BioStacks
Nutricost

Astaxanthin 12 mg

Capsule · 1 Softgel · 120 servings

45 / 100Average

Best for

Score Breakdown

Formulation
60
Safety
75
Final score
45/100

Ingredients (1)

Astaxanthin, Natural

100%

Dose

12 mg

Target

4–12 mg

Form

Not listed

Nutrition

Calories and macros.

  • Calories5 Calorie(s)

Other Ingredients (5)

Caramel ColorColor

Class III and IV caramel colors contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) in 2011 (Monograph Vol. 101). California Prop 65 lists 4-MEI as a known carcinogen; products delivering >29 mcg/day require a cancer warning label. NTP TR-535 (2007) found 4-MEI caused lung tumors in mice. Major cola brands (Coca-Cola, Pepsi) voluntarily reformulated 2012-2014 to reduce 4-MEI below California thresholds. Because labels never specify Class I (sugar + heat only, safer) vs Class III/IV (ammonia-process, contains 4-MEI), consumers cannot verify which they're consuming. Combined with the additive's purely cosmetic purpose, the risk:benefit ratio is unfavorable for any supplement.

GelatinCapsule

Protein derived from collagen, used in traditional capsule shells

GlycerinHumectant

Sweet-tasting liquid used in soft capsules and liquids

Sunflower Seed OilCarrier

Common vegetable oil from sunflower seeds used as a carrier in softgels for fat-soluble nutrients

Purified WaterSolvent

Water meeting USP specifications used as solvent/vehicle in gummies and liquids

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Sources & Scoring

Nutrient data (RDA, UL, and safety thresholds) sourced from: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and National Academies Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).

This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.

The score analyzes what's on the label: ingredient doses vs. clinical ranges, chemical forms, evidence levels, and known interactions. It does not verify label accuracy or test for contaminants — for that, look for third-party certifications like USP or NSF.