Nature Made Astaxanthin 4 mg Review
This Nature Made Astaxanthin 4 mg product is a softgel dietary supplement listed in the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD ID 179791). Each serving is one softgel, taken daily with a meal, with water before and during ingestion. Each softgel provides 4 mg of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae, with no daily value established. The label describes astaxanthin as a naturally occurring carotenoid found in some fish and algae, with antioxidant properties that help support healthy skin and eye function. The label states that Nature Made Astaxanthin comes from green algae and that the softgels are made to Nature Made's guaranteed purity and potency standards. The product is listed as 60 softgels, labeled as gluten free, with no color added, no artificial flavors, no preservatives, and no yeast or starch. The label lists the intended target group as adults aged 18 to 50 years. Precautions state not to use the product if the imprinted seal under the cap is broken or missing, to store it in a cool, dry place out of reach of children, and that it is not intended for children or for those who are pregnant or nursing. Consumers taking medications or with medical conditions are advised to consult a physician before use. The FDA statement notes the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Distributed by Nature Made Nutritional Products of Mission Hills, California. Source data is from NIH, August 2018. This page does not show a price or customer reviews.
Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only12 human studies · 6 improved
This product gives 4 milligrams of astaxanthin a day, the same amount that worked in studies. In a placebo-controlled trial of 64 children aged 10 to 14 with screen-related eye strain, 4 milligrams daily for 12 weeks eased eye strain and improved depth perception and pupil reflex, but did not sharpen vision [1]. In 60 healthy adults, a higher amount of 9 milligrams daily for 6 weeks protected visual sharpness after screen work in people aged 40 and over, but not in younger people [2]. Most other studies tested astaxanthin together with other nutrients, so they cannot show what astaxanthin does on its own. In people with age-related macular changes, a blend containing 4 milligrams kept vision stable over 2 years and better than no treatment [3], and a year of a similar blend improved central retina function [4]. A blend with astaxanthin also preserved eye focusing after screen work in adults with eye fatigue [5]. A review of nine trials found modest gains in eye fatigue and the eye's protective pigment, but no consistent slowing of nearsightedness [6]. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
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- A review of nine randomized trials found carotenoids including astaxanthin modestly improved macular pigment and eye fatigue, but did not consistently slow nearsightedness progression.Nutritional Supplementation for Myopia Prevention and Control: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- In 64 children aged 10-14 with digital eye strain, 4 mg of astaxanthin daily for 84 days reduced eye strain scores more than placebo and improved depth perception and pupil reflex, but not visual acuity.Astaxanthin (AstaReal®) Improved Acute and Chronic Digital Eye Strain in Children: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Con…
- In 60 healthy adults, 9 mg of astaxanthin daily for 6 weeks protected corrected visual acuity after screen work in people aged 40 and over, but not in younger people, and did not change functional visual acuity or pupil constriction.Effects of diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-co…
- In 44 healthy adults with screen-related eye fatigue, 6 weeks of a combined anthocyanin, astaxanthin and lutein supplement preserved focusing function after screen work and eased focusing difficulty more than placebo.Effects of anthocyanin, astaxanthin, and lutein on eye functions: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
- In 43 dry eye patients, an 8-week antioxidant blend including astaxanthin improved tear stability, tear production and tear oxidative stress versus placebo, but not dry eye symptoms or visual acuity.A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral antioxidant supplement therapy in patients with dry eye syn…
- In 27 people with early age-related macular degeneration, a year of a supplement containing 4 mg astaxanthin plus other nutrients improved central retinal function compared with no supplement.Carotenoids and antioxidants in age-related maculopathy italian study: multifocal electroretinogram modifications after …
- In healthy screen workers, 8 weeks of 6 mg astaxanthin with lutein and zeaxanthin preserved eye-hand coordination after screen work and raised macular pigment, but did not clearly change smooth eye tracking.Effects of Astaxanthin, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin on Eye-Hand Coordination and Smooth-Pursuit Eye Movement after Visual Dis…
- In adults aged 40-70 with memory complaints, 12 weeks of a supplement with astaxanthin, vitamin E and grape extract improved episodic memory, but the abstract reports no group differences in the remaining outcomes, including eye health.An Examination into the Effects of a Nutraceutical Supplement on Cognition, Stress, Eye Health, and Skin Satisfaction in…
- In a 2-year open-label randomized study of 145 people with age-related macular changes, those taking astaxanthin 4 mg with lutein, zeaxanthin and other nutrients kept their visual sharpness stable and scored better than the untreated group at 24 months.Carotenoids in Age-related Maculopathy Italian Study (CARMIS): two-year results of a randomized study.
- In 35 cataract surgery patients taking 6 mg of astaxanthin daily for 2 weeks, antioxidant activity in the eye's aqueous fluid changed in women but the link to growth factor levels was not clearly altered, with no placebo group for comparison.Effects of astaxanthin on VEGF level and antioxidation in human aqueous humor: difference by sex.
- In a retrospective study of people with intermediate age-related macular degeneration, six months of a supplement containing astaxanthin was followed by measured changes in choroidal blood flow compared with a control group, but the abstract does not state a clear improvement in vision.Choroidal Changes in Blood Flow in Patients with Intermediate AMD after Oral Dietary Supplement Based on Astaxanthin, Br…
- In an uncontrolled study of 60 middle-aged and elderly people with mild-to-moderate dry eye, 6 mg astaxanthin taken twice daily for about 30 days significantly improved dry-eye symptoms and signs, though visual acuity did not change.Benefits and Safety of Astaxanthin in the Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Dry Eye Disease.
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only62 reviews · 90% positive
Buyers are mostly happy with these softgels, and the praise centers on eye comfort, smoother skin and less fatigue after exercise. A few people felt no difference, and one was unhappy with the pill itself. **What buyers say it did for them:** The most common reports are better eye comfort, smoother skin and quicker recovery. One buyer says "It keeps my eyes from drying out," and another simply calls it "good for my eyes." Runners and regular exercisers describe "significantly reduced fatigue after workouts" and skin that is "less dry." One older buyer uses it as an anti-inflammatory and another has taken it for years and feels they benefit "a great deal." One reviewer also mentions a mild laxative effect and a reddish tinge to the stool. **What they complain about:** Some got nothing from it. One wrote, "this simply doesn't work for my body," and said they would not buy it again. Another saw skin that felt a bit smoother but was unsure the supplement was the cause, and found energy unchanged. One person who runs a regular routine noted that the benefits faded after a week off, so it has to be taken steadily. One buyer reported a faulty bottle, though the replacement was handled well. Another was unhappy after switching from a different astaxanthin brand. **Taste, smell, pill size and form:** Most describe the softgels as easy to swallow, "easy to take with water" and "a convenient size." One buyer advises drinking plenty of water with them to avoid throat irritation. The one dissenting view is that the softgel is "way bigger in size" for such a low dose, leading that buyer to suspect filler. No one commented on taste or smell. Reviews of other forms of the product were left out. **Value for money:** Reviewers generally feel the price is fair. One says "High quality and also reasonable price," and another found a good price while buying for their age. A long-term user liked that the larger bottle was "slightly better" in price and means fewer reorders. One buyer switched to monthly orders to keep up regular use. The 4 mg dose is the point of complaint for the one buyer who felt the pill was too large for the amount of active ingredient. **Who it seems to suit and who it did not:** It appears to suit people who want support for dry eyes or eye health, people who exercise often and want less post-workout fatigue, those interested in smoother skin, and older buyers looking for an anti-inflammatory. Several of these buyers have taken it for weeks or years. It suited people who did not notice any effects less well, and those who expected a dramatic change in energy. Anyone comparing it with another astaxanthin brand may want to check the pill size against the dose first.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only6 of 10 recommend it
Astaxanthin gets a favorable reception from the panel: three of ten currently recommend it, three more say they use it, one has stopped, and three are neutral or simply discussing it. The most common reasons are skin protection and preventing sunburn, along with eye health, general antioxidant support, and joint comfort. Two panelists say they take 12 milligrams a day, and one says it needs a week or two of preloading and works best taken about an hour after a workout, with collagen and vitamin C. One panelist warns that synthetic astaxanthin, the kind used to color farmed salmon, lacks credible safety studies, and another says the eye evidence is still emerging; one has tried it and stopped. This product's 4 milligram dose is a third of the 12 milligrams those two panelists take.
See all 10 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Dr. Mark Hyman · Astaxanthin · recommends
- Mentions astaxanthin as a carotenoid that helps reduce oxidative stress.
- Mentions astaxanthin as a carotenoid that helps reduce oxidative stress.
- Astaxanthin, a powerful carotenoid antioxidant, reduces neuroinflammation, scavenges free radicals, activates the Nrf2 anti-inflammatory antioxidant pathway to maintain blood-brain barrier integrity, and suppresses NF-kappa B to reduce inflammatory molecules.
- States that astaxanthin is a naturally occurring supplement that can help safely address oxidative stress and inflammation at the source, playing a major role in mitigating the effects of inflammation and impacting mitochondrial function and other cell signaling pathways related to aging.
- Is excited to talk about astaxanthin and how it helps to combat some of the key hallmarks of aging, including inflammaging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell signaling.
- Dr. Hyman recommends AX3 Bio-Pure Astaxanthin.
Siim Land · Astaxanthin · neutral
- Notes that Astaxanthin is one of several supplements with human evidence.
- Astaxanthin is a carotenoid found in salmon and algae that can protect the skin against UV damage. Two systematic reviews of clinical trials have shown that astaxanthin supplementation improves skin elasticity, skin moisture, and photoaging.
- Takes 12 milligrams of astaxanthin a day.
- Recommends astaxanthin as an underrated carotenoid and powerful antioxidant for skin anti-aging, UV protection, eye health, inflammation, and lipids, citing studies that show improvements in skin moisturization and elasticity, reduced digital eye strain, and improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors like hs-CRP and HDL.
- States that astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant and carotenoid that protects the skin against UV radiation, which is the number one cause of skin photoaging.
- Recommends astaxanthin as an antioxidant for skin health, highlighting its stronger antioxidant potential (60 to 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C) and good absorption through the skin due to being fat-soluble.
- States that he is personally not stopping to take astaxanthin because there are other benefits he is interested in, such as protecting the skin against UV radiation, protecting the eyes, and improving traditional health biomarkers like CRP and cholesterol.
- Discusses astaxanthin's longevity effects, noting that recent studies show no effects on mouse lifespan unless given in very large doses to male mice, but that it has other benefits from human trials.
- States that Astaxanthin can protect the skin against UV damage and postpone photoaging.
- States that astaxanthin has other benefits from human trials, including skin UV protection, skin elasticity, lower inflammation, lower lipids, and eye protection, and that the new study on life extension effects does not change their opinion on its worth.
Ben Greenfield · Astaxanthin · uses
- States that Astaxanthin has been beaten out in terms of numbers for anti-aging efficacy, but they still love it and couldn't live without it.
- Takes astaxanthin for her skin.
- Ben Greenfield recalls Dr. Kaufmann saying astaxanthin might be the top-ranked supplement for longevity.
- Dr. Kaufmann still loves astaxanthin and couldn't live without it, despite other supplements having higher efficacy numbers in her ranking system.
- Uses astaxanthin on flights as an antioxidant.
- Mentions that Keon uses astaxanthin to stabilize the oil in their omega softgel capsules.
- Says that his concoction included 2 milligrams of microencapsulated astaxanthin, which is microencapsulated to ensure bioavailability in the small intestine.
- Mentions that natural astaxanthin is captured in their fish oil product, along with active vitamin A and D, and various other oils.
- Mentions Astaxanthin as a stalwart in the longevity and age-reversal space.
- Uses astaxanthin, described as an edible sunscreen with good antioxidative effects for the skin, as part of the Gut to Glow supplement when traveling.
Thomas DeLauer · Astaxanthin · recommends
- Believes Astaxanthin is probably one of the only simple over-the-counter supplements that has made a dent in how their joints feel, and notes that it needs to be preloaded for a week or two.
- Believes astaxanthin is super underrated, noting that people take it as an internal sunscreen because it reduces oxidative stress at the skin level, darkens the skin, and significantly prevents sunburn.
- Recommends taking astaxanthin with collagen and vitamin C for a compounded effect, noting it's great for the skin and should be taken an hour or so after a workout to avoid blunting antioxidant effects.
- Recommends taking astaxanthin, a carotenoid that protects the skin and has antioxidant effects similar to those from the sun, and may help prevent sunburn.
- Recommends Astaxanthin as a very good antioxidant for those following a ketogenic protocol, noting it has tremendously helped with joint stiffness for him.
- Explains that astaxanthin is what makes salmon pink and acts as an antioxidant, protecting the fatty acids in the fish from going rancid.
- Discusses astaxanthin as a supplement that shows interesting preliminary evidence for brain health, noting its affordability and availability.
- Recommends taking astaxanthin, an antioxidant found in capsule form, sockeye salmon, and krill oil, to restore skin antioxidants, protect from sun exposure, and potentially help with insulin resistance, suggesting a dose of 6 to 12 milligrams.
- Personally adds astaxanthin when exposed to a lot of sun or engaging in significant endurance work, such as increasing running mileage, for its powerful antioxidant properties that aid aerobic exercise and its skin-protecting qualities as an internal sunscreen.
- Highlights research indicating astaxanthin improves antioxidant capabilities in red blood cells and may negate brain aging effects in rats by restoring BDNF and glutathione, recommending 8 to 12 milligrams per day.
Dave Asprey · Astaxanthin · uses
- Dave Asprey states that he takes astaxanthin to help prevent sunburn.
- States that astaxanthin has great data for both men and women regarding fertility and the future health of a baby, and that he personally takes 12 milligrams every day.
- Takes astaxanthin to support his eyes.
- Recommends Astaxanthin as a fat-soluble free radical scavenger that gets through the blood-brain barrier.
- Takes astaxanthin, which contributes to his ability to spend eight hours in the sun without getting sunburned.
- States there are good arguments for having large amounts of astaxanthin for vision.
- Recommends supplements like lutein and astaxanthin, which are scientifically shown to improve eye resilience and ability to see.
- Dave takes about 12 to 16 milligrams of Astaxanthin a day and likes to get more sources of it in his supplements.
- Takes astaxanthin for eyesight and used to give his dog formula to astaxanthin for mitochondrial function.
- Takes an enormous amount of astaxanthin daily, around 20 milligrams a day with a fatty substance, because it acts as an internal sunscreen, is eye protective, and can supercharge mitochondria by conducting electrons in the mitochondrial membrane.
Dr. Eric Berg · Astaxanthin · recommends
- Recommends astaxanthin, found in salmon, shrimp, lobster, and certain algae, as a potent antioxidant that can increase the expression of the FOX3 longevity gene.
- Identifies astaxanthin as the pink pigment in wild caught salmon, describing it as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect neurons from damage caused by omega-6 fatty acids, refined carbohydrates, and sugars.
- Warns that synthetic astaxanthin, used to color farm-raised salmon, has no credible safety studies and, like other synthetic antioxidants, could increase the risk of cancer.
- Describes astaxanthin as one of the most powerful antioxidants, noting its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
- Mentions that krill oil contains astaxanthin, which not only has health benefits but also preserves the oil, preventing it from turning rancid like fish oil.
- Explains that astaxanthin is a powerful fat-soluble carotenoid, 20 times more powerful than beta carotene, 100 times more powerful than alpha tocopherol, and 1000 times more powerful than vitamin C. He recommends consuming it with fats like coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado, and notes it helps with liver detoxification and prevents chronic degeneration in the eyes, brain, heart, and skin.
Peter Attia · Astaxanthin · stopped
- Has tried astaxanthin in the past as part of his personal longevity regimen.
- Discusses Astaxanthin, noting it's available over the counter and alleged to have various health benefits, though he cannot assess the strength of the evidence. He mentions it's used to turn farm-grown salmon pink.
- States that astaxanthin, an over-the-counter food dye, also showed a significant lifespan-extending effect in male mice, but not in females, in a recently submitted paper.
Andrew Huberman · Astaxanthin · recommends
- Discusses astaxanthin as a supplement for maintaining long-term eye health.
- Describes astaxanthin as an interesting compound that seems to increase ocular blood flow and has also been shown to have positive effects on skin elasticity, moisture, and quality.
- Discusses astaxanthin as a compound that, along with lutein and zeaxanthin, is being explored for its potential to help with age-related macular degeneration, though he notes that the data are still emerging.
- Mentions that astaxanthin is a carotenoid found in krill and crustaceans that gives them their red pigment, and that farm-raised salmon are given astaxanthin.
- Mentions Astaxanthin as a compound that may assist in supporting visual health and possibly improve vision.
- Notes that several studies have shown Astaxanthin has a notable effect on fertility in males, seeming to at least double the pregnancy rate when men take it, particularly in previously infertile men.
- Huberman explains that Astaxanthin, a red-pink pigment found in seafood, is structurally similar to beta-carotene and has been shown to offset age-related vision disruption, notably increase ocular blood flow, improve male fertility in previously infertile men, and positively affect skin elasticity and moisture.
- Notes that astaxanthin is used as a supplement and in prescription form to try and rescue some age-related vision loss.
- Notes that supplementing with astaxanthin can be beneficial for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration, though the degree of offset is slight but robust. He personally is not taking astaxanthin at this time.
Bryan Johnson · Astaxanthin · uses
- Mentions astaxanthin as an ingredient in his 'bag of goodies', indicating he uses it.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Astaxanthin · neutral
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick mentions that astaxanthin has been shown in animal studies to activate the longevity gene foxo3 and in human studies to decrease markers of oxidative stress and improve blood lipid markers.
- Dr. Patrick explains that astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that protects DHA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidation, and has been shown in clinical trials to lower inflammation, decrease DNA damage, and increase HDL, all of which are relevant to degenerative diseases.
- Mentions astaxanthin as a potential longevity vitamin, a marine carotenoid found in salmon and krill.
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick mentions that salmon roe is high in astaxanthin, an antioxidant shown in animal studies to activate the longevity gene FoxO3, and in human studies to decrease markers of oxidative stress and improve blood lipid markers.
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick explains that astaxanthin is a carotenoid unique to krill oil that acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting DHA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidation, and has benefits such as lowering inflammation, decreasing DNA damage, and increasing HDL.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 3 for Eye Health
Tier 3 because 90% of 62 reviews are positive and human trials, including one at this exact 4 milligram dose, show eased eye strain [1]; there are too few reviews for tier 2.
Where the evidence disagrees: 1 of the 12 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Eyes and vision, Nervous system
Combine with: For cellular and DNA repair support, pair astaxanthin with ingredients that act on those pathways more directly. NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside or NMN support sirtuin activity and DNA repair enzymes (PARPs). Trans-resveratrol or pterostilbene, with healthy fats for absorption, may support sirtuin and AMPK signaling. Alpha-lipoic acid and CoQ10 (ubiquinol) support mitochondrial function and antioxidant recycling. Methylated B vitamins (folate, B12, B6) and magnesium and zinc support DNA synthesis and repair. Omega-3 fish oil improves astaxanthin absorption and reduces inflammation. If the focus shifts to eye health, lutein and zeaxanthin are a natural stack with astaxanthin. Take astaxanthin with a fat-containing meal, and check with a clinician if you take meds or meds.
Possible side effects: No major side effects reported.
Supplement Facts
Astaxanthin 4 mg
| Astaxanthin | 4 mg | † |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Corn Oil, Glycerin, Water.
Directions: Suggested use: Take one softgel daily with a meal. For easier swallowing, take with water before and during ingestion.
Barcode (UPC) 031604027520 · Label source: NIH label database · Report a label change
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Graded November 4, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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