Astaxanthin Dosage
by Brent Laungret Updated November 09, 2011Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring reddish-pink pigment found in certain algae, shrimp, lobster, salmon and trout. Initial research suggests this carotenoid might be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, high cholesterol, stroke and certain eye conditions, such as macular degeneration. While a definitive therapeutic range for astaxanthin dosage has not yet been established, there is little chance for over dosage since astaxanthin is not converted into Vitamin A like other carotenoids.
Factors Determining Astaxanthin Dosage
The medical literature suggests that a standard astaxanthin dose depends on the health and age of the person taking this supplement. Most manufacturers recommend taking three 6mg per day, while pharmacological testing at this point indicates the amount of astaxanthin that is safe is equivalent to that one normally eats in their diet. As with all natural health supplements, it is strongly recommended for you to consult with your physician before you begin a trial of astaxanthin. Additionally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take any astaxanthin dosage since the effects of this nutritional supplement on the unborn child have not yet been determined.
Potential Side Effects of Astaxanthin
Although most people do not experience side effects with a standard astaxanthin dosage, a small number of people have issues when taking this supplement. Some of the side effects include the following: decrease in blood pressure; hormonal changes that cause breast enlargement in men; alteration in liver enzymes found in blood counts; and a decrease in calcium in the bloodstream. Additionally, some people might find change in their skin pigmentation as the skin might take on a rosy pink hue. This change is similar to the change in skin pigmentation when people eat a lot of carrots.
In addition to these side effects, one must be aware of the potential for drug interactions with astaxanthin. One of the potential drug interactions is with blood pressure medications as taking these medications along with a manufacturer's recommended astaxanthin dosage may result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Women who take oral contraceptives also need to check with their doctor or pharmacist before taking astaxanthin since the supplement is known to cause hormonal changes in some people.
Since astaxanthin is derived mainly from seafood and particularly shellfish, those who are allergic to shellfish should avoid using this supplement.
High Doses of Astaxanthin Have Potential Benefits
Recent research suggests that astaxanthin used in significantly higher doses than currently recommended may have benefits for those who have issues with hypertension and type II diabetes. Animal studies have shown that high doses of astaxanthin appear to be effective in lower blood pressure and might be an alternative for pharmaceuticals currently on the market. These same studies also there appears to an increase in the sensitivity of the body to insulin suggesting an high astaxanthin dosage might be beneficial for diabetics in regulating glucose.
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