Can You Take Astaxanthin and Beta-Carotene Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Astaxanthin and beta-carotene compete for the same carotenoid absorption and transport pathways including SR-BI receptors. High-dose beta-carotene may reduce astaxanthin bioavailability and vice versa.

How to arrange timing

If supplementing both, take them at different meals to reduce absorption competition.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Nagao A. Absorption and metabolism of dietary carotenoids. Biofactors. 2011;37(2):83-87

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.