Tanning Tablets
Scientific Name(s): Beta-carotene-4,4'-dione
Common Name(s): Canthaxanthin, Carophyll red, Food Orange 8, Roxanthin red 10, Tanning pill, Tanning tablet
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2022.
Clinical Overview
Use
Although they are not recommended for these uses, tanning tablets have been used to give skin a natural-looking tan, prevent photosensitivity in people with inherited erythropoietic protoporphyria, and in the treatment of vitiligo. Canthaxanthin and other carotenoids have been studied for activity in cancer and Parkinson disease, although evidence is limited.
Dosing
Various dosing regimens are available. Therefore, review manufacturers' directions before using. Historically, a recommended maximum daily intake of canthaxanthin was 25 mg/kg. However, use of these products cannot be recommended because of unknown safety associated with long-term use.
Contraindications
No longer considered safe.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Some adverse effects reported with tanning tablets include discoloration of the stool, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet; GI discomfort; canthaxanthin-induced retinopathy; and at least 1 case of aplastic anemia. In short- and long-term animal studies, the LD50 for canthaxanthin in mice, rats, and dogs has been found to be greater than 10,000 mg/kg.
Toxicology
Both beta-carotene and canthaxanthin are classified as "Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)" substances by the FDA.
History
A variety of OTC tablets and capsules containing the pigments beta-carotene and canthaxanthin have been available for more than 20 years and have been promoted to give the consumer a natural-looking tan. In the United States, these pigments are approved as color additives for use in food and drugs; although they are unapproved for use as ingested agents intended to color the skin. However, consumers may obtain canthaxanthin from a variety of sources including mail-order houses and tanning salons as an "over-the-counter sun-tanning agent." Due to safety concerns, the agent is no longer approved in Canada and Australia.1, 2, 3
Chemistry
Canthaxanthin is highly lipid soluble and is found in a variety of sources, including plants, mushrooms, bacteria, sea trout, algae, brine shrimp, crayfish, and bird feathers. The deep red-orange pigment is often the only color in tanning preparations and it is sometimes referred to as Food Orange 8, carophyll red, or roxanthin red 10. The pigment also is used to enhance the appearance of foods, such as pizza, barbecue and spaghetti sauces, soups, salad dressings, fruit drinks, baked goods, pudding, cheeses, and catsup.1, 2, 3
Uses and Pharmacology
Canthaxanthin is a derivative of beta-carotene; however, it is not a precursor of vitamin A. The tanning effect (orange to brownish color) is the result of canthaxanthin accumulation in the epidermis and subcutaneous fatty tissue. Canthaxanthin is not melanogenic, erythemic, or photosensitizing. Depending on the dose, canthaxanthin is deposited in the retina and liver; orange discoloration of plasma has been documented.1
The typical dietary intake of beta-carotene and canthaxanthin added during food manufacturing is 0.3 and 5.6 mg, respectively.4 A recommended maximum daily intake of canthaxanthin i...
