Diff: Carotenemia
Comparing revision #2 (2023-12-27 16:34:32) with revision #3 (2026-06-22 14:45:48).
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'''Carotenemia''' is a benign condition characterised by the yellow-orange discoloration of the skin and occasionally the eyes due to elevated levels of carotenoids in the blood. Carotenoids are pigments found in certain fruits and vegetables, and their accumulation in the body can lead to changes in skin coloration. While carotenemia is harmless, it is essential to distinguish it from other conditions causing yellow discoloration, such as jaundice. |
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==Causes== |
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The primary cause of carotenemia is an excessive intake of carotenoid-rich foods, particularly those containing beta-carotene. Common sources include: |
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'''Carotenemia''' is the common article title for '''carotenaemia''', a yellow-orange discolouration of the skin caused by raised carotene levels in the blood. It is most often linked with high intake of beta-carotene from foods such as carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, squash, mango, spinach, and kale. |
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Carrots |
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The condition is usually harmless, but it matters because it can be mistaken for jaundice. In carotenaemia the palms, soles, and folds around the nose can become orange-yellow, while the whites of the eyes usually stay white. Jaundice more often affects the sclera as well as the skin. |
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Sweet potatoes |
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== Cause == |
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Carotenoids are plant pigments found in many yellow, orange, red, and dark green foods. Beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A, but conversion is controlled. Extra carotenoids can circulate in blood and collect in the outer skin and fatty tissue. |
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Pumpkins |
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Common triggers include: |
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Mangoes |
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* Large amounts of carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin, squash, mango, or similar foods. |
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* Infant diets with frequent pureed orange vegetables. |
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* Supplements containing carotenoids. |
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* Restricted diets where a small group of carotenoid-rich foods is eaten very often. |
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Spinach |
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Carotenaemia can also be associated with conditions that alter carotene handling, including hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, kidney disease, and some eating disorders. In those cases the diet may not be the only factor. |
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Kale |
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== Appearance == |
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The colour change is usually gradual and painless. It is often most visible on: |
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Squash |
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* Palms. |
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* Soles. |
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* Nasolabial folds. |
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* Areas with thicker skin or more underlying fat. |
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Melons |
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The skin may look more orange than yellow. The person is usually otherwise well if diet is the main cause. |
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Carotenemia can also result from the consumption of carotenoid-containing supplements or infant foods high in pureed carrots. |
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==Mechanism== |
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Carotenoids are fat-soluble compounds that contribute to the colour of various fruits and vegetables. When consumed, the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, an essential nutrient. However, excess carotenoids that are not converted into vitamin A can accumulate in the fat layer beneath the skin, leading to the characteristic yellow-orange discoloration. |
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==Symptoms== |
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The primary symptom of carotenemia is the yellow-orange tint of the skin, which is particularly noticeable on areas with a higher fat content, such as the palms, soles, and the nasolabial folds. The discoloration is typically gradual and painless. Importantly, the whites of the eyes (sclera) remain white, distinguishing carotenemia from jaundice. |
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==Diagnosis== |
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Diagnosing carotenemia involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Blood tests may be conducted to confirm elevated levels of carotenoids. It is crucial to differentiate carotenemia from jaundice, as the latter may indicate underlying liver or gallbladder issues. |
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==Treatment== |
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Carotenemia is a benign condition, and treatment primarily involves modifying dietary habits. Gradual reduction or elimination of carotenoid-rich foods usually results in the resolution of skin discoloration over time. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes. |
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==Prevention== |
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Preventing carotenemia involves maintaining a balanced diet and being mindful of carotenoid intake. While these pigments are essential for health, moderation is key to avoiding their excess accumulation in the body. |
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==Conclusion== |
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Carotenemia is a harmless condition resulting from the accumulation of carotenoids in the body, primarily due to excessive dietary intake. Distinguishing it from jaundice is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. With dietary modifications, carotenemia typically resolves without any long-term consequences. |
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== Difference from Jaundice == |
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The main practical distinction is the sclera. In carotenaemia the sclera usually remains white. In jaundice the sclera often turns yellow because bilirubin is raised. |
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Jaundice can point to liver, gallbladder, blood, or pancreatic disease, so it is not something to dismiss as a diet effect without proper assessment when the signs do not fit simple carotenaemia. |
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== Diagnosis == |
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Diagnosis is usually based on history and examination. A recent diet high in carotenoid-rich food supports the diagnosis. Blood tests may be used when jaundice, liver disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or another cause is possible. |
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The condition is usually reversible. When dietary carotene intake is reduced, the colour fades gradually as stored carotenoids are cleared. |
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== Nutrition Context == |
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Carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruit are normal parts of a healthy diet. The problem is not ordinary intake, but very high or repetitive intake, sometimes combined with supplements or an underlying condition. |
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Preformed vitamin A from animal foods and some supplements can cause toxicity when taken in excess. Beta-carotene from food is handled differently, but high-dose beta-carotene supplements have separate safety concerns in some groups, including smokers. |
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== See Also == |
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* [[Vitamin_C]] |
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* [[Macronutrient]] |
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* [[Common_Medical_Terms]] |
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== References == |
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* [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30521299/ PubMed: Carotenemia] |
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* [https://dermnetnz.org/topics/carotenoderma DermNet: Carotenoderma] |
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* [https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/ NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A and carotenoids health professional fact sheet] |
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* [https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/ NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A and carotenoids consumer fact sheet] |
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[[Category:Medicine]] |
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[[Category:Nutrition]] |