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Canthaxanthin

Canthaxanthin is a pigment whose chemical structure is similar to the pigment that gives carrots their orange color. Canthaxanthin occurs naturally in nature, but can also be produced in the laboratory. Canthaxanthin is also used as a medicine. Canthaxanthin is used to reduce sensitivity to sunlight in people who suffer from a rare hereditary disease called erythropoietic protoporphyria. In these people, sunlight can cause skin reactions such as rashes, itching and eczema. Canthaxanthin is also used to reduce sensitivity to sunlight caused by certain medications. Some people use canthaxanthin to relieve itching caused by sun exposure. Canthaxanthin is also sold in some countries in pill form as a tanning agent. Canthaxanthin is used as a colorant in foods. Canthaxanthin is also added to animal feed to intensify the color of chicken skin, egg yolk, salmon and trout. In industrial production, canthaxanthin is used in cosmetics and medicines.

How does canthaxanthin work?

Canthaxanthin is a pigment similar to carotenes, which occur naturally in vegetables such as carrots. It accumulates in the skin to produce an artificial tan. Canthaxanthin could protect against hypersensitivity to sunlight through an antioxidant effect.

How effective is canthaxanthin?

Canthaxanthin may be effective in treating hypersensitivity to sunlight associated with the hereditary disease erythropoietic protoporphyria. Taking canthaxanthin appears to reduce skin rashes, itching and eczema in response to sunlight in these individuals. There is insufficient scientific data to conclude on the efficacy of canthaxanthin for the treatment of sensitivity to sunlight caused by medication, for the treatment of itching caused by sun exposure and for use as an artificial tanning agent. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of canthaxanthin in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Canthaxanthin appears to be safe and harmless when taken in amounts found in food. However, canthaxanthin does not appear to be safe and harmless when taken in the amounts needed for an artificial tan or to treat hypersensitivity to sunlight. People who have taken such amounts have experienced eye damage and loss of eyesight. In high doses, canthaxanthin can cause a serious, potentially fatal blood disorder called aplastic anemia. Canthaxanthin may also cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, dry and itchy skin, hives, orange and red body discharge, and other side effects.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Canthaxanthin is not safe in the amounts needed to treat hypersensitivity to sunlight or for an artificial tan, as it may cause eye damage and other adverse effects.

Vitamin A allergy: People who are allergic to vitamin A and related chemicals called carotenoids may also be sensitive to canthaxanthin.

Interactions

No information on interactions is available at this time.

Dosage

The following doses have been investigated in scientific studies:

Oral:

  • To reduce skin rashes, itching and/or eczema in people suffering from erythropoietic protoporphyria when exposed to sunlight: 60 to 90 mg canthaxanthin daily for 3 to 5 months per year.

References

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