Fact Check: Can Eating Oranges During Pregnancy Make Baby's Skin Fair?

A viral Instagram reel claims that Eating Oranges During Pregnancy Makes a Baby's Skin Fair. The claim is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram reel, it is claimed that Eating Oranges During Pregnancy Makes a Baby's Skin Fair. In the reel, ai.doctor_sahab it is said, "During pregnancy, doing these five things is said to bring surprising benefits. First, eating raw coconut and curd is believed to make the baby’s hair and eyes beautiful. Second, consuming one orange daily is thought to help the baby develop fair skin. Third, reducing salt intake may help avoid blood pressure issues after delivery. Fourth, drinking water mixed with salt in the morning is claimed to prevent anemia. Fifth, having coconut water every morning is believed to make the baby fair and glowing. Share this information with your family and follow us to spread the benefit to all."

The reel went viral, garnering 1,767,250 likes. You can watch it here

Fact Check

The claim is false. Genetics and the amount of melanin in the body influence a baby's skin color. While oranges are nutritious and offer various health benefits, no scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the claim that eating oranges can make a baby’s skin fair.

What determines the skin color of a baby?

A baby’s skin color is largely determined by genetics, particularly the type and amount of melanin produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several genes inherited from both parents—such as MC1R, SLC24A5, and OCA2—play crucial roles in regulating melanin levels. Ethnicity and ancestral heritage also influence skin tone. Although environmental factors like sun exposure can cause slight darkening over time, babies are typically born with lighter skin, which gradually darkens during the first few weeks or months. By around six months of age, a baby’s natural skin tone is usually established. It’s important to note that no food or topical product can alter a baby’s skin color, as it is entirely governed by genetic factors and melanin production.

What are the health benefits of Oranges?

Oranges are a widely cultivated fruit in India, known for their rich vitamin C content. They also provide sugars, carotenoids, flavonoids, essential oils, and important minerals. Research highlights their health benefits, including reducing the risk of oxidative damage and diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, and neurological disorders, due to their bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. Oranges are a nutritious and versatile addition to a healthy diet.

Can Eating Oranges During Pregnancy Make a Baby's Skin Fair?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eating oranges during pregnancy can make a baby’s skin fair. Skin color is determined by genetics, not by specific foods consumed during pregnancy. Oranges are nutritious and may be beneficial for health but do not influence fetal skin tone.

Oranges are among the most popular citrus fruits, valued for their taste and rich nutrients. Marcos Fava Neves et. al. highlights their health benefits, citing high fiber, water, and vitamin content—especially vitamin C, which supports immunity, healing, and antioxidant protection.

Oranges, known for their vibrant flavor and nutritional value, offer numerous health advantages due to their rich composition. Findings of a study published in the American Journal of Biomedical Science and Research highlight that citrus fruits, including oranges, are valuable sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber. These fruits are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, pectin, calcium, and potassium.

Eating oranges provides important nutrients like vitamin C,  carotenoids, flavonoids, pectin, calcium, and potassium, which support maternal and fetal health, but they do not influence a baby's skin complexion. A baby's skin tone is primarily determined by genetics, not diet.

Responding to the claim Dr Sushila Jayesh Netravali, Consultant Obs & Gynaecology, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital said, "No, eating oranges during pregnancy does not determine a baby’s skin color. A baby’s complexion is primarily influenced by genetics, not by the mother’s diet. Skin color is inherited from the parents' genes and cannot be altered by consuming specific foods. However, oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and folate, all of which are beneficial for a healthy pregnancy. They help in boosting immunity, improving iron absorption, and supporting fetal development. While maintaining a nutritious diet is essential for the baby's growth and overall well-being, it does not affect their skin tone. Myths linking food intake to fairness often stem from cultural beliefs rather than scientific evidence. Expecting mothers should focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins for a healthy pregnancy, rather than chasing beauty myths. Healthy babies come in all skin tones, and all are equally beautiful."

Dr Devashree Chaudhary, Consultant Obs & Gynaecology, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital further said, "This is a common myth with no scientific basis. A baby’s skin color is determined by genetic factors inherited from both parents—not by the mother’s diet. While oranges are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants that support a healthy pregnancy, they do not influence the baby's complexion. These nutrients help in tissue repair, boost the immune system, and aid in the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord. It is important for expectant mothers to focus on eating a well-balanced diet to ensure proper growth and development of the baby, rather than aiming to change physical traits like skin tone. Promoting such fairness myths can cause unnecessary pressure and distract from what truly matters—a healthy mother and a healthy baby. Instead of chasing fairness, let’s celebrate the beauty of diversity and focus on giving our babies the best possible start in life."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that eating oranges during pregnancy can make a baby’s skin fair is false. While oranges are beneficial for health, they do not influence the baby’s complexion.

Hence, the claim by user is FALSE.