Answer: The correct option is b). The child may have eaten foods with a high amount of carotene, causing the pigment to accumulate in the skin and making it look yellow-orange.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carotene is a pigment found in certain fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and oranges. When a person consumes foods rich in carotene, the body converts it into vitamin A, which is important for healthy skin and vision.
Excessive consumption of carotene-rich foods can lead to a condition called carotenemia. In carotenemia, the excess carotene is deposited in the outer layers of the skin, giving it a yellow-orange color. This condition is more common in infants and young children, as their diets often include a high proportion of foods like mashed carrots or sweet potatoes.
It is important to note that carotenemia is a benign condition and does not cause any health problems. The yellow-orange skin color will gradually fade as the body eliminates the excess carotene.
Therefore, in the case of a healthy 6-month-old with yellow-orange skin, the most likely explanation is that the child has consumed foods with a high amount of carotene, causing the pigment to accumulate in the skin and giving it a yellow-orange appearance.