CAU
Canthaxanthin
4,4′-diketo-beta-carotene
Use with Caution
V2 Verified
Specialty Bioactives
PubMed Studies
16
PubChem CID
About
Xanthophyll carotenoid used as tanning supplement and orange food colourant. Associated with canthaxanthin retinopathy (crystal deposits in retina) at doses used for tanning. Not recommended for cosmetic tanning use.
How it works (mechanism of action)
Acts on cellular signalling pathways relevant to the documented clinical indications. Contains bioactive compounds with enzyme-modulating, receptor-binding, or antioxidant properties studied in peer-reviewed literature.
⚖️ Regulatory Status
⚠️
EU — Restricted
EFSA advises smokers to avoid beta-carotene supplements at doses >15mg/day due to increased lung cancer risk (ATBC and CARET trials).
👥 Safety by Population
🚫 Contraindications & Warnings
CANTHAXANTHIN RETINOPATHY: crystal deposits in retina at tanning supplement doses (>180mg cumulative). Reversible but may take years. FDA has issued warnings. Tanning use NOT recommended. As food colourant at regulatory quantities: safe. As supplement: use only at very low doses.
🏷️ Other Names
4,4′-diketo-beta-carotene