Some people are trading UV rays for tanning pills, as numerous social media influencers have raved about how these supplements have given their skin a tan glow. But are they safe?

These pills contain a variety of ingredients – including L-tyrosine, beta-carotene and astaxanthin – that could potentially have a color-changing effect on the skin.

Doctors are warning that this alternative means of bronzing the skin can come with risks.

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As of a March 2022 notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are not currently any FDA-approved pills for tanning the skin.

The FDA confirmed with Fox News Digital that this has not changed as of today.

“Nevertheless, pills bearing tanning claims continue to appear on the market,” the FDA wrote. “Consumers should be aware of risks associated with such products, as well as doubts about their efficacy.”

One of the biggest risks is that some people might assume they’re more protected from the sun based on their darkened skin tone, according to Dr. Alexis Young, a dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.

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“I can assure you [that] is not the case,” she said to Fox News Digital. “The effect of these pills provides no SPF protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays, which can increase our risk of skin cancer – including melanoma, the deadliest form.”

These pills often contain a pigment called canthaxanthin, which accumulates in the skin and eyes, the dermatologist added.

With prolonged use at high doses, this pigment can potentially lead to liver damage, Young warned.

Tanning pills may cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and allergic reactions, experts warn. (iStock)

“Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice,” she said.

“Canthaxanthin deposits in the retina can potentially cause blurred vision, night blindness and even permanent vision loss.”

Tanning pills may also cause other side effects, Young reported, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and allergic reactions.

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In addition to canthaxanthin, tanning pills can also contain other elements, such as beta-carotene and L-tyrosine.

“While generally considered safe, excessive beta-carotene intake can be harmful, especially for smokers, as it may increase their risk of lung cancer,” Young said.

“L-tyrosine … may interact with certain medications and can worsen pre-existing conditions like hyperthyroidism.”

Tanning pills will not provide protection from the sun’s rays, experts noted. (iStock)

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin, of California Dermatology Specialists, also reacted to this trend in an interview with Fox News Digital, noting that carotenoids – which are often found in these supplements – are what gives fruit their color.

“As dermatologists, we actually see this when someone eats too many carrots,” she said. “They can also get a similar ‘tan’ effect that presents more as an orange color, which often starts to appear on their hands and feet first.”

“The safest approach is to avoid tanning altogether and embrace your natural skin tone.”

Amin echoed that an excess of carotenoids can cause liver damage, as they’ve been associated with an increase in alcohol-induced swelling and inflammation when ingested in high doses.

Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp also does not recommend the use of tanning pills, he told Fox News Digital, as they typically have to be taken at higher doses to induce visible changes in the skin’s pigment.

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“And their results are temporary, which means you would need to continue taking them to maintain the ‘tan’ they provide,” he said via email.

The expert pointed out that astaxanthin has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects like abdominal pain and diarrhea.

With tanning pills, “the potential risks, particularly for skin cancer and liver damage, outweigh any perceived benefits,” a dermatologist commented. (iStock)

Tanning pills are “not considered safe” even if dosage instructions are followed, according to Young.

“The potential risks, particularly for skin cancer and liver damage, outweigh any perceived benefits,” she said. “It’s important to remember that the FDA has not approved any tanning pills as safe or effective.”

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Amin agreed that there is “simply not enough evidence to support the use of these supplements to tan the skin.”

“Given the unknown safety profile, I recommend avoiding using these pills at levels that can lead to a tan,” she added.

A dermatologist advised that everyone wear SPF 30 sunscreen or higher when exposed to the sun. (iStock)

For alternative tanning options, Amin suggested using an at-home self-tanner.

Young also prefers self-tanning products and sunless tanners, including lotions, mousses and sprays, which provide a temporary tan “without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.”

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She also recommended professional spray tans that offer a “more natural-looking” custom tan.

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“Remember, the safest approach is to avoid tanning altogether and embrace your natural skin tone,” she said. “Protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial for maintaining long-term health and preventing skin cancer.”

Fox News Digital reached out to several tanning pill manufacturers requesting comment on potential safety risks.

Motherhood is a tough job — and now some moms are getting help from an unlikely source.

Thousands of mothers are taking microdoses of psychedelic or “magic” mushrooms — officially called psilocybin — to ease their stress and anxiety, according to some reports.

On an Instagram account called “Moms On Mushrooms,” which has over 30,000 followers, users claim mushrooms are improving their mental health.

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Others, however, are concerned about the possible health risks and legal issues associated with these psychedelic substances.

Read on for both sides of the issue, including a doctor’s warning. 

Potential benefits

Peggy Van de Plassche, a Canada-based former business and finance executive, quit her job to focus her time and energy on the psychedelic industry.

Van De Plassche is a mom and founder of The Microdose Diet, a holistic program that includes alternative medicines such as psilocybin to “rewire the brain, calm the body, master emotions and raise energy to reach more success.”

She calls microdosing the new “biohack” for mothers to navigate their stress and anxiety around parenting, aging and work.

“Microdosing can help moms find calm and clarity in parenting, improve their emotional resilience, and even help manage postpartum depression,” Van de Plassche said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

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There are three potential benefits of microdosing mushrooms, according to Van de Plassche, who is also the author of the book “MORE! The Microdose Diet – The 90-Day Plan for More Success, Passion, and Happiness.”

1. Enhanced emotional and mental well-being

Many women report significant improvements in their emotional and mental health when they begin microdosing psychedelics, according to Van de Plassche.

“These small, sub-hallucinogenic doses can stabilize mood and improve emotional responsiveness,” she told Fox News Digital via email.

Thousands of mothers are apparently taking microdoses of psychedelic or “magic” mushrooms — officially called psilocybin — to ease their stress and anxiety, according to some reports. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

“Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that microdosing may help diminish symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD, which disproportionately affect women.”

In theory, these substances can balance women’s emotions and make everyday challenges more manageable, claimed Van de Plassche.

One supporter calls microdosing the new “biohack” for mothers to navigate stress and anxiety.

One mother posted on Reddit last year about her positive experience with microdosing.

“No exaggeration, microdosing saved my life. I had terrible reactions to everything commonly prescribed to treat PTSD, and as a last resort I started microdosing,” she wrote.

“There was no high or buzz, I just stopped wanting to kill myself,” the individual wrote. “It’s been two years and my kids have a fully functional mom and my world has color.”

2. Increased creativity and problem-solving

“Women in creative fields, as well as those in more traditional sectors, find that microdosing enhances their problem-solving capabilities and creative thinking,” Van de Plassche said.

“This isn’t about generating a ‘high,’ but rather sparking a slight uplift in cognitive flexibility.”

“Microdosing can help moms find calm and clarity in parenting, improve their emotional resilience, even help manage postpartum depression,” claimed an advocate of mushrooms. (iStock)

In her view, microdosing helps women “think outside the box,” forge new connections and arrive at better solutions. 

“Whether at work or at home, women can benefit from more creativity with the help of microdosing,” she said.

3. Menopause relief and hormonal balance

Van de Plassche said she believes that microdosing can help women navigate the psychological and physiological symptoms of menopause, such as mood swings, insomnia and fatigue. 

“By modulating the serotonin system in the brain, microdoses of psychedelics might offer a new kind of equilibrium without the side effects associated with traditional hormone replacement therapies,” she told Fox News Digital.

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“Microdosing holds particular appeal for women seeking gentle yet effective transformations,” she also said. 

Beyond helping to manage symptoms of aging, microdosing can help women “reclaim a sense of agency” over their minds and spirits, according to Van de Plassche.

What is a microdose?

Microdosing psilocybin involves “regularly taking very small, sub-perceptual doses of LSD or psilocybin,” which is the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms, according to Van de Plassche.

The ideal dose, frequency and type of mushroom can vary from one person to the next, she said.

Though some moms are swearing by this today, microdosing psychedelics can cause a psychotic or manic episode, especially in those with a personal or family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, an expert warned. (iStock)

“I have found that 100 milligrams of psilocybin once every three days in the morning on an empty stomach is a great rule of thumb for most,” said Van de Plassche.

Potential risks of microdosing on mushrooms

Some medical professionals warn about a lack of research and safety concerns associated with mushrooms.

“There is not a lot of peer-reviewed research or safety data available for microdosing psychedelics, because these substances are not as well-studied as more traditional interventions,” Dr. Adam D. Scioli, chief medical officer of Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, told Fox News Digital.

“However, some of what we do know is concerning.”

“There is not a lot of peer-reviewed research or safety data available for microdosing psychedelics.”

Microdosing psychedelics can cause a psychotic or manic episode, especially in those with a personal or family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, Scioli warned.

Other potential risks include paranoia, worsened depression or anxiety, and enhancement of emotions like worry, fear and guilt.

“Individuals microdose to manage emotions or feel better, but they should be aware that you can’t control which emotions you may experience,” Scioli added.

There is a risk that mushrooms may interact with other depression medications, which could be dangerous, even life-threatening, an expert warned. (iStock)

There is also the risk that mushrooms may interact with other depression medications, which could be dangerous or even life-threatening, the expert warned.

For some, the substance could lead to elevated blood pressure or heart rate, or an increased risk of stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.

“Individuals may also experience migraines, vomiting, nausea, loss of consciousness, body temperature dysregulation (too hot or too cold), loss of focus and/or brain fog,” Scioli added.

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Until there is more conclusive research, Scioli believes that adults should avoid microdosing with mind-altering substances outside a clinical setting and under the supervision of a board-certified physician.

Some also warn of the psychological impact the practice could have on kids.

One Reddit user wrote, “I think parents shouldn’t be on any kind of drug (alcohol, vapes, grass, shrooms, tobacco, hard drugs…) when taking care of a child, because of how it will damage the health of the child. Kids can also tell when adults aren’t sober. It makes kids feel unsafe.”

Until there is more conclusive research, one addiction expert believes that adults should avoid microdosing with mind-altering substances outside a clinical setting under the supervision of a board-certified physician. (iStock)

Van de Plassche acknowledged that taking mushrooms too often or in excessive amounts can be risky — as can consuming “low-quality” varieties.

Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should not microdose, she also advised.

“Men and women with dissociative mental health challenges, such as schizophrenia, should also refrain from using psychedelics,” Van de Plassche added.

Are mushrooms legal?

Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

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That classification means the substance “has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision,” as stated on the DEA’s website.

“Most microdosers have to opt for ‘civil disobedience’ in order to benefit from the practice.”

“Some states offer psychedelic-assisted therapy, which consists of large doses of psychedelics administered in a medical environment and combined with therapy,” Van de Plassche said.

“Patients usually have to jump through many hoops to access it, and it is very expensive — and mostly not covered by health insurance,” she added.

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Availability of the substance varies by state, city and county.

Except for some “open-minded” doctors, Van de Plassche said most health practitioners will redirect patients toward more traditional therapies.

Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). (iStock)

“Microdosing is not a practice embraced by health professionals — yet,” she said. 

“Most microdosers have to opt for ‘civil disobedience’ in order to benefit from the practice.”

In most cases, the substances people use are not standardized or regulated, Scioli reiterated. 

“That means you really don’t know what you’re taking — and what you’re taking may be contaminated with other substances that can be extremely dangerous,” he said.

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“There is also no way to tell if you’re taking too much of a substance. What may have little to no effect on one person may be extremely harmful to another person.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the DEA requesting additional comment.

Dementia takes a costly toll on the families it affects — emotionally, physically and even financially.

In many cases, an impact on finances is one of the earliest signs of the disease, according to a new report from the New York Federal Reserve.

In analyzing 17 years of data from consumer credit agencies and Medicare databases, researchers found that a decline in credit scores and an increase in late payments are often seen in the five years prior to diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD). 

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Those in the early stages of dementia may also accumulate greater debt, open new credit accounts and use multiple types of credit.

“Considering the typical progression of the disease, these findings point to financial consequences of the disease in its earliest stages, when symptoms are typically mild and not widely apparent,” the researchers wrote.

“The financial consequences of ADRD prior to diagnosis steadily increase over time.”

This is particularly concerning given that older adults with dementia will likely face substantial costs for caregiving and other related expenses, the report noted.

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Monica Moreno, senior director of care and support for the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, said the new report confirms what experts have already known — that challenges in managing money or personal finances are common early warning signs of dementia. 

“While there are several signs or symptoms of dementia, challenges with problem-solving or planning can cause a person to mismanage their finances,” Moreno, who was not involved with the New York Fed’s report, told Fox News Digital via email. 

“Other dementia-related symptoms, including decreased or poor judgment and difficulty completing familiar tasks, can also adversely affect money management or personal finances.”

“The individual may have stacks of unopened bills or may be spending an excessive amount of money.”

Early in the disease, people may struggle with more complicated tasks, like managing investments or making decisions about large purchases, Moreno noted. 

“Since dementia is often a progressive condition, these challenges will increase over time,” she said. “It is important for family members to identify these potential signs early and intervene as soon as possible.”

Common warning signs

Some common signs to look for include the inability to balance a checking account, or consistently late payments on credit cards or other monthly bills, Moreno said. 

“The individual may also have stacks of unopened bills or may be spending an excessive amount of money,” she said. 

Some common signs to look for include the inability to balance a checking account, or consistently late payments on credit cards or other monthly bills, an expert said. (iStock)

People living with dementia are also more susceptible to financial abuse, identity theft, fraud or get-rich-quick schemes.

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“Failure to address these problems or potential threats can put individuals living with dementia at great financial risk,” Moreno warned.  

5 ways families can help

“If you feel a family member is showing signs of dementia, it’s important to share your concerns and talk to a health care professional,” said Moreno. “Early diagnosis of dementia offers the best opportunity to put financial safeguards in place.”

For those whose loved ones are having difficulty managing their finances, the Alzheimer’s Association shared the following tips and strategies with Fox News Digital.

1. Discuss with the person how a trusted family member or friend can help either with paying bills or setting up automatic billing to avoid late payments.

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2. Create a separate account where you can keep a small, agreed-upon amount of money that the person can use for recreational activities, meals with friends or other personal purchases.

3. Sign up to receive automatic notifications for withdrawals from bank accounts or large charges to credit cards. If you set a charge or spending limit and if the person spends more than that, the bank or credit card company will let you know.

People living with dementia are also more susceptible to financial abuse, identity theft, fraud or get-rich-quick schemes, experts warn. (iStock)

4. Request electronic bank and credit card statements and watch for unusual purchases or changes in how the person typically spends money.

5. Sign up for the “Do Not Call” list at donotcall.gov to protect against telemarketing calls and potential phone scams.

It’s always best to have conversations about managing finances sooner rather than later, Moreno advised.

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“In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, people are more likely to understand the importance of these issues and suspicious activities to avoid,” she said.

“If you wait, these concepts will be more difficult to comprehend as your relatives’ memories and other executive functioning skills decline.”

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Fox News Digital reached out to the New York Federal Reserve researchers requesting comment.