Beta-carotinemia will manifest as which of the following?

Beta-carotinemia will manifest as which of the following?

• A. Secondary hypothyroidism
• B. Primary hypothyroidism
• C. Pernicious anemia
• D. Hemolytic anemia

Answer: (B)

Beta-carotinemia refers to an increased level of beta-carotene in the blood, which is often due to excessive dietary intake of beta-carotene-rich foods, particularly carrots, sweet potatoes, and greens. This condition typically leads to a yellow-orange discoloration of the skin, especially noticeable on the palms and soles, known as carotenemia. A potential mechanism linking beta-carotinemia to hypothyroidism is based on the effects of thyroid hormones on carotenoid metabolism. In primary hypothyroidism, the body's ability to utilize beta-carotene is diminished due to decreased conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A in the liver, as thyroid hormones play a crucial role in this enzymatic process. Consequently, individuals with primary hypothyroidism may develop elevated levels of beta-carotene and subsequently experience symptoms like carotenemia. In contrast, secondary hypothyroidism involves a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus that leads to reduced stimulation of the thyroid gland, which does not inherently create the same conditions for accumulating beta-carotene as primary hypothyroidism does. Consequently, while both primary and secondary hypothyroidism might affect the metabolism of various substances in the body, primary hypothyroidism is more directly linked

Beta-carotinemia refers to an increased level of beta-carotene in the blood, which is often due to excessive dietary intake of beta-carotene-rich foods, particularly carrots, sweet potatoes, and greens. This condition typically leads to a yellow-orange discoloration of the skin, especially noticeable on the palms and soles, known as carotenemia.

A potential mechanism linking beta-carotinemia to hypothyroidism is based on the effects of thyroid hormones on carotenoid metabolism. In primary hypothyroidism, the body's ability to utilize beta-carotene is diminished due to decreased conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A in the liver, as thyroid hormones play a crucial role in this enzymatic process. Consequently, individuals with primary hypothyroidism may develop elevated levels of beta-carotene and subsequently experience symptoms like carotenemia.

In contrast, secondary hypothyroidism involves a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus that leads to reduced stimulation of the thyroid gland, which does not inherently create the same conditions for accumulating beta-carotene as primary hypothyroidism does. Consequently, while both primary and secondary hypothyroidism might affect the metabolism of various substances in the body, primary hypothyroidism is more directly linked