Can I get too much vitamin A from eating carrots?
Asked by
Snarp (
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March 22nd, 2010
I’ve taken to replacing the chips in my lunch with carrot sticks. They are also a favorite of my three year old. The U.S. RDA for vitamin A is 10,000 IU, and 100 grams of raw carrots contains over 16000 IU. The limit for young children is quite a bit lower. Too much vitamin A can cause problems, but how much is really too much, and does it make a difference if you are eating carrots as opposed to taking a supplement?
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15 Answers
My friend Danny turned his skin orange by eating too many carrots. My friend Bethy turned her skin orange by eating too many carrots. I don’t know if they hurt themselves, but they weren’t pretty.
There is a difference between beta carotene and Vit A. Our bodies change the beta carotene (which is what gives us and the carrot it’s lovely orange colour) into the Vit A it needs.
Vitamin A is much more toxic when taken as a suppliment, but I think we just rid our bodies of the extra beta carotene and don’t convert it without much damage. Here is what wiki says about it..
The most common side effect of excessive β-carotene consumption is carotenodermia, a harmless condition that presents as a conspicuous orange skin tint arising from deposition of the carotenoid in the outermost layer of the epidermis[13]. Chronic, high doses of β-carotene supplements have been associated with increased rate of lung cancer among those who smoke.[14] Additionally, supplemental beta-carotene may increase the risk of prostate cancer, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cardiovascular and total mortality in people who smoke cigarettes or have a history of high-level exposure to asbestos.[15]
Yes, you can get too much vitamin A. You shouldn’t eat more than one 7.5” carrot per day. That is 203% of the recommended intake of vitamin A. Your skin may take on an orange or yellow tint. Your body can only store a certain amount of vitamin A; if you eat more than that you get the funny colored skin.
You shouldn’t eat more than one 7.5” carrot per day…if you eat more than that you get the funny colored skin.
Yikes, I eat a lot of carrots. But I don’t think I’m orange yet.
My friend Danny turned his skin orange by eating too many carrots. My friend Bethy turned her skin orange by eating too many carrots.
Heh
Eating carrots can turn you hair red.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure you can’t OD on carrots….your skin will turn orange if you eat a lot…but that’s pretty harmless…don’t know about the hair..I wish that was true, cuz I’ve always wanted “naturally” red hair.
I’m just glad I discovered that you really can turn your skin orange!! I wonder why my hair went red first though???
If you have any question regarding your child’s health – please, please ask your pediatrician. Do not waste time on a user created Q & A site.
@YARNLADY It’s just a few carrot sticks. I’m not that concerned.
@Snarp Mine was a joke with my temporarily orange avatar. I think you’re fine.
@janbb Aww. I missed the avatar.
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