Samsung Galaxy Watch Measures Carotenoids in 5 Seconds, Scoring Diet Against WHO's 400-Gram Goal
Updated
Updated · Boy Genius Report · Aug 10
Samsung Galaxy Watch Measures Carotenoids in 5 Seconds, Scoring Diet Against WHO's 400-Gram Goal
3 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · Aug 10
Summary
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch estimates antioxidant status by reading skin carotenoids from a thumb pressed over the rear LEDs, then returns an Antioxidant Index score from 0 to 100 in about five seconds.
The BioActive sensor shines multiple wavelengths into the skin and analyzes reflected light with photodiodes; because carotenoids absorb blue light, higher absorption signals a higher estimated carotenoid level.
Scores are grouped into three bands tied to WHO fruit-and-vegetable guidance: “Very low” means under 50% of the 400-gram daily target, “Low” means 50% to 100%, and “Optimal” means meeting or exceeding it.
Samsung says it validated the feature against Raman spectroscopy in trials with hundreds of participants, but the reading reflects only one antioxidant type and can also be influenced by sleep, stress, alcohol, activity and UV exposure.
The watch stores results in Samsung Health for trend tracking, though dietary changes may take one to two weeks to show up because carotenoids need time to accumulate in the skin.