A new TikTok beauty trend called “carrotmaxxing” is encouraging users to eat at least one carrot a day to achieve a tanned, glowing complexion — but doctors warn it could come with unintended consequences.
The fad stems from the “looksmaxxing” subculture (which promotes appearance-enhancing habits) and hinges on the beta-carotene in carrots, a pigment that can give skin an orange tint.
The effect, known as carotenemia, is a real medical condition caused by overconsumption of beta-carotene.
“Carotenemia is caused by an excess of beta-carotene in the bloodstream, which can lead to an orange tint in the skin,” according to the Cleveland Clinic.
It’s typically harmless and reversible, but it has also been linked to high cholesterol levels.
But one X user, @SydneyPacce, went overboard. She said the trend landed her in the emergency room after she consumed six cans of sliced carrots a day.
“I already had heart problems, so all the sodium in the carrots kinda took me out and I went into mild organ failure,” she posted on X. Her sodium intake — 5,250 milligrams — was more than double the American Heart Association’s recommended daily limit.
“Eating too much sodium can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease,” the AHA warns.
Harvard physicians add that “some patients are more salt-sensitive than others,” making personalized dietary advice essential, per The Independent.
While people can overdose on vitamin A through supplements, carrots don’t pose that risk.
“Carrots are filled with carotenoids, mainly beta-carotene, that can be converted to active vitamin A. Our body is able to regulate this conversion, so toxicity is not an issue,” Rosy Rojas, a dietetic intern at Tufts, told The Independent.
Carrots are packed with fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin K and beta-carotene, which support eye health. But experts caution that moderation, not viral gimmicks, is the healthiest approach to the root veggie.
