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Aplastic anemia associated with canthaxanthin ingested for 'tanning' purposes
R Bluhm1, R Branch, P Johnston
1Department of Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-6602.
JAMA
|September 5, 1990
Summary
A young woman died from aplastic anemia after using canthaxanthin, a synthetic carotenoid for skin tanning. This cosmetic use poses unknown risks, including potential bone marrow suppression, and is not FDA-approved.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Canthaxanthin is a synthetic, lipid-soluble carotenoid used for cosmetic skin tanning.
- It is available through commercial tanning salons and mail order, despite limited safety data in humans.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved canthaxanthin for prescription or over-the-counter use.
Observation:
- A previously healthy young woman developed fatal aplastic anemia after ingesting canthaxanthin.
- The canthaxanthin was obtained from a commercial tanning salon for the purpose of skin coloration.
- Skin coloration occurs due to pigment deposition in the epidermis and subcutaneous fat.
Findings:
- Oral canthaxanthin ingestion was linked to a fatal outcome of aplastic anemia.
- The safety of oral canthaxanthin doses in humans has not been adequately investigated.
- Adverse effects, such as bone marrow suppression, are unknown due to the distribution methods and lack of monitoring.
Implications:
- The use of canthaxanthin for cosmetic purposes carries unknown risks, including potentially severe hematological toxicity.
- The cosmetic benefits of canthaxanthin do not outweigh the potential health risks, even if the risk is small.
- Current distribution channels hinder the monitoring and assessment of canthaxanthin's toxicological profile in humans.