Abstract: Provided herein are methods of preventing or treating cardiovascular disease (CVD), methods of supporting cardiovascular health, or supporting inflammatory health in a subject by reducing C-reactive protein (CRP). In exemplary aspects, the method comprises administering astaxanthin to the subject at a therapeutically effective amount. In some aspects, the subject also receives a standard of care for CVD or risk management thereof. The present disclosure also provides methods of reducing CRP levels in a subject comprising administering an amount of astaxanthin to the subject, as described herein, wherein the subject is at risk for or suffers from CVD. Additional related methods of altering levels of one or more of: TNF-?, IL-1?, IL-6, INF-?, oxidized LDL, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, FOXO3 activation, and HDL cholesterol, comprising administering astaxanthin to the subject are further provided herein.