In order to understand the function of Canthaxanthin (pronounced CAN-THA-ZAN-THIN) an understanding of a group of molecules called carotenoids would be helpful.

There are two major groups of carotenoids:
1. Carotenoids - Bright colors (yellow, orange, and red) that are found in nature.

Carotenoids: Are biological pigments that are the coloring of living organisms and the necessary molecules needed for important metabolic reactions. They are distributed everywhere in leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of plants. Carotenoids are also found in many animals, especially in marine invertebrates. They tend to accumulate in brightly colored feathers of tropical birds.

All carotenoids that are found in animals are ultimately derived from plants or algae. Carotenoids are potent antioxidant molecules that protect plants from damage caused by singlet and triplet oxygen which is the by-product of ultra violet rays and photosynthetic metabolism. They are free radical scavengers that prevent harmful uncontrolled oxidation chain reactions.

Carotenoids also protect plants from direct ultra violet damage by absorbing high energy ultra violet photons then dissipating the energy along their hydrocarbon chains. Mutant plants that contain farotenoids soon die due to ultra violet induced damage to the chlorophyll. The beautiful array of orange, green chlorophyll masks the different colors of carotenoids until the winter cold along with free radicals destroy it. Once the leaves are unmasked the various carotenoids colors are revealed. Like wise, in animals, protecting DHA from genetic damage.

2. Xanthophyll (closely related to the beta carotene). Beta carotene is the yellow through orange colors such as the yellow in squash or the orange in carrots.

Canthaxanthin: Canthaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in many different plants and animals. It is the red coloring of many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It gives the pink hue to the feathers of brightly colored birds such as flamingos. A few species of pink shellfish and some ocean crustaceans such as the red lobster contain the xanthophyll as pigment, Canthaxanthin functions as a ultra violet photon absorber, a singlet and triplet oxygen quencher and a free radical deactivator.

A major cause of skin cancer is repeated sunburns to the skin. Damage to DNA due to ultra violet radiation, excited forms of oxygen, and free radicals can cause mutations which lead to carcinogenesis.

The use of Canthaxanthin may decrease one’s chances of getting skin cancer by decreasing the necessary exposure time in the sunlight to acquire a tan, and by preventing sun damage to the skin.

How Does Canthaxanthin Work? As Canthaxanthin assimilates into the body the Canthaxanthin molecules attaches to the subcutaneous layer of fat cells (insulin fat) that is directly under the skin. Since the skin is translucent the fat that has been darken by the Canthaxanthin shows through.

Dosage: It is important to know that the following information has been approximated and not enough can be said that everyone will not see the exact same results. The recommended guidelines are based on adult body weight. The capsules should be taken at the end of each meal throughout the day (during and after the saturation period).

Adult Body Weight: Under 100 lbs. 4 tablets 100-159 lbs. 5 tablets 160-200 lbs. 6 tablets Over 200 lbs. 7 tablets The saturation period is approximately 4 weeks give or take 5 days.

Saturation is achieved when the entire body has obtained an orange/bronze color easily detected in the face, hands and feet. Coloring starts to appear 1 to 2 weeks before saturation is completed, which means you may not see any color for the first 2 weeks. Once the saturation point has been achieved, cut the dosage in half. You can then regulate the coloring by taking more of less capsules on a daily basis.

Side Effects: Canthaxanthin will turn the stool and some other body waste a reddish color. This occurs when the body expels excessive amounts of Canthaxanthin that can not be assimilated. Also, excessive amounts (more that can be absorbed by the body fat) will turn the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet an orange/bronze color, indicating that the dosage should be cut down on a gradient, only after saturation. The orange tint on the palms and feet will last though saturation an will gradually become less noticeable after the dosage is cut in half.

Please note: This product has nothing to do with the skins normal tanning process from ultra violet stimulation.
How many bottles will it take to get you tan? It is recommended that the purchasing of at least two or three bottles will get a tan started.

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