What are the dangers of taking tanning pills?

As previously stated the main concern regarding both these tanning pills is that manufacturers are misleading the public into believing that taking the pills will adequately protect them from over exposure to UV and sun burn.

A key concern about oral products containing tyrosine is that the substance is classified as a dietary supplement. Taking it may interfere with certain appetite suppressants. Under no circumstances should these pills be taken with anti depressants as the combination can cause a sever upsurge in blood pressure.

Other dangers of tanning pills mainly lie with the pills that contain canthaxanthin. Initially users will be shocked to notice that both their stool and urine have red colouration, prompting panic and far reaching statements such as "I'm bleeding internally." Such concentrations of this pigment is bound to stain waste products, in fact if we were able to look at our internal organs we would find that they have been stained to. The hands and feet are also areas were excess amounts of canthaxanthin will accumulate, causing the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet to turn orange.

Continuous intake of high concentrations of canthaxanthin has also been linked to the development of canthaxanthin retinopathy. Simply put this is when excess pigment and its metabolites crystallize on or near the retina. This causes nerve signals to be blocked and people affected often complain about seeing "white flashes." The good news is that this condition will eventually disappear once the pills are discontinued.

Some allergic reactions to canthaxanthin have been reported - another danger of taking the tanning pill. The rash often takes the form of itchy raised patches surrounded by inflamed skin appearing all over the body. In the event of any allergy forming the pills should be discontinued. Treat the affected areas with 1% menthol in aqueous cream and keep the skin cool.

Use of canthaxanthin based tanning pills have also been linked to the danger of hepatitis A; inflation of the liver. Many opinions exist regarding how true this is, but you would be wise to be cautious and be aware that the link, even if not proven, does exist. Symptoms of hepatitis A include: jaundice, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and nausea. Vaccines are available.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Tanning Pill Dangers

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