You've heard that vitamin C is a nutritional powerhouse. You've probably stocked up on it. But have you heard of astaxanthin?
I call astaxanthin (pronounced as-ta-zan-thin) the "superstar antioxidant" - and for good reason. Research suggests it may be up to 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C when it comes to neutralizing a particularly damaging type of free radical called singlet oxygen.* That's not a typo.
Known to support skin health, a healthy inflammatory response, cognitive function, energy, and more, astaxanthin is found naturally in wild salmon, shrimp, and krill. But here's the good news: you don't need to eat seafood every day to tap into its benefits.
If you're ready to learn why astaxanthin has quietly become one of the most talked-about ingredients in the wellness world - and why pairing it with CoQ10 takes things to an entirely new level - keep reading.
What Is Astaxanthin?
I've always been in awe of how salmon manage to swim upstream for miles against powerful currents. It wasn't until a research trip to Dutch Harbor, Alaska that I truly understood why. The answer lies in their diet - a specialized microalgae that produces astaxanthin, a vivid red-orange pigment and one of nature's most potent antioxidants.
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid - a class of naturally occurring pigments found in certain algae, plants, and seafood. The microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis produces it as a self-defense mechanism against intense UV light and environmental stress. The remarkable antioxidant power generated through this process is then passed up the food chain to the salmon, krill, and shrimp that feed on it. (Fun fact: it's also what gives flamingos their distinctive pink color.)
Because our bodies cannot produce carotenoids on their own, we have to get them through diet or supplementation. Natural food sources of astaxanthin include:
Microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis)
Wild-caught salmon (especially sockeye)
Rainbow trout
Shrimp and crayfish
Krill and krill oil
Wild sockeye salmon contains some of the highest concentrations found in food - but you'd need to eat it daily, consistently, to approach the amounts studied in clinical research. That's where a high-quality supplement can make a real difference.
Why Is Astaxanthin Having a Moment Right Now?
Astaxanthin isn't new - but it's having a well-deserved breakout. The global astaxanthin market is one of the fastest-growing segments in nutraceuticals, driven by a consumer base that's increasingly focused on proactive wellness, clean-label ingredients, and multi-benefit supplements. Searches for astaxanthin supplements have hit all-time highs, and the "beauty from within" movement has brought it front and center for anyone thinking about how their daily choices affect how they look and feel.
Today's informed supplement buyer isn't just looking for something that works - they want to know where it comes from, how it's extracted, and whether it's third-party tested. That's exactly the standard NAOMI holds itself to.
6 Research-Supported Ways Astaxanthin May Benefit Your Health*
1. Powerful Antioxidant Defense Against Free Radicals*
Astaxanthin's antioxidant capacity sets it apart from virtually every other carotenoid.
Research suggests it may be:
40x stronger than beta-carotene
100x stronger than vitamin E
550x stronger than green tea catechins (EGCG)
6,000x stronger than vitamin C
...when it comes to quenching singlet oxygen - one of the most common and damaging reactive oxygen species in the body.*
What makes astaxanthin uniquely effective is its molecular structure. Unlike most antioxidants, it can span the full width of a cell membrane - protecting both the inner and outer layers simultaneously - and it does so without becoming a pro-oxidant itself in the process.*
2. Supports Skin Health From the Inside Out*
One of the most popular reasons people turn to astaxanthin is for skin. And the science here is genuinely compelling.
As we age and accumulate UV exposure, oxidative stress damages collagen and elastin - the proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and hydrated. Studies have shown that astaxanthin supplementation may support skin moisture content, elasticity, and texture, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.* Research also indicates it may be significantly more effective than lutein and beta-carotene at protecting against UVA-induced oxidative stress in the skin.*
Think of it as SPF for your cells - working from the inside out.
3. Supports Brain Health and Cognitive Function*
The brain is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body and, as a result, one of the most vulnerable to oxidative stress. What makes astaxanthin particularly well-suited for brain support is that it's one of the few antioxidants capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier - allowing it to directly support neurological tissue.*
Studies suggest that astaxanthin supplementation may support cognitive function and mental clarity in middle-aged and older adults.* It has also shown promise in supporting nerve cell health and recovery from everyday oxidative stress.*
4. Promotes Eye Health and Visual Comfort*
Astaxanthin also crosses the blood-retina barrier - something very few antioxidants can do. This unique access allows it to support the retina, help protect against UV-related oxidative damage in the eyes, and support visual acuity and comfort, including reduction of eye strain from prolonged screen use.* In our increasingly screen-dominated lives, this is a benefit that resonates more than ever.
5. Supports Cardiovascular Health*
Research suggests astaxanthin may support healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are already within normal range, as well as overall cardiovascular function through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.* Maintaining healthy circulation and protecting the heart from oxidative stress is one of the most critical long-term wellness investments you can make.
6. Supports Immune Balance*
Astaxanthin has been shown to help modulate immune responses, including supporting a healthy inflammatory response and influencing cytokine activity during times of seasonal stress.* A well-calibrated immune system isn't just about fighting illness - it's about resilience.
Why We Pair Astaxanthin with CoQ10 - and Why It Matters
Here's something most astaxanthin blogs don't tell you: as remarkable as astaxanthin is on its own, there's a powerful case for pairing it with another fat-soluble antioxidant - Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
CoQ10 is produced naturally in the mitochondria - the energy-producing centers inside every cell in your body. It plays an essential role in converting the food you eat into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cellular fuel that powers everything from muscle contractions to cognitive function. It's also a potent antioxidant in its own right, helping protect cells from the oxidative byproducts of energy production.*
The problem? Your body's natural CoQ10 production declines with age. By your 70s, levels may be as much as 50% lower than they were in young adulthood.* People taking certain cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) may also experience accelerated CoQ10 depletion.*
This is where the pairing becomes so compelling.
Astaxanthin protects the mitochondrial membranes from free radical damage - helping to maintain the very environment where CoQ10 does its work. Meanwhile, CoQ10 fuels the mitochondria and supports energy production that astaxanthin alone cannot provide. Together, they offer complementary, whole-cell antioxidant protection: one guarding the structure, the other fueling the function.*
Research also suggests that both astaxanthin and CoQ10 support cardiovascular health through distinct but compatible mechanisms - making their combination particularly meaningful for those prioritizing heart health as part of a long-term wellness strategy.*
Which NAOMI Astaxanthin Formula Is Right for You?
Extra Strength Astaxanthin (12mg)
Best for: Whole-body antioxidant support, skin, eyes, brain, joints, and immune health.*
Our Extra Strength Astaxanthin features 12mg of Zanthin® Astaxanthin - extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae using a patented, solvent-free CO₂ supercritical process. That's 3x the dose of many other astaxanthin supplements on the market, and research suggests higher doses in the 12mg range may support a broader range of benefits than the 4mg doses commonly found elsewhere.* Every batch is third-party tested for purity and potency. Non-GMO, gluten-free, and clean label - no unnecessary fillers.
Take with: A meal containing healthy fats for optimal absorption.
Extra Strength Astaxanthin + CoQ10
Best for: Those focused on energy, heart health, mitochondrial function, and comprehensive antioxidant defense - especially those over 40 or on statin medications.*
This formula combines our 12mg Zanthin® Astaxanthin with 200mg of Kaneka® Q10 - widely regarded as the world's most thoroughly researched CoQ10, and bio-identical to the CoQ10 your body produces naturally. One softgel. Two of nature's most powerful fat-soluble antioxidants. Working together to protect your cells, fuel your energy, and support the kind of healthy aging that shows up in how you feel every day.*
Take with: A meal containing healthy fats for optimal absorption.
Top Astaxanthin Food Sources
While supplementation offers the most reliable way to reach research-supported doses, it's worth knowing which foods naturally contain astaxanthin:
Wild sockeye salmon (highest food source - up to 38mg/kg)
Rainbow trout
Red shrimp
Crab
Krill oil
One important note: wild-caught fish contain significantly more astaxanthin than farmed varieties. That bright orange-pink color in wild salmon? That's the astaxanthin at work.
How to Take Astaxanthin for Best Results
Because astaxanthin is fat-soluble, it's best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains healthy fats - think avocado, olive oil, nuts, fish, or chia seeds. You can take it any time of day, but consistency is key. Most clinical studies on astaxanthin have shown meaningful results after 8–12 weeks of daily use.
What to Look for in an Astaxanthin Supplement
Not all astaxanthin supplements are created equal. Here's what to prioritize:
Natural source: Choose astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae, not synthetic astaxanthin (commonly derived from petrochemicals)
Dose: Research supports 12mg for a full spectrum of benefits*
Extraction method: CO₂ supercritical extraction preserves potency without chemical solvents
Third-party tested: Purity and potency verified by independent labs
Clean label: Free from unnecessary fillers, stearates, and additives
Astaxanthin Side Effects & Safety
Astaxanthin is generally well-tolerated and considered safe at supplemental doses. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications. Both astaxanthin and CoQ10 are fat-soluble, which means they are stored in the body's tissues - a quality that supports sustained benefits but also makes proper dosing important.
The Bottom Line
Astaxanthin has earned its reputation as the "king of carotenoids" - and the science continues to grow. Whether you're focused on vibrant skin, sharp cognition, comfortable joints, or long-term cardiovascular and cellular health, this remarkable microalgae-derived antioxidant belongs in your daily routine.*
And if you're ready to take things a step further - supporting mitochondrial energy, heart health, and comprehensive antioxidant protection - the combination of astaxanthin and CoQ10 is one of the most compelling pairings in today's supplement landscape.*
Choose your formula:
Extra Strength Astaxanthin (12mg) - $35
Extra Strength Astaxanthin + CoQ10 - $45
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