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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
09:35
Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
Published on: January 29, 2020
Self-Reported Dietary Carotenoid Intake and Skin Carotenoid Score Status in a Geographically Diverse U.S. Sample
Saima Hasnin1, Susan B Sisson2, Stephanie Jilcott Pitts3
1Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Nutrients
|August 13, 2026
Summary
This study shows that combining a carotenoid screener with reflection spectroscopy (RS) can accurately assess individual carotenoid intake in U.S. adults. This practical approach helps evaluate dietary carotenoid species consumption.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Public Health
Background:
- Reflection spectroscopy (RS)-based skin carotenoid score (SCS) is validated for assessing carotenoid intake.
- Previous literature shows inconsistent associations between SCS and individual dietary carotenoid species.
- This study addresses the need for improved methods to assess specific carotenoid intakes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of a carotenoid screener combined with RS for assessing individual dietary carotenoid species intake.
- To examine associations between SCS and specific carotenoid intakes in U.S. adults.
Main Methods:
- A 44-item carotenoid intake screener was used to estimate dietary intake over 7 days.
- Skin carotenoid score (SCS) was measured using Veggie Meter® devices.
- Statistical analyses included Spearman's Rank correlation and linear mixed models.
Main Results:
- SCS was significantly associated with self-reported total carotenoids and most individual carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein + zeaxanthin).
- Associations were observed across eight U.S. sites, indicating generalizability.
- Lycopene intake was not significantly associated with SCS in this study.
Conclusions:
- Combining a carotenoid intake screener with RS provides a practical method for assessing individual carotenoid species intake in adults.
- This integrated approach enhances the accuracy of dietary carotenoid assessment.
- Further research may explore the exclusion of lycopene in such assessments.
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