II. Indications
- No current quality evidence based indications for Astaxanthin supplements
- Use standard Sunscreens (UVA, UVB protection) for reliable skin protection
III. Mechanism
- Astaxanthin is a Carotenoid, a natural antioxidant with a similar chemical structure to beta-carotene
- Extracted from certain algae
- Responsible for the color of Pink organisms (e.g. flamingos, lobster, salmon)
- Astaxanthin supplements may have a protective effect against ultraviolet light
- However, only found to date in early, small studies
- No evidence as of yet for prevention of Sun Damaged Skin, Skin Cancer
- References
IV. Adverse Effects
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Red stool discoloration
V. Safety
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Avoid in Lactation
VI. Drug Interactions
-
CYP3A4 Inducer
- May decrease levels of cardiovascular agents, HIV agents, neuropsychiatric drugs
- CYP2B6 Inducer
- May decrease levels of Antipsychotics, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Beta Blockers, Opioids, Antiarrhythmics
VII. References
- (2024) Presc Lett 31(4): 24
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| Definition (NCI_CRCH) | Carotenoid having a chemical structure similar to beta-carotene with hydroxyl groups at the number 3 and 3' carbon atoms and carbonyl (C=O) functions at the number 4 and 4' carbon atoms. |
| Concepts | Organic Chemical (T109) , Pharmacologic Substance (T121) |
| MSH | C005948 |
| SnomedCT | 417510006 |
| English | 3,3'-dihydroxy-beta-carotene-4,4'-dione, astaxanthine, (3S,3'S)-3,3'-Dihydroxy-beta,beta-carotene-4,4'-dione, astaxanthin, ASTAXANTHIN, Astaxanthin (substance), Astaxanthine, Astaxanthin |
| Spanish | astaxantina (sustancia), astaxantina |
