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Polypodium leucotomos for UV Protection (Internal Photoprotection)

B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.

A systematic review found oral PLE significantly increased MED by 1.5-2.8x. The American Academy of Dermatology has acknowledged PLE as a potential adjunct to topical sunscreen.

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            B

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
A systematic review found oral PLE significantly increased MED by 1.5-2.8x. The American Academy of Dermatology has acknowledged PLE as a potential adjunct to topical sunscreen.

            
            
        

    










    

  
Key Study Findings





    

        
        

            

                
                    Systematic Review
                
                
                
                
            

            
                Oral Supplements and Photoprotection: A Systematic Review.
            
            

                
                Dose: None
                
                
                vs: Placebo/no supplement
                
                
                Outcome: Photoprotective effects (MED, erythema)
                
                
                Effect: None
                
                
                None
                
            

            
            
Population: Healthy adults (47 studies in systematic review)

            
        

        
    







    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
5

        
Studies

    

    

        
250

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        B

        
Grade

    




        


        
        
        

            

  
Referenced Papers





            

                
                

                    

                        
                            Oral Supplements and Photoprotection: A Systematic Review.
                        
                        
                            
                                Systematic Review
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        Journal of medicinal …
                        2025
                        
                        3 citations
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
240-480 mg/day

                    

                    
                    

                        
photoprotection:

                        
480 mg/day (240 mg twice daily, 30-60 min before sun exposure)

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Generally well-tolerated up to 960 mg/day
                

                
            

            

            
            

                
Dosages Studied in Research

                

                    

                        
                            

                                Dosage
                                Duration
                                Effect
                                N
                            

                        
                        
                            
                            

                                None
                                --
                                
                                    
                                    Positive
                                    
                                
                                --
                            

                            
                        
                    

                

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: 30-60 minutes before sun exposure; can also be taken daily for baseline protection
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Generally well-tolerated
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (rare)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Pruritus (rare)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Immunosuppressants (may modulate immune function)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Photosensitizing medications (may modulate UV response)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    

                        Tolerable upper intake: Generally well-tolerated up to 960 mg/day
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Polypodium leucotomos help with UV Protection (Internal Photoprotection)?
            
        
        

            Based on 5 studies with 250 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Polypodium leucotomos may support UV Protection (Internal Photoprotection) management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Polypodium leucotomos should I take for UV Protection (Internal Photoprotection)?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 240-480 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Polypodium leucotomos?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Generally well-tolerated, Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (rare), Pruritus (rare). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Polypodium leucotomos and UV Protection (Internal Photoprotection)?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 5 peer-reviewed studies with 250 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  




            

                
                
                

                
                

                    
Polypodium leucotomos for other conditions

                    

                        
                        
                            Hyperpigmentation
                            C

                        
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    






  
References

  
    
    
    
  1. 
      [1]
      Nicole Natarelli et al..
      J Med Food.
      2025.
      Oral Supplements and Photoprotection: A Systematic Review.
      doi:10.1089/jmf.2024.0023
      PubMed
    
    2. 
    
  















    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.