radiation can also cause an increase in the radicals in your body. However, taking antioxidants, like astaxanthin, can aid in destroying them.

Additionally, it may boost immune system support and cardiovascular health. Aside from astaxanthin, this supplement also contains vitamin E which adds to the already numerous health benefits.

The consensus towards the product is positive as many users are happy with its impact on their health. Some used it for anti-aging purposes, which helped with their skin, while others utilize it to eliminate oxidative stress. Also, others said that it reduced their joint pain and inflammation.

Solgar Natural Astaxanthin

ASTAXANTHIN CONTENT PER SERVING:

5 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$21/60

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 softgel twice daily, preferably with meals

For the past 75 years, Solgar has been the gold standard in the industry with its quality products. The brand aims to continuously create the best nutritional supplements, such as its Natural Astaxanthin. Also, its recyclable amber glass bottle protects the capsules from heat and moisture. In addition, this product may be used to fight free radicals in your body, support eye health, and maintain healthy skin.

According to hundreds of user ratings and reviews, the product is highly regarded. Many of them are happy with how their skin improved by taking the capsules. Additionally, some also mentioned consuming the supplement helped with their increased energy and improved eye health.

Lake Avenue Nutrition Astaxanthin

ASTAXANTHIN CONTENT PER SERVING:

10 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$72/365

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

1 softgel daily with food

To guarantee the quality of the supplement, the brand manufactures it in a GMP facility. The capsules get their astaxanthin from Haematococcus Pluvialis extract. This product aims to provide antioxidants to fight off and aid in treating some medical conditions. Moreover, it may help in reducing joint pain.

The product is highly recommended based on thousand of user ratings. Many use it to improve their skin health, while others have commended it for improving their eyesight. Moreover, some said they felt energized when they took the supplement. However, some did not reach their intended goals.

Sports Research Astaxanthin

ASTAXANTHIN CONTENT PER SERVING:

12 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$23/60

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 softgel daily with food

Sports Research’s astaxanthin supplement is combined with virgin coconut oil to improve absorption. Moreover, to guarantee the quality, the product went through third-party testing and was verified by Igen. Not only that, but it’s also Paleo-friendly which reaches more possible users. Of course, just like the others, the aim is to help with treating conditions such as joint pain.

Based on thousands of ratings and reviews, the product is well-received. Many users are happy with the benefits of its high levels of antioxidants. Additionally, some are using it for its anti-inflammatory effects. A few also mentioned that their eyesight improved by taking this supplement. However, some users noted feeling some side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the best astaxanthin supplements good for?

Astaxanthin contains a nutrient profile that results in many health benefits. The substance is rich in antioxidants which is the main selling point of the best astaxanthin supplements. 

Moreover, another benefit includes promoting healthy skin. It helps in smoothening out wrinkles and maintaining skin moisture, among other things. [4] 

Who should not take astaxanthin supplements?

Generally, astaxanthin supplements are safe for consumption. [5] However, research is limited when it comes to its impact on pregnant and nursing women and children. Additionally, if you are taking medications, it’s best to consult your doctors to reduce the risks of interactions.

Do the best astaxanthin supplements really work?

Based on studies and thousands of user feedback, the best astaxanthin supplements are proven to work. Although, keep in mind that it may be different for everyone.

Is astaxanthin better than CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is popular as a powerful antioxidant and results in many health benefits as well. What’s more, it was shown to decrease LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. [6] 

So, with that, it’s obvious that it shares some of the same health benefits as astaxanthin. But whether or not it’s better than CoQ10 depends on how the user’s body reacts. Additionally, research has shown that astaxanthin may provide more aid in treating certain conditions.

Bottom Line:

Found in many sea creatures, astaxanthin is used as an ingredient in many supplements. Thanks to its amazing health and wellness benefits, it has garnered a positive reaction from users. This article presents some of the best astaxanthin supplements with different price points to have more options when deciding.

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing.  We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at NO extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.

Editorial References And Fact-Checking

• Kidd P. (2011). Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic, 16(4), 355–364.
• Naguib Y. M. (2000). Antioxidant activities of astaxanthin and related carotenoids. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 48(4), 1150–1154. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf991106k
• Yoshida, H., Yanai, H., Ito, K., Tomono, Y., Koikeda, T., Tsukahara, H., & Tada, N. (2010). Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis, 209(2), 520–523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.10.012
• Ambati, R., Phang, S. M., Ravi, S., & Aswathanarayana, R. (2014, January 7). Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications—A Review. Marine Drugs, 12(1), 128–152. https://doi.org/10.3390/md12010128
• Davinelli, S., Nielsen, M. E., & Scapagnini, G. (2018). Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients, 10(4), 522. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10040522
• Singh, R. B., & Niaz, M. A. (1999). Serum concentration of lipoprotein(a) decreases on treatment with hydrosoluble coenzyme Q10 in patients with coronary artery disease: discovery of a new role. International journal of cardiology, 68(1), 23–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0167-5273(98)00323-4