Astamax

• Dietary supplement for antioxidant support: Used to reduce oxidative stress and support general health.
• Cardiovascular health: Adjunct to improve lipid profiles and reduce inflammation in patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Skin health: Used for photoprotection, improving skin elasticity, hydration, and reducing wrinkles.
• Eye health: Supports visual function and may help reduce eye fatigue and protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Exercise performance: Enhances endurance and reduces muscle damage and fatigue in athletes.
• Other uses: May support immune function and reduce inflammation in chronic diseases.

Note: Astaxanthin is primarily marketed as a nutraceutical; it is not approved as a drug for treatment of any specific disease.

• Adults:
• Typical oral doses range from 4 mg to 12 mg daily.
• Common doses for antioxidant and skin benefits: 4–8 mg/day orally.
• Higher doses up to 12 mg/day used in clinical studies for cardiovascular and eye health.
• Pediatrics:
• Safety and efficacy not well established; generally not recommended.
• Elderly:
• Similar dosing as adults; no specific adjustments recommended.
• Special populations:
• No formal dose adjustments for renal or hepatic impairment due to limited data.
• Administration:
• Oral capsules or soft gels with food to enhance absorption (fat-soluble compound).
• Consistent daily intake recommended for best effects.

Astaxanthin is a potent carotenoid antioxidant that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protects cellular components from oxidative damage. It integrates into cell membranes, stabilizing lipid bilayers and preventing lipid peroxidation. Unlike some antioxidants, astaxanthin spans the cell membrane, providing protection inside and outside the cell. It also modulates inflammatory pathways by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity, contributing to its cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Absorption:
• Well absorbed orally, especially when taken with dietary fats; bioavailability varies based on formulation.
• Distribution:
• Widely distributed, with accumulation in skin, eyes, and other tissues.
• Metabolism:
• Metabolized primarily in the liver via oxidative and conjugation pathways; metabolites are less active.
• Half-life:
• Estimated plasma half-life ranges from 16 to 24 hours, supporting once-daily dosing.
• Excretion:
• Primarily excreted via bile into feces; minor urinary excretion.

• Pregnancy:
• No adequate well-controlled studies in pregnant women; use only if benefits justify potential risk.
• Lactation:
• Data on excretion in breast milk are lacking; caution advised. Breastfeeding not routinely recommended during supplementation.

• Nutraceutical / Dietary Antioxidant
• Carotenoid subclass

• Known hypersensitivity to astaxanthin or any component of the formulation.
• Use in children under 18 years not established; generally avoided.
• Caution in patients on immunosuppressive therapy or anticoagulants due to limited safety data.

• Patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulant therapy should use cautiously due to theoretical increased bleeding risk.
• May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
• High doses (>12 mg/day) lack long-term safety data.
• Not a substitute for conventional therapy in serious diseases.
• Discontinue if allergic reactions occur.

• Common:
• Mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Skin discoloration (orange tint) with very high doses, reversible upon discontinuation.
• Rare/Serious:
• Allergic reactions including rash or itching are rare.
• Generally well tolerated at recommended doses.

• May potentiate the effect of anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), increasing bleeding risk.
• Potential interaction with immunosuppressants due to antioxidant immune-modulating effects.
• No significant CYP450 enzyme interactions reported.
• No known food interactions; absorption enhanced with dietary fat.

• Recent nutraceutical reviews emphasize astaxanthin’s role as a powerful antioxidant with promising benefits for skin and eye health.
• No formal drug regulatory body approvals for disease treatment.
• Ongoing research supports potential benefits in cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders, but conclusive clinical guidelines are pending.

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Protect from excessive heat, light, and moisture to maintain potency.
• Keep capsules tightly sealed in original packaging.
• Keep out of reach of children.