Development of a Device, “Vege-Check”, for Non-invasive Estimation of Vegetable Intake

(JSNFS Award for Technology and Innovation (2021))

Abstract

Carotenoids are consumed mainly via vegetables and fruits. The ingested carotenoids are distributed to various organs, and humans are unable to synthesize them internally. We have developed a device for non-invasive estimation of vegetable intake by measurement of skin carotenoid levels. A population-based cross-sectional study conducted in a rural area of Japan (n＝811; 58％ women; 49.5±15.1 years) showed that the measured values were positively and significantly correlated with serum carotenoid concentration and vegetable intake calculated using the BDHQ (brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire) (r＝0.678 and 0.210, respectively). The measured values were also significantly associated with many biomarkers of metabolic syndrome. A preliminary intervention study (n＝26; 50％ women; 37.0±8.9 years) suggested that the skin carotenoid level was increased by intake of a carotenoid-rich juice containing 350 g vegetables in a carton for 4 weeks. The developed device is now being utilized at health checkups aimed at dietary instruction.