(P01-013-23) Pooled Analysis of Dermal Carotenoids in Children/Youth Using Reflectance Spectroscopy

Objectives: Reflectance spectroscopy has proven to be an effective method of measuring dermal carotenoids (fruit and vegetable intake, FV) among adult populations, but few have published studies in minors. Our objectives are to (1) compare child reflectance spectroscopy dermal carotenoids across subgroups (e.g., state, age, gender) and evaluate confounders (e.g., smoke exposure) and (2) demonstrate that objective FV intake can be completed among children of all ages and settings.

Methods: We used reflectance spectroscopy (VeggieMeter®) among children (pre-k to high school) from 25 schools/programs and collected age, gender, and smoking/vaping exposure data from 2017 to 2022. We collected data in the US (NM, TX, VA, UT) and Mexico (Chihuahua) during program evaluations (e.g., school gardens and alternative breakfast). IRB approvals and consent were obtained (child participants, parents). Baseline data pooled across all evaluations are presented here for comparison purposes.

Results: We collected skin carotenoid data from 2,161 children (elementary 66.0%, middle school 9.8%, high school 22.4%) using the VeggieMeter®; 49.5% were female. Mean VeggieMeter® score across the sites was 238.69, (means: min=176.63, max=308.27). VeggieMeter® score was negatively correlated (p= < .001, Bonferonni correction of p= < .002) with age category (children grouped by elementary, middle, and high school), grade, finger size, and smoke exposure in the last 30 days. VeggieMeter® score was not correlated with gender, finger, race or ethnicity, vaping, or whether the organization was a school or non-profit. Males had larger finger sizes (p= < .01). Score varied significantly by site (f=9.268, p= < .001) and age category (higher in elementary children vs high school; f=16.869, p= < .001) but not by organization type (school vs. non-profit).

Conclusions: Collecting dermal carotenoid levels from children of a wide array of ages is a practical application of reflectance spectroscopy. Future research will address potential moderators (e.g., finger size) and identify methods to minimize their effect.

Funding Sources: Funded in part by the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, PATH Foundation, and Brigham Young University