A long-term safety study was conducted with astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae extract. Fifteen healthy volunteers took 9 mg of astaxanthin daily for 12 weeks. Physiological (including doctor’s consultation), haematological, biochemical, and urinary markers were examined at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12. No adverse effects or clinical changes were observed throughout the test period. It was concluded that a healthy adult can consume 9 mg of astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae extract for 12 weeks without any safety concern.

Objectives: To study the effect of astaxanthin contained drink to skin conditionMethod: The study was conducted to the Japanese females between age over thirty to less than fifty , who had weakening of skin (including aging, sag and dry skin) and skin dullness. In order to conduct the objective evaluation, the comparison between the groups by the double-blind test was taken. Twenty of subjects were randomly allocated to the intake group of astaxanthin contained drink (astaxanthin 3mg contained) and the placebo group. After eight weeks intake of the drink, each group was evaluated with skin water contents, transepidermal water loss, skin elasticity, VISIA and skin texture etc.Result: In between the groups, the intake group of astaxanthin contained drink was greatly excellent in the categories of skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, skin elasticity , erythema dose and skin texture.Conclusion:Astaxanthin has protecting effect of skin barrier and is considered to increase the water retention capability to reduce skin dryness. Astaxanthin is also effective to erythema dose, skin elasticity and skin texture.　As no adverse events resulting from the test drink was seen, such food containing astaxanthin is considered as a safe and useful health functional food material to skin.