Carotenemia is the excessive accumulation of carotene in the bloodstream, causing the skin to turn a yellowish-orange color. The IPA phonetic transcription for carotenemia is /kærəʊtɪˈniːmɪə/. The "c" in "carotene" is pronounced as a soft "c" /s/ sound, while the "e" at the end is pronounced with a long "e" /iː/ sound. Similarly, the "a" in "-emia" is pronounced with a long "a" /eɪ/ sound. The "o" in "carotenemia" is pronounced with a short "o" /ɒ/ sound, followed by a stressed "i" /ɪ/ sound.
Carotenemia is a medical condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of carotenoids, specifically beta-carotene, in the blood and tissues of the body. Carotenoids are natural pigments found in various fruits and vegetables that give them their vibrant orange, yellow, and red colors. They are also responsible for the coloration of some marine animals and birds.
In carotenemia, the excessive intake of carotenoid-rich foods, such as carrots, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes, can cause the skin to turn yellow or orange, most notably in areas where the skin is thinner like the nose, palms, soles, or the whites of the eyes. However, unlike jaundice, carotenemia does not cause yellowing of the sclera (the whites of the eyes) or dark urine.
Carotenemia is generally a harmless condition and does not usually have any significant associated symptoms. It often occurs in infants or young children who have a diet rich in carotenoid-containing foods, or in individuals who take high-dose carotene supplements.
The primary treatment for carotenemia is reducing the intake of carotenoid-rich foods or supplements. Gradually returning to a balanced diet with a normal intake of carotenoids will typically resolve the condition over time. A medical professional should be consulted to ensure there are no underlying conditions causing the excessive accumulation of carotenoids.
The word "carotenemia" is derived from 'carotene', which refers to a class of pigments responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors found in various plants and fruits. These pigments are converted into Vitamin A in the body. The suffix '-emia' is derived from the Greek word 'haima', which means 'blood'. "Carotenemia" thus refers to an excess accumulation of carotenoid pigments in the blood, leading to a yellowish discoloration of the skin.