Astaxanthin occurs naturally and is used in supplements to improve the health of your skin, eyes and general wellness. Still, when an individual is taking blood thinners which help blood from clotting, they may ask about possible interactions with these products. The article covers if it's safe to combine astaxanthin with blood thinners, the effects this could have and what factors to keep in mind.
What Is Astaxanthin?
Microalgae, salmon, krill and yeast strains are examples of where we find astaxanthin. It is recognized by:
The ability to fight harmful free radicals
Helping maintain the heart, the skin and the joints.
Can enter the brain and eye.
Shielding the body against harmful oxidative stress, especially in areas enriched with lipids.
The increasing popularity of herbal medicine in natural health means herbs are often found in various supplements aimed at anti-aging, recovery and providing an energy boost.
What Is Blood Thinners?
When given, blood thinners (called alternatives to anticoagulants) help avoid problems with blood clots, strokes and heart diseases. Some of the most common drugs include:
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Aspirin
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Apixaban (Eliquis)
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
As a result, these drugs make blood tend to move without clotting and reduce the risk of clots in your blood vessels.
Does Astaxanthin Affect Blood Clotting?
Although astaxanthin is not considered a blood thinner, certain studies recommend it has weak antiplatelet properties. In essence, it might have an effect on how blood cells are able to clump together. While this side effect usually has no serious impact on most people, individuals on anticoagulant medicine should be careful.
Research has suggested that astaxanthin plays a role in regulating oxidative stress and reduces inflammation which affects cardiovascular health and the body's clotting activity. The effects of using blood thinners in humans are not fully understood on a clinical level.
Is It Safe to Take Astaxanthin With Blood Thinners?
All in all, people can normally take moderate amounts of astaxanthin, even if they are taking anticoagulants. Even so, there are two issues to consider:
The strength of a drug's effects may be greater when taken in higher doses. Most dietary supplements have between 4 and 12 mg per recommended serving.
The response to blood-thinning drugs can be influenced by a person's age, liver condition and what kind of medications they take.
Consultation with a healthcare provider is required for people who use prescription blood thinners and wish to start using astaxanthin.
How to Use Astaxanthin Responsibly
When taking blood thinners, you should also consider astaxanthin.
Take 4 mg of medicine every day and note any unusual signs of bruises or bleeding.
Always Let Your Doctor Know: Especially if you use medications such as warfarin, where the blood level should be monitored.
Children should refrain from taking a lot of products like vitamin E, fish oil or ginkgo biloba without consulting an expert.
Eat Astaxanthin With Fats: Astaxanthin is easily absorbed in your system when eaten with foods that contain good fats.
Conclusion
Astaxanthin offers a promising range of health benefits, particularly for those concerned with oxidative stress and healthy aging. While current evidence does not suggest serious risks when used alongside blood thinners, it's always best to approach any supplement with caution and professional guidance. If you're seeking high-quality astaxanthin ingredients or customized formulations, feel free to contact us at donna@kingsci.com or Contact Us Directly. We're here to support your business with science-backed botanical solutions.
References
- Fassett, R. G., & Coombes, J. S. (2011). Astaxanthin: A potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular health. Marine Drugs, 9(3), 447–465.
- Yang, Y., et al. (2020). Antiplatelet activity of marine carotenoids and their potential mechanisms. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 44(5), e13193.
- Ambati, R. R., et al. (2014). Astaxanthin: Sources, extraction, stability, biological activities and its commercial applications. Marine Drugs, 12(1), 128–152.
- Park, J. S., et al. (2010). Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans. Nutrition & Metabolism, 7, 18.
