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Skin carotenoids correlate with plasma carotenoids and reported intake in 4th‐grade children

The objective of this study was to determine whether skin carotenoids are correlated with plasma and reported intake of carotenoids in 4th‐grade children. Given the unreliability of most current dietary intake methods and challenges with regards to blood draws in young age groups, skin carotenoids are emerging as a novel biomarker to objectively evaluate fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake in children. Because carotenoids are predominately found in F/V in varying amounts per serving size, their presence in the body can reflect cumulative dietary intakes of this food group. Skin carotenoids were measured using Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RRS). Plasma carotenoids were quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Dietary intake was assessed using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Total plasma carotenoids strongly correlated with skin carotenoids (r=0.62; P<.001; n=38). RRS correlated with reported intake of carotenoids (r=0.40, P<0.0001;n=128). Plasma carotenoids correlated with reported intake of carotenoids (r=0.39, P=0.02;n=38). RRS is a valid and objective method for determining tissue carotenoid status and may be used to estimate F/V intakes in 4th‐grade children. Supported by UCANR Competitive Grant #11‐1018 and USDA 2011‐38420‐20082.