title: [Systemic photoprotection through carotenoids].
abstract: Nutritional supplements are increasingly used to protect human skin against environmentally-induced damage, most importantly as a consequence of ultraviolet radiation exposure. beta-carotene is a major constituent of comercially available products administered for systemic photoprotection. Studies on the systemic use of beta-carotene provide evidence that 15-30 mg/d over a period of about 10-12 wk produces a protective effect against UV-induced erythema. Similar effects have been attributed to mixtures of carotenoids or after long-term intake of dietary products rich in carotenoids. Supplementation with carotenoids contributes to basal protection of the skin but is not sufficent to obtain complete protection against severe UV irradiation.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie I, Heinrich Heine-Universität Düsseldorf.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Stahl
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krutmann
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009753:Nutritive Value; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D019207:beta Carotene