Eating too many carrots can cause your skin to turn yellow or orange due to the pigment beta carotene. Although this condition can resemble jaundice, it is non-toxic and harmless. If you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, consult with a physician to rule out other conditions such as hepatitis or jaundice.
Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is a pigment belonging to a group of pigments called carotenoids. Carrots contain the pigment beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A. Vitamin A -- retinol -- helps improve vision, lower the risk of prostate cancer and keep the skin and tissues healthy. Men should consume 900 mcg of vitamin A per day and women should consume 700 mcg. Beta-carotene food sources of vitamin A are deep in color: sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, squash, spinach and mangoes.
Causes
In humans, carotene helps protect the skin from sun damage. Carotene adds color to the skin if high levels are circulating in the blood. If you eat too many carrots, your skin could become yellow or orange, starting at the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. This condition is called carotenemia. Although carotenemia causes skin discoloration, it is harmless and temporary. According to the University of Chicago, carotene is excreted in the skin, stool and urine.
Identification
Although carotenemia is mostly found in children, adults who consume large amounts of beta carotene sources can also develop carotenemia. There are no treatment options for carotenemia. If you reduce the amount of carrots you eat, the skin will slowly return to its original color.
Considerations
Orange skin is not necessarily a sign of vitamin A overdose, although orange skin comes from eating excessive amounts of beta carotene. If your skin becomes orange at any point, consult your physician to make sure it isn’t due to another serious condition such as jaundice.
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