Meta Information
ID:astaxanthin
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/dietary/high-fat-meal
Target name:
Meal Containing Dietary Fat
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
As a fat-soluble carotenoid, astaxanthin requires dietary fats for emulsification and absorption in the small intestine, increasing its bioavailability significantly.
Actionable advice:
Astaxanthin should be taken with a meal that contains healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, fish, or nuts.
Validation status:
validated_via_class_inference
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
class_inference_summary
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Established mechanism / class pharmacology (no single primary source quoted)
Exact phrase from label:
Established carotenoid physiology: astaxanthin is a fat-soluble xanthophyll carotenoid, so co-ingestion with dietary fat (bile-mediated micelle formation) substantially increases its absorption. Supported by astaxanthin bioavailability reviews.
Label source:
Class inference
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/bile-acid-sequestrants
Target name:
Bile Acid Sequestrants
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine) bind to bile acids, which are essential for absorbing fats and fat-soluble compounds like astaxanthin, thereby preventing its absorption.
Actionable advice:
Astaxanthin should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after a bile acid sequestrant.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Because cholestyramine binds bile acids, QUESTRAN may interfere with normal fat digestion
and absorption and thus may prevent absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and
K.
Label source:
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/orlistat
Target name:
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that blocks the digestion and absorption of dietary fats, which will severely impair the absorption of fat-soluble astaxanthin.
Actionable advice:
Astaxanthin and Orlistat doses should be separated by at least 2 hours.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
11 DESCRIPTION
11 DESCRIPTION XENICAL (orlistat) is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor for obesity management that acts by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats.
Label source:
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The safety of astaxanthin supplementation during pregnancy has not been established through rigorous clinical trials.
Actionable advice:
Astaxanthin supplements should be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
There isn't enough reliable information to know if astaxanthin is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
It is unknown if astaxanthin is excreted into breast milk or what its potential effects on a nursing infant might be.
Actionable advice:
Astaxanthin supplements should be avoided while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
There isn't enough reliable information to know if astaxanthin is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Astaxanthin may improve endothelial function and reduce oxidative stress, leading to a mild reduction in blood pressure. This can have an additive effect with blood pressure-lowering medications.
Actionable advice:
Blood pressure should be monitored if astaxanthin is started while taking antihypertensive drugs, and it is important to talk to a doctor.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Results show marginal effects of astaxanthin on reduction in total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, and a significant attenuating effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Label source:
PubMed: Astaxanthin Influence on Health Outcomes of Adults at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (PMID 35631193)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Some evidence suggests astaxanthin can improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood glucose levels, potentially enhancing the effect of antidiabetic drugs and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Actionable advice:
Blood sugar levels should be monitored closely when combining astaxanthin with diabetes medications, and it is important to talk to a doctor.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
This review explores the molecular mechanisms by which AST modulates key cellular processes, such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, and autophagy, contributing to improved metabolic homeostasis in these conditions.
Label source:
PubMed: Molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of Astaxanthin on metabolic changes in lung cancer and diabetes mellitus: A dual pathophysiological perspective. (PMID 40752107)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/5-alpha-reductase-inhibitors
Target name:
5-alpha-reductase Inhibitors
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Astaxanthin has been shown to inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to DHT. This action is additive with medications like finasteride or dutasteride.
Actionable advice:
Additive hormonal effects are possible when combining astaxanthin with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which is worth keeping in mind.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Low levels of carotenoid astaxanthin inhibit 5alpha-reductase and decrease the growth of human prostatic cancer cells in vitro. Astaxanthin added to SPLE shows greater inhibition of 5alpha-reductase than SPLE alone in vitro.
Label source:
PubMed: A preliminary investigation of the enzymatic inhibition of 5alpha-reduction and growth of prostatic carcinoma cell line LNCap-FGC by natural astaxanthin and Saw Palmetto lipid extract in vitro. (PMID 16093232)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Theoretical and preclinical data suggest astaxanthin may have mild antiplatelet activity, which could potentially increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood-thinning medications.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution, and it is worth talking to a doctor before taking astaxanthin when on medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Some botanicals may cause bleeding events when taken alone (e.g., garlic and Ginkgo biloba) and may have anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and/or fibrinolytic properties.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Astaxanthin may weakly inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme based on in vitro data, potentially slowing the breakdown of medications like warfarin and some NSAIDs.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution when taking medications metabolized by CYP2C9, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index like warfarin.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
CYP2C9, a polymorphic enzyme, is likely to be the principal form of human liver CYP450 that modulates the in vivo anticoagulant activity of warfarin.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/carotenoids
Target name:
Other Carotenoids (e.g., Beta-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
High doses of a single carotenoid can compete for the same absorption pathways in the gut as other carotenoids, potentially reducing their uptake if consumed together in large supplemental amounts.
Actionable advice:
If taking multiple high-dose carotenoid supplements, consider taking them with different meals to maximize absorption.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
When mixed carotenoids are delivered into the intestinal tract simultaneously, competition occurs for micelle formation and absorption, affecting carotenoid bioavailability.
Label source:
PubMed: Food science & nutrition (2017)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Numerous published observations in both human and animal studies suggest significant interaction and competition between various carotenoids during absorption and metabolism, resulting in the inhibition of uptake of one over the other.
Label source:
PubMed: Acta biochimica Polonica (2012)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-e
Target name:
Vitamin E
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Astaxanthin and Vitamin E are both powerful lipid-soluble antioxidants that work in concert within cell membranes to protect against oxidative damage.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking astaxanthin and Vitamin E together with a fatty meal to support cellular antioxidant defenses.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
ATX and vitamin E (VE) interventions significantly alleviated these symptoms and activated the Nrf2/Bach1-ARE pathway in liver and brain tissues of aged SD rats.
Label source:
PubMed: Nrf2/Bach1-ARE pathway are involved in the ameliorative effects of astaxanthin on D-galactose-induced liver and brain aging and injury. (PMID 42177227)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/zeaxanthin
Target name:
Zeaxanthin
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Carotenoids like astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene share the same intestinal transport proteins (SR-B1 and CD36) and compete for absorption when taken together.
Actionable advice:
Carotenoid supplements are best separated by about 2 hours to allow each one to be absorbed without competition.
Validation status:
validated_via_class_inference
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
class_inference_summary
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Carotenoid absorption is mediated by intestinal proteins including SR-BI and CD36, leading to competition between dietary carotenoids for uptake.
Label source:
PubMed: Carotenoid metabolism at the intestinal barrier. (PMID 29632987)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/lutein
Target name:
Lutein
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Carotenoids like astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene share the same intestinal transport proteins (SR-B1 and CD36) and compete for absorption when taken together.
Actionable advice:
Carotenoid supplements are best separated by about 2 hours to allow each one to be absorbed without competition.
Validation status:
validated_via_class_inference
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
class_inference_summary
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Carotenoid absorption is mediated by intestinal proteins including SR-BI and CD36, leading to competition between dietary carotenoids for uptake.
Label source:
PubMed: Carotenoid metabolism at the intestinal barrier. (PMID 29632987)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/lycopene
Target name:
Lycopene
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Carotenoids like astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene share the same intestinal transport proteins (SR-B1 and CD36) and compete for absorption when taken together.
Actionable advice:
Carotenoid supplements are best separated by about 2 hours to allow each one to be absorbed without competition.
Validation status:
validated_via_class_inference
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
class_inference_summary
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Carotenoid absorption is mediated by intestinal proteins including SR-BI and CD36, leading to competition between dietary carotenoids for uptake.
Label source:
PubMed: Carotenoid metabolism at the intestinal barrier. (PMID 29632987)
Action type:
separate