Does Astaxanthin Have Any Harmful Effects on the Liver?

There is a viral post on the X platform (Twitter) claiming that consuming Astaxanthin supplements has a negative impact on liver health. This post has been widely shared in a short period of time, causing concern among many users. The Fact Crescendo team has decided to conduct further fact-checking on this issue.

Social Media Post

A Twitter user has posted a message stating, "I went for a health check-up today and discovered that my liver enzymes are abnormally high. The doctor asked specifically if I took Astaxanthin, and I confirmed that I did. The doctor advised me to stop immediately, as they have observed several cases where it causes liver inflammation (although not everyone).”

Source | Archive

This post has been widely shared and has been viewed over 2.8 million times.

As Astaxanthin has become popular recently, with many users reacting to this post with fear and concern, we have decided to dive deeper into this topic.

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin, a red pigment categorized as a carotenoid, is found in various foods such as algae, salmon, and shrimp. It is known for its antioxidant properties, with potential benefits for brain health, eye health, skin health, and immune support. Some concerns have been raised about its impact on liver health, but available research provides a nuanced perspective.

Positive Findings on Astaxanthin and Liver Health

Several reputable studies have explored the effects of Astaxanthin on the liver, presenting intriguing findings. A review published in Antioxidants suggests that Astaxanthin may prevent or reverse Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) by addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and fibrosis. Another source from Life Extension Magazine emphasizes the potential of Astaxanthin to protect the liver from injury and aid in reversing damage. Additionally, a study published in Drug Design, Development and Therapy highlights the preventive and therapeutic effects of Astaxanthin on liver fibrosis, NAFLD, liver cancer, and drug-induced liver injury.

Astaxanthin is generally considered safe for the liver and does not have any reported negative effects on liver health according to reputable sources. Verywell Health mentions that potential side effects of Astaxanthin, when taken in excessive amounts, may include red-colored stool and frequent bowel movements. However, it does not specifically mention any negative effects on the liver. WebMD suggests that Astaxanthin may hinder the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which could impact testosterone conversion in the body, but this also does not specifically relate to the liver. Additionally, a post on Nimed Health states that Astaxanthin is safe for both the liver and kidneys.

Safety Considerations:

In general, consuming Astaxanthin safely means taking it in the recommended amount. According to the Very Well Health website, it is suggested to take no more than 6-7 milligrams per day, along with food.

Taking excessive amounts of Astaxanthin may cause low blood pressure and affect calcium levels in the body. It can also cause rashes in individuals with allergies.

There are certain groups of people who should not consume Astaxanthin, including:

Individuals who are allergic to foods containing Astaxanthin, such as seaweed, salmon, shrimp, or lobster.
Individuals who are allergic to other carotenoids, such as canthaxanthin.
Individuals with chronic diseases or health problems, such as a weakened immune system, osteoporosis, low calcium levels, abnormal parathyroid hormone levels, or abnormal hormone levels.
Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.

Debunking the Viral Claims

Contrary to the claim that Astaxanthin has direct negative effects on the liver, there is no conclusive evidence supporting such assertions. Notably, the reviewed studies and reputable sources do not report any specific negative impact of Astaxanthin on the liver.

However, individual responses to supplements can vary, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare providers before initiating any new supplement regimen.