Jaundice is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. High levels of bilirubin lead to yellow staining of the skin.

The average life span for a normal red cell is 120 days. Red cells over 120 days old are broken down the liver and spleen. Bilirubin is produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin, which is the molecule that carries oxygen inside red blood cells. The liver processes the bilirubin and it is removed from the body in the stool.

Jaundice may occur under the following circumstances:

• Increased breakdown of red blood cells
• Poor processing of bilirubin by the liver
• Blockage of the flow of bilirubin from the liver to the intestine