NOW Astaxanthin 4 mg (60 Softgels) – Natural Microalgae Carotenoid Support
NOW Foods Astaxanthin 4 mg (Item SKU: N3251, UPC: 733739032515) provides naturally occurring, microalgae-derived astaxanthin suspended in organic extra virgin olive oil for cellular protection. Extracted from non-GMO Haematococcus pluvialis, this fat-soluble carotenoid crosses both the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers to combat systemic oxidative stress without converting into pro-oxidants in the human body.
Brand & Product Code
NOW Foods | SKU: N3251 | Catalog: ASTAXANTHIN-4-MG-SGEL
Package Size & Dose
60 Bovine Softgels (60-Day Supply at 1 softgel per day) | 4 mg Natural Astaxanthin
Source Microorganism
Pure Haematococcus pluvialis Algal Extract (Natural 3S, 3′S stereoisomer)
Retail Authenticity
Shipped directly by VitaNet, LLC (Hartville, OH) – Serving customers since 1995 with an unconditional money-back guarantee[cite: 1].
Clinical Evidence: How Natural Astaxanthin Operates in the Body
Astaxanthin is often called the "King of Carotenoids" because its molecular shape spans the entire double-layered cell membrane. Unlike Vitamin C (which dissolves only in water) or Beta-Carotene (which sits strictly inside fat layers), natural astaxanthin anchors itself across both layers of the cell wall. This shields cell membranes from free radical attack on the outside and inside simultaneously.
✓ Ocular Fatigue & Screen Strain
Astaxanthin crosses the blood-retinal barrier into eye tissue. Controlled human trials show that daily astaxanthin intake improves blood flow in retinal capillaries and reduces ciliary muscle strain caused by long hours at computer screens and mobile displays (Shiratori et al., 2005; Nagaki et al., 2010).
✓ Skin Elasticity & Moisture Retention
Clinical research demonstrates that 4 mg of daily oral astaxanthin helps preserve the skin's collagen network against environmental and UV-induced oxidation, significantly improving skin elasticity, moisture levels, and wrinkle depth over 6 to 8 weeks (Tominaga et al., 2012).
✓ Superior Free-Radical Quenching
Laboratory tests show that natural astaxanthin quenches singlet oxygen up to 6,000 times more effectively than Vitamin C, 800 times more than CoQ10, and 550 times more than green tea catechins (Naguib, 2000). Most importantly, astaxanthin does not break down into a harmful pro-oxidant under high stress.
✓ Vascular & Lipid Protection
Astaxanthin helps protect LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation. Clinical evaluations show that consistent supplementation supports normal capillary blood flow, balanced nitric oxide production, and healthy systemic inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP (Choi et al., 2011).
Medical Disclaimer: Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The scientific studies cited above reflect clinical evaluations of nutritional carotenoids and should not replace personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider.
Quality Verification: NOW Foods In-House Laboratory Testing
Many low-cost carotenoid supplements sold through unregulated online channels use synthetic astaxanthin synthesized from petrochemicals. NOW Foods runs one of the supplement industry's largest private analytical testing complexes, operating ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories that perform more than 19,000 analytical tests every month.
Strict Verification & Contaminant Controls
✓ Stereoisomer & Potency Verification (HPLC): Every batch is analyzed via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to confirm it contains the natural (3S, 3′S) stereoisomer derived from microalgae rather than petroleum-derived synthetic molecules.
✓ Heavy Metal Screening (ICP-MS): Raw ingredients are screened using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect trace elemental contaminants at parts-per-billion (ppb) levels. Finished softgels strictly meet or exceed USP and California Proposition 65 thresholds for Lead (<0.5 mcg/day), Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury.
✓ Algal Toxin & Microcystin Clearance: Because microalgae is cultivated in controlled environments, raw batches undergo targeted screening to verify zero contamination from cyanotoxins, microcystins, or unwanted wild algal strains.
✓ Microbiological & Pathogen Screening: Products are tested using automated rapid-pathogen detection for Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus, aerobic plate count, yeasts, and molds.
✓ Residual Solvents & Pesticides: Supercritical CO2 or natural solvent extraction residues are audited via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to guarantee zero residual chemical solvents.
Complete Supplement Facts & Ingredient Breakdown
Transparency is central to safe supplementation. Below is the full label declaration for NOW Astaxanthin 4 mg (60 Softgels), verified against manufacturer specifications.
Active Ingredient: Natural Astaxanthin (4 mg) – Extracted from unadulterated Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae.
Lipid Delivery Base: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Because astaxanthin is strictly fat-soluble, cold-pressed olive oil acts as a carrier lipid to help ensure gut absorption.
Softgel Capsule: Bovine Gelatin (BSE-free), Glycerin, Water – Forms an airtight capsule that protects sensitive carotenoids from oxidation.
Natural Stabilizer: Mixed Tocopherols (from natural non-GMO sunflower oil) – Used as a natural antioxidant system to preserve capsule freshness.
Allergen Declaration: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or sesame ingredients. Produced in a certified GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
To get the most out of your supplement, understanding how your body absorbs carotenoids is critical. Below are actionable guidelines and situations to consider before starting.
How to Maximize Absorption
The Fat-Soluble Rule: Astaxanthin is absorbed in the gut through micelle formation alongside dietary lipids. Taking this softgel on an empty stomach with just water limits absorption.
Best Practice: Take 1 softgel daily with your largest meal of the day, or one that contains healthy dietary fats such as avocado, olive oil, eggs, nuts, or yogurt.
Contraindications & Precautions
Who Should Speak with a Doctor First: Individuals taking prescription antihypertensive (blood pressure) medications, blood thinners, or medications that modulate hormone pathways (such as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors).
Pregnancy & Nursing: Because clinical trials on pregnant or nursing women are limited, consult your OB/GYN prior to starting.
Realistic Timelines: What to Expect
Unlike stimulants or pain relievers, astaxanthin builds up gradually in cell membranes. Most clinical trials observe initial benefits for digital eye strain within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily use, while measurable improvements in skin elasticity, moisture retention, and exercise recovery typically appear after 6 to 8 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between natural astaxanthin and synthetic astaxanthin?
Natural astaxanthin is produced by freshwater microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) to protect itself from sun and stress. Synthetic astaxanthin is made from petroleum derivatives and is primarily used as a coloring agent for farm-raised fish. Clinical research confirms that natural astaxanthin is significantly more bioactive and effective at protecting human cells than synthetic forms.
Why is this formula suspended in extra virgin olive oil?
Astaxanthin is fat-soluble, which means your digestive tract needs healthy fats to break it down and carry it across the intestinal wall into your bloodstream. Suspending it in organic extra virgin olive oil helps optimize everyday absorption.
Can I take this supplement if I have seafood or shellfish allergies?
Yes. While astaxanthin gives wild salmon, krill, and shrimp their reddish-pink color, the astaxanthin in this NOW formula comes directly from cultivated freshwater microalgae, not shellfish or seafood. The softgel capsule uses bovine (cattle) gelatin. It is not manufactured with fish or shellfish ingredients.
Is 4 mg per day an effective dose, or do I need more?
A 4 mg daily dose is the standard, well-studied maintenance amount used in major clinical trials for eye fatigue, skin elasticity, and daily antioxidant protection. Higher doses (8 mg to 12 mg) are sometimes used for intensive athletic recovery or advanced joint protocols, but 4 mg provides a solid, safe foundation for long-term daily wellness.
Does astaxanthin turn your skin orange like beta-carotene can?
At the standard 4 mg daily serving, skin discoloration does not occur. Unlike beta-carotene, which can cause harmless orange discoloration on palms and soles at very high doses (carotenodermia), 4 mg of astaxanthin settles evenly into deeper dermal layers to help support normal UV defense and hydration without altering visible skin tone.
Direct From VitaNet, LLC – Trusted Online Retailer Since 1995
Why Order NOW Astaxanthin from VitaNet?
VitaNet, LLC is an independent, family-owned natural health business founded in 1995 with an Ohio storefront in Hartville[cite: 1]. With over 31 years of experience, we source directly from authorized manufacturers to make sure you never receive counterfeit, improperly stored, or expired supplements[cite: 1].
✓ 100% Money-Back Guarantee: We stand behind every product we sell. If you are unsatisfied, we cover return shipping costs, even on opened bottles[cite: 1].
✓ BBB A+ Accredited: Decades of honest customer service and transparent operations[cite: 1].
✓ Direct Telephone Assistance: Have questions about your order? Talk to our staff directly at (330) 877-8786[cite: 1].
Manufacturer Authenticity Verified
NOW Astaxanthin 4 mg
60 Softgels | Item # N3251
In Stock & Freshly Dated Ships safely from Hartville, Ohio[cite: 1]
