Carotenemia Back to table of contents Carotenemia Carotenemia is a clinical condition with yellow pigmentation of the skin associated with increased blood carotene levels. In most instances it is associated with large consumption of carotene in the diet. It has been confused with jaundice. Carotene is derived from plants and it is the chief precursor of Vitamin A. Carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the mucosal cells of the small intestine.
Absorption is aided by pancreatic lipase, bile salts, fat, and thyroid hormone.
The absorption is enhanced by increased fiber content of the plant and the smaller the particular size of the food. Cooking, mashing, and pureeing make the carotene more available for absorption. This is thought to be secondary to rupture of cell membranes. Serum carotene levels are a good index of fat digestion and absorption. Carotene is excreted in the stool, skin, and urine.