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Beta-carotene - a precursor of vitamin A

Eating large amounts of carrots, tomatoes, and peppers can slightly change the skin tone to a yellowish or orange hue. This is due to the carotenoids they contain, especially beta-carotene. It is not actual tanning, but the skin color can take on a warm glow, especially if these foods are eaten in large amounts and regularly.

Why does this happen?
• Beta-carotene: Carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and other orange/red vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A.
• Storage in the skin: When a lot of beta-carotene is consumed, the excess accumulates in fat tissue and the outer layers of the skin. This can tint the skin yellow or orange.
• Name of the phenomenon: This is called carotenemia. It is not a dangerous condition but mainly a cosmetic change.

Which foods have the most impact?
• Carrot: By far the most well-known – just a few weeks of regular consumption can show on the skin.
• Tomato: Contains lycopene, which can give the skin a reddish tint.
• Bell pepper: Contains both beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which can affect skin color.
• Other orange/red vegetables: Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mandarins, and apricots can also enhance the effect.

Difference from sun tanning
• Sun: A tan develops from increased melanin in the skin due to UV radiation.
• Carotenoids: Give the skin a tint without UV exposure. The result may be slightly yellow or orange, not brown.
• Glow: Many people find that the skin looks healthier and more radiant, but it does not provide sun protection.

Is this dangerous?
• Usually not: Carotenemia is harmless and disappears when the dietary intake of carotenoids decreases.
• Exception: If the skin color changes very noticeably, it is worth making sure it is not due to other health conditions (e.g., liver or thyroid problems).
• Benefits: Carotenoids act as antioxidants and support skin health, so moderate consumption is beneficial.

Eating a lot of carrots, tomatoes, and peppers can give the skin a warm, yellowish, or slightly orange tint. This is due to carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, which accumulate in the skin. The phenomenon is harmless and reversible, and at the same time, these vegetables support the health of the skin and eyes.

What happens in the skin?
• Beta-carotene is stored: Excess beta-carotene accumulates in fat tissue and the outer layers of the skin.
• Color changes: The skin can take on a yellowish or orangish hue, especially on the palms and soles, where pigment accumulates most easily.
• The phenomenon is harmless: This is called carotenemia, and it is not dangerous. The color returns to normal when carotenoid intake decreases.

Other sources of carotenoids
• Tomato (lycopene): Gives a reddish hue.
• Bell pepper, pumpkin, sweet potato: Also contain beta-carotene.

Practical interpretation
• Normal carrot consumption (e.g., a few carrots a day) is not enough for a visible color change.
• A change in skin color requires unusually high and prolonged consumption – amounts that few people eat in daily life.
• Moderate consumption still provides health benefits (antioxidants, vitamin A precursor), even if the color does not change.

Other sources of carotenoids
• Tomato (lycopene): Gives a reddish hue.
• Bell pepper, pumpkin, sweet potato: Also contain beta-carotene.

Carotenoids and other fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, so balance is key.

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Beta-carotene - a precursor of vitamin A

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