Canthaxanthin (Food Orange 8, Roxanthin Red 10, 4,4'-dioxo-beta-carotene) is a carotenoid pigment with no vitamin A activity.
Uses:
(1) oral artificial suntanning agent
(2) yellow-orange food colorant (soft drinks, candy, yogurt, lemonade)
Risk factors:
(1) high intake of canthaxanthin (total doses >= 37 grams)
(2) focal disease of the pigment epithelium
(3) ocular hypertension
(4) concurrent exposure to beta-carotene
Fundoscopic examination shows gold-colored particles located in:
(1) nerve fibers close to the macula
(2) in the paramacular region
These measure around 30 microns in diameter.
The patient may have a decrease in visual acuity.
