The UK's Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is to investigate supplements that are being marketed with the claim that they protect against sun damage.

The supplements, made by Danish firm Ferrosan , contain palm fruit extract, lycopene, and vitamins C & E, and were launched by the company at the beginning of the year.

'Working from within, it prepares your skin for the sun, reduces redness and sun sensitivity, boosts and optimizes your tanning process, while also protecting against sun-induced ageing,' states the product website.

The supplements are causing controversy as people are led to believe that they prevent skin from burning, according to charity Cancer Research UK, which has demanded a probe into the tanning tablets, available at pharmacies around the country.

Ferrosan however denies that its claims for the Imedeen Tan Optimiser are misleading, stating that the product can support the skin's own sun protection and help protect against sun-induced ageing. It does not replace the use of sun protection lotions, it added.