Home Ingredients AstaPure® (Natural Astaxanthin — Algatech)
Hair, Skin & NailsEye HealthAthletic PerformanceAnti-Inflammatory

AstaPure® (Natural Astaxanthin — Algatech)

Haematococcus pluvialis
Evidence Level
Moderate
1 Clinical Trial
4 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

AstaPure® is a natural astaxanthin from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, produced by Algatech in closed cultivation for purity. Astaxanthin is a deep-red carotenoid and a lipid-soluble antioxidant carotenoid that has been studied for skin, eye, antioxidant, and exercise-recovery support, mostly in small trials of the astaxanthin class (not AstaPure specifically).

Studied Dose 4 to 12 mg per day, taken with a fat-containing meal for absorption.
Active Compound Natural astaxanthin (a xanthophyll carotenoid) from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae, a lipid-soluble membrane-spanning antioxidant.

Benefits

Antioxidant and recovery support

Astaxanthin has been studied for supporting recovery and easing exercise-induced muscle and oxidative stress in active people, though the human exercise data are mixed and rest largely on a single meta-analysis of small trials of the astaxanthin class (not AstaPure specifically).

Supported by Trial 1

Skin health

Daily astaxanthin has been studied in small RCTs for supporting skin elasticity and moisture; this evidence reflects the astaxanthin class generally rather than AstaPure specifically.

Supported by Trial 1

Eye comfort

Astaxanthin reaches eye tissue and has been studied in small RCTs for easing eye fatigue and supporting visual comfort with intensive screen use; this evidence is class-level, not AstaPure-specific.

Supported by Trial 1

Lower IL-6 and TNF-alpha inflammation markers in some patient trials

Studied as astaxanthin in general, not AstaPure. A pooled analysis of 12 placebo-controlled trials (380 people) found lower IL-6 in type 2 diabetes but no clear change in CRP or TNF-alpha; a pooled analysis of exercise trials saw no IL-6 change. Two double-blind trials in sick patients lowered TNF-alpha: 20 mg/day for 8 weeks in heart failure (CRP unchanged) and 12 mg/day for 7 days in pneumonia. Mixed results; blood markers only.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Membrane-spanning antioxidant

Astaxanthin sits across the cell membrane and quenches singlet oxygen and free radicals at both surfaces, a structural advantage over many antioxidants.

2

Anti-inflammatory action

It downregulates inflammatory mediators and supports the body's own antioxidant defenses, underpinning its skin, eye, and recovery effects.

Clinical trials

1
Astaxanthin and Exercise Recovery — Study
PubMed

Meta-analysis of small astaxanthin trials on exercise recovery and oxidative-stress biomarkers. (Liu et al. 2026, Nutrients)

Active adults.

This meta-analysis of small trials reported that astaxanthin supplementation may favorably affect some recovery and oxidative-stress biomarkers after exercise, though the underlying human data are limited and mixed.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — astaxanthin has an excellent safety record.
A harmless slight reddening or tanned skin tone can appear at higher doses.
Take with dietary fat for best absorption.

Important Drug interactions

Antihypertensive drugs — possible mild additive blood-pressure-lowering effect.
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors — studied together without established concern.
Tell your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.

More Hair, Skin & Nails Ingredients

Hair, Skin & Nails
Niacin
Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential water-soluble vitamin central to energy metabolism, DN…
Hair, Skin & Nails
Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen is hydrolyzed collagen sourced from cow hide, bone, and cartilage. It is o…
Hair, Skin & Nails
Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is hydrolyzed collagen made from fish skin and scales, mainly type I colla…
Hair, Skin & Nails
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a red-orange carotenoid antioxidant. It is naturally produced by the microa…

Explore Other Ingredients

Muscle & Recovery
L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, and cells of the intestinal linin…
Muscle & Recovery
Strengthera™
Strengthera™ Muscle Maintenance+Vitality is PLT Health Solutions' botanical blend of Sphae…
Athletic Performance
Senactiv®
Senactiv® (formerly ActiGin®) is a NuLiv Science ingredient made from purified fractions o…

Frequently asked questions about AstaPure® (Natural Astaxanthin — Algatech)

What is AstaPure?

AstaPure® is a natural astaxanthin from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, produced by Algatech in closed cultivation for purity. Astaxanthin is a deep-red carotenoid and a lipid-soluble antioxidant carotenoid that has been studied for skin, eye, antioxidant, and exercise-recovery support, mostly in small trials of…

What is AstaPure used for?

AstaPure is researched primarily for Hair, Skin & Nails, Eye Health, and Athletic Performance. Astaxanthin has been studied for supporting recovery and easing exercise-induced muscle and oxidative stress in active people, though the human exercise data are mixed and rest largely on a single meta-analysis of small trials of the astaxa…

What is the recommended dosage of AstaPure?

The clinically studied dose is 4 to 12 mg per day, taken with a fat-containing meal for absorption. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is AstaPure safe, and does it have side effects?

Side effects and cautions reported for AstaPure include: Generally well-tolerated — astaxanthin has an excellent safety record. A harmless slight reddening or tanned skin tone can appear at higher doses. It may also interact with some medications. AstaPure is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does AstaPure interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Antihypertensive drugs — possible mild additive blood-pressure-lowering effect. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors — studied together without established concern. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for AstaPure?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for AstaPure as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 1 study summary and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Liu S, Yao W, Wei Y, et al. The Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Exercise Recovery Biomarkers. Nutrients. 2026;18(10)..PubMedUsed to support: Astaxanthin and exercise recovery/oxidative stress.
  2. Ma B, Lu J, Kang T, Zhu M, Xiong K, Wang J. Astaxanthin supplementation mildly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Res. 2022;99:40-50..PubMedUsed to support: A meta-analysis of 12 placebo-controlled RCTs with 380 participants. Astaxanthin lowered blood malondialdehyde and lowered IL-6 in patients with type 2 diabetes (WMD -0.70 pg/mL, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.11). Effects on CRP and TNF-alpha were not significant. Backs the pooled-analysis sentence of the anti-inflammatory benefit.
  3. Ghotboddin Mohammadi S, Shafie D, Feizi A, Ahmadi AR, Bagherniya M, Kafeshani M. The effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory markers, lipid profile, and anthropometric indices in patients with heart failure: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2026;16(1):27593..PubMedUsed to support: An 8-week double-blind placebo-controlled RCT in 80 patients with stage C/D heart failure (LVEF under 50%) given 20 mg/day astaxanthin. TNF-alpha (-3.19 vs -1.26 pg/mL, p = 0.013) and MCP-1 fell versus placebo, and hs-CRP did not change. Backs the heart-failure sentence of the anti-inflammatory benefit.
  4. Youssef FM, Ateyya H, Hanna Samy AE, Elmokadem EM. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of astaxanthin as an adjunctive therapy in community-acquired pneumonia: a randomized controlled trial. Front Pharmacol. 2025;16:1621308..PubMedUsed to support: A double-blind placebo-controlled RCT in 80 adults with community-acquired pneumonia given 12 mg/day astaxanthin or placebo for 7 days alongside standard antibiotics. IL-6 and TNF-alpha were significantly lower than placebo at the end of treatment (P < 0.05). Backs the pneumonia sentence of the anti-inflammatory benefit.