What causes carotenemia?
You are what you eat, and sometimes it shows. If you’ve ever seen pink flamingoes, you might be surprised to know that their normal color is white. High levels of beta carotene in the shrimp they feed on gives them their characteristic pink color. This form of carotenemia, a change in color caused by the consumption of foods rich in beta carotene, is very desirable in flamingoes, as it shows that they’re getting a good diet. When the same thing happens to your baby, it can be a cause for alarm. Carotenemia in babies can turn the skin a yellowish or orange color. It’s usually nothing serious, and fortunately we outgrow the problem, otherwise there would be a lot of orange, green and blue teenagers walking around. What Causes Carotenemia? Carotenemia is caused by eating lots of foods with carotene, which is a pigment that gives carrots their orange color. Carotene is good for you; the body converts it to Vitamin A, it helps the immune system and it’s good for eye health. Beta carotene, f
