Grand Rounds

Carotenemia. There was history of excessive carrot intake in the entire family. Ingestion of excessive amounts of carrots is the usual cause of carotenemia, but it can also be associated with ingestion of many other yellow vegetables, as well as some green vegetables which contain high levels of carotene {precursor of vitamin A}. {1} As a precursor for vitamin A, carotene is converted in the body to retinol, which is one the most active forms of vitamin A. As a lipochrome, carotene contributes to the yellow component of normal skin. {2} Carotenemia is a benign condition` Vitamin A poisoning does not occur despite massive doses of carotene because the conversion of carotene to Vitamin A is slow. {1} Blood carotene levels are elevated. Carotenemia may be observed 4 to 7 weeks after initiation of a diet rich in carotenoids. {2} Hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hepatic and renal diseases may be associated with carotenemia, but are not caused by ingestion of carotene. The absence of yellow pigment in the sclera and oral cavities distinguishes carotenemia from jaundice. A similar disorder, lycopenemia, is associated with an orange-yellow skin pigmentation as a result of ingestion of large amounts of tomatoes. {1} Therapy is based on dietary modification by reducing the carotene consumption. It may take several months before the skin color normalizes.

References :

Lascari AD. Carotenemia. A review. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1981; 20: 25-29. Yao P. Carotenemia. Available at website: http://www.med.ucla.edu/modules/wfsectionperrticle.php?articleid=316. Accessed on 17th November 2014