Validation of resonance Raman spectroscopy-measured skin carotenoid status as a biomarker for fruit and vegetable intake in Korean adults

Blood carotenoid concentration measurement is considered the gold standard for fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake estimation; however, this method is invasive and expensive. Recently, skin carotenoid status (SCS) measured by optical sensors has been evaluated as a promising parameter for F&V intake estimation. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to validate the utility of resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS)-assessed SCS as a biomarker of F&V intake in Korean adults. We used data from 108 participants aged 20-69 years who completed SCS measurements, blood collection and 3-d dietary recordings. Serum carotenoid concentrations were quantified using HPLC, and dietary carotenoid and F&V intakes were estimated via 3-d dietary records using a carotenoid database for common Korean foods. The correlations of the SCS with serum carotenoid concentrations, dietary carotenoid intake and F&V intake were examined to assess SCS validity. SCS was positively correlated with total serum carotenoid concentration (r = 0 center dot 52, 95 % CI = 0 center dot 36, 0 center dot 64, P < 0 center dot 001), serum beta-carotene concentration (r = 0 center dot 60, 95 % CI = 0 center dot 47, 0 center dot 71, P < 0 center dot 001), total carotenoid intake (r = 0 center dot 20, 95 % CI = 0 center dot 01, 0 center dot 37, P = 0 center dot 04), beta-carotene intake (r = 0 center dot 30, 95 % CI = 0 center dot 11, 0 center dot 46, P = 0 center dot 002) and F&V intake (r = 0 center dot 40, 95 % CI = 0 center dot 23, 0 center dot 55, P < 0 center dot 001). These results suggest that SCS can be a valid biomarker of F&V intake in Korean adults.

Automated summary

Blood carotenoid concentration measurement is invasive and expensive, and skin carotenoid status (SCS) measured by optical sensors has shown potential as a biomarker for fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake. This study aimed to validate the utility of resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS)-assessed SCS as a biomarker of F&V intake in Korean adults. The results showed that SCS was positively correlated with serum carotenoid concentrations, dietary carotenoid intake, and F&V intake, suggesting that SCS can serve as a valid biomarker of F&V intake in Korean adults.