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Published on: January 29, 2020

Benign carotenemia in children

A K Leung

    Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
    |January 22, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    Excessive carotene intake caused carotenemia in five infants, resulting in yellow skin but normal vitamin A levels. Dietary changes resolved the condition, highlighting its benign nature.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Nutrition
    • Dermatology

    Background:

    • Carotenemia is a yellowish skin discoloration caused by high levels of carotene in the blood.
    • It is often associated with excessive intake of carotene-rich foods.
    • Distinguishing carotenemia from other causes of jaundice is crucial in pediatric care.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To describe a case series of infants with carotenemia.
    • To investigate the clinical presentation and laboratory findings in these infants.
    • To emphasize the benign and reversible nature of carotenemia due to dietary factors.

    Main Methods:

    • Observational case series.
    • Clinical assessment of five infants aged 8-11 months presenting with skin yellowing.
    • Analysis of serum carotene levels and other relevant biochemical tests.
    • Dietary history evaluation and follow-up after dietary modification.

    Main Results:

    • All five infants showed yellow skin discoloration but had normal sclerae.
    • Serum carotene levels were elevated, while vitamin A levels remained normal.
    • Standard laboratory tests (white cell count, glucose, lipids, liver and thyroid function) were within normal limits.
    • Elimination of carotene-rich foods led to resolution of skin discoloration and normalization of serum carotene.

    Conclusions:

    • Infantile carotenemia secondary to excessive dietary carotene intake is a benign condition.
    • Normal vitamin A levels and absence of scleral icterus are key differentiating features.
    • Dietary modification is an effective and safe management strategy for carotenemia.

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