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Sports Research vs Nutrex BioAstin Astaxanthin (2026)
Disclosure: We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores. Editorial policy
The Verdict
Sports Research edges Nutrex on our rubric (91 vs 86 on our 0-100 execution score), helped by its third-party testing and IGEN Non-GMO verification. On cost these two used to be neck and neck, and they are not any more: Sports Research runs about $0.45 per 12mg dose while Nutrex rose 38% in our September 2026 check to about $0.69, roughly half again as much for the same dose. Nutrex's BioAstin is a well-regarded Hawaiian-grown astaxanthin and the single-source Kona story is real, but at this gap it is a premium you are choosing to pay rather than a coin flip. In our view Sports Research is now the clear pick on score, testing documentation and cost. Both hit the full 12mg dose.
Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12mg with Coconut Oil
Sports Research
BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12mg
Nutrex Hawaii
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12mg with Coconut Oil Sports Research | BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12mg Nutrex Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Score | 91/100Winner | 86/100 |
| Dosing & Form | 25/25Winner | 25/25 |
| Purity | 22/25Winner | 19/25 |
| Value | 22/25Winner | 20/25 |
| Transparency | 22/25Winner | 22/25 |
| Cost/Day | $0.45Winner | $0.69 |
| Price checked | 2026-09-15 | 2026-09-15 |
| Dose/Serving | 12mg | 12mg |
| Form | Softgel (gelatin) with organic coconut oil | Softgel (gelatin) with safflower oil |
| Third-Party Tested | ✓ Yes | No |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No |
Why This Comparison Matters
Sports Research and Nutrex Hawaii both deliver a 12mg astaxanthin dose - the upper end of the studied range for skin, eye, and antioxidant support. Nutrex's BioAstin is Hawaiian-grown astaxanthin from a long-established grower; Sports Research pairs its astaxanthin with coconut oil in a softgel and carries third-party testing plus IGEN Non-GMO status. This is a top-dose head-to-head between two respected astaxanthin brands.
Astaxanthin is fat-soluble, so an oil carrier helps absorption - both take that route. The differences are sourcing, testing documentation, and cost.
We scored both on evidence, quality, cost per dose, and transparency.
Detailed Score Breakdown
Triple Strength Astaxanthin 12mg with Coconut Oil
Sports Research
Natural H. pluvialis astaxanthin (Astalif source from Iceland) at 12mg, the dose used in Brown 2021 cycling and Tominaga 2017 high-dose skin trials
cGMP compliant, third-party tested, IGEN non-GMO verified, formulated with cold-pressed organic coconut oil for absorption
$0.45/day at 12mg ($26.95 / 60 softgels). Strong value for a single-softgel clinical-dose product
Source algae and Astalif branding disclosed, COA available on request, no proprietary blends
Sports Research uses Astalif, a sustainably grown Icelandic H. pluvialis extract, in a coconut-oil base for fat-soluble absorption
BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12mg
Nutrex Hawaii
BioAstin is the H. pluvialis extract used in the Tominaga 2012 cosmetic skin trial; Nutrex grows the algae in Kona, Hawaii under sunlight
Farm-to-bottle Hawaiian operation since 1998, non-GMO, gluten free, cGMP manufacturing; in-house QC with COAs available
$0.69/day at 12mg ($34.49 / 50 softgels) after a 38% rise in September 2026. A steep premium now for the original Hawaiian-grown source
Single-source Hawaiian H. pluvialis disclosed, BioAstin branding owned by Nutrex/Cyanotech, full label transparency
Nutrex Hawaii is the original BioAstin source; other brands license BioAstin from them
How We Compared These Products
Every product in our database is scored on four equally-weighted pillars: dosing accuracy and form quality, purity verification (third-party testing), cost per clinically effective dose (not cost per pill), and label transparency. Each pillar is worth 25 points for a total of 100.
Cost per effective dose is calculated using the clinically studied dose from published research, not the manufacturer's suggested serving. If a product requires multiple servings to reach the dose used in clinical trials, that cost is reflected in the value score.
For a full explanation of our scoring methodology, see our methodology page. Prices were last checked on the dates listed for each product and may have changed.
More Astaxanthin Comparisons
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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.