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Does Excessive Carotene Containing Food Cause Yellow Discoloration Of Skin In A Child?

Posted on Mon, 11 Jan 2016

Question: Dear Dr,

My 13 month old baby boy look "yellow". For the past few months I had given him lotsa pumpkin and brocolli for his daily meals, mixed with brown rice . I guess too much of that makes him looked yellow. I had restricted his vegetable diet for ard 5days. But the yellow skin didn't really go away.

He had jaundice when he was just born and after sunlight for a few days he was well. Is it possible for him to have jaundice at 13 month ? If yes what causes it?

And also he is always indoor. Will too little sunlight cause yellow skin?

He had no other symptoms .. Still playful as usual. His is formula fed and having his brown rice meal daily .
How long does it take for the yellow skin to disappear ? What do I need to look out for?

He is always staying indoor. Almost everyday . Esp winter now . Will too little sunlight or outdoor cause yellow skin?

Pls advise Thks

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would like to get him evaluated for jaundice

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking on this platform

I can understand your concern.You are right,yellow discoloration of skin can be due excess of carotene containing food like broccoli and pumpkin.
Poor exposure to sunlight does not causes jaundice.But it may cause vitamin D deficiency.Sunlight is important for vitamin D synthesis in our body.
As there is history of high intake of carotene containing food,chances of jaundice is less likely.
In jaundice there may be associated pain abdomen,vomiting,poor appetite or lethargy.
But jaundice may present only as yellowish discoloration of skin.So to be on safer side I would like to get him evaluated by a pediatrician and also if he needs investigations for jaundice.Also I would like to get serum vitamin D level done in view of poor exposure to sunlight.If it comes low then vitamin D supplementation will be needed.

Give him plenty of fluids as it would help in clearing the carotene pigment if the yellowness is due to that.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more query.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Dear doctor Thks for your prompt reply. I gave him brocolli , pumpkin, green leafy vege, sweet potatoes almost everyday for many weeks. Looks like it could be his diet. How long usually does it take to clear away?

Also he doesn't like to drink water esp during winter. He always push his water bottle away. Are there any ways to pacify n let him drink water?

Do you think is ok to bring him outdoor in the morning for sunlight during winter. Will it be effective for sunlight exposure since he is wearing thick clothing and covered up so well?

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It may take upto 2 months

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back

Plasma concentration of carotene pigment not only depends on amount and duration of intake but also on the rate of efflux and it's release from the various tissues.According to one research article it may take upto 2 months to get cleared the excess carotene level from body.
In winter I won't suggest you to expose your baby to the cold environment for sun exposure.Also as you said the benefits of sun exposure could not be obtained with cloths.
So better get a vitamin D level done and if needed supplement with vitamin D.

Thanks and regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar