A daily algae-derived capsule taken with food. Evidence is strongest for skin water retention, springiness and sunburn resistance, and for blood fats once intake reaches the middle of the usual range. Effects on inflammation markers are real but small. The safety record is unusually clean. Industry funding and variable absorption temper confidence; the animal ageing question remains open. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Triglycerides | Below 100 mg/dL | The lipid most consistently moved by astaxanthin |
| High-density lipoprotein cholesterol | Above 55 mg/dL (men), above 65 mg/dL (women) | The lipid fraction most consistently raised by astaxanthin |
| High-sensitivity C-reactive protein | Below 0.5 mg/L | Tracks the anti-inflammatory effect seen at 12 weeks and above |
| Fasting glucose | 75–85 mg/dL | Detects the small glucose movement seen where blood sugar is already raised |
| Alanine aminotransferase | Below 20 U/L (men), below 17 U/L (women) | Baseline liver function before sustained high-dose use |
| Total testosterone and dihydrotestosterone | Testosterone 600–900 ng/dL; dihydrotestosterone 30–85 ng/dL | Detects the androgen shift documented above 12 mg daily |
| Plasma astaxanthin | No established target; routine laboratories do not offer it | Would confirm absorption if available |
Cadence: Lipid and inflammation panel at baseline and 12 weeks, then every 6–12 months while intake continues; drug trough levels rechecked 2–4 weeks after starting, after stopping and after any dose change; androgen panel at baseline and 12 weeks above 12 mg daily in men.