Canthaxanthin-based pills have been known to cause the layers of fat contained below the skin layer to darken in appearance, similar in appearance to a suntan. Approved by the FDA for use in small quantities as a food colouring additive, it is not approved as a tanning agent and is considered unsafe for human consumption in the quantities required for tanning. Side effects include hepatitis and retinopathy.
Although these pills may be found available in some markets, it is our advice to refrain from taking these unregulated products that have received warnings regarding their consumption by the US FDA.