Contrast agent induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury as a result of more and more iodinated contrast-media use for diagnostic purposes. Previous studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress and apoptosis are established processes contributing to contrast agent induced acute kidney injury. Astaxanthin (ATX), a carotenoid found in microalgae, fungi, complex plants, seafood, flamingos and quail has been confirmed have anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptosis effects. Experimental investigations in a range of species using a contrast agent induced acute kidney injury model demonstrated kidney preservation when ATX is administered prior to the induction of contrast agent. ATX, as an natural antioxidant, is capable to prevent CI-AKI effectively, and the mechanism is possibly related to anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis. In this mini review, we briefly summarize the potential for ATX as a protector against CI-AKI pathologies.