Why would you want to increase melanin? Well, research has found that melanin may help protect the skin from dangerous cancer-causing UV rays. By increasing melanin, you may potentially block processes in the body that lead to skin cancer.

How great would it be if we could consume specific foods and supplements that can increase melanin?
Sadly, there are no well-published studies yet that isolate a specific nutrient and provide evidence that it directly increases melanin. However, some studies would suggest antioxidants may help heal and protect the skin resulting in an increase in melanin after its been damaged by UV rays.

Micronutrients like flavonoids or polyphenols, which come from the plants we eat, contain powerful antioxidants that may indirectly increase melanin production.

Consuming antioxidant-rich foods may be our best defense against harmful UV radiation. Foods such as dark leafy greens, dark berries, citrus fruits, and colorful vegetables are known to provide a variety of antioxidants.

Supplementing with some vitamins and minerals may also help. Vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C are important antioxidants that provide protection for the skin. However, there aren’t any studies that prove a link to any specific vitamins and minerals that increases melanin production. Most evidence is anecdotal at this time.

Most studies would suggest that any nutrients that increase melanin production would do so by helping you care for the health of your skin and result in a reduced risk of skin cancer.

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