From the Guidelines
Carotenemia, a condition characterized by a yellow-orange discoloration of the skin, can be induced by consuming large amounts of carrot juice daily, approximately 2-3 cups or more, for several weeks, typically 2-4 weeks or more, with the color change usually appearing first on the palms, soles, and face. Consuming carrot juice does not cause your skin to tan, but rather can lead to carotenemia due to the accumulation of beta-carotene, the pigment that gives carrots their orange color, in the outer layer of skin when consumed in large quantities 1. The skin will gradually return to its normal color within a few weeks once carrot juice intake is decreased. This effect varies between individuals based on metabolism and how efficiently they convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. Some key points to consider:
- Carotenemia is harmless and reversible by reducing carrot consumption
- The condition is caused by the accumulation of beta-carotene in the skin, not by increased melanin production from UV exposure
- The amount and duration of carrot juice consumption required to induce carotenemia can vary between individuals
- Reducing carrot juice intake can help to gradually return the skin to its normal color within a few weeks. It's worth noting that the provided evidence does not directly address the question of carrot juice consumption and carotenemia, but general knowledge of the condition and its causes can be applied to provide an answer 1.
From the Research
Carotenemia Duration and Amount of Carrot Juice Consumption
- The exact duration and amount of carrot juice consumption required to induce carotenemia is not specified in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is mentioned that carotenemia is caused by excessive intake of carotene-rich foods such as carrots and oranges 2, 3, 4, 6.
- A literature review of approximately 100 cases of carotenodermia due to high β-carotene intake revealed that the discoloration can last from 14 days to 4.5 years 5.
- In one case study, a 14-year-old girl who had taken a lot of oranges daily for more than one year had elevated serum carotene levels, which decreased after changing her eating habits to a balanced diet for eight weeks 4.
- Another study reported a case of carotenemia in an 8-month-old girl secondary to increased consumption of commercial infant food green beans, highlighting that carotenemia can occur due to consumption of various carotene-rich foods 6.
Factors Influencing Carotenemia
- The conversion of carotene to vitamin A is slow, and vitamin A poisoning does not occur despite massive doses of carotene 3.
- Hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hepatic and renal diseases may be associated with carotenemia, but are not caused by ingestion of carotene 3, 6.
- The absence of yellow pigment in the sclera and oral cavities distinguishes carotenemia from jaundice 3.