Spectroscopic biofeedback on cutaneous carotenoids as part of a prevention program could be effective to raise health awareness in adolescents

J Biophotonics. 2014 Nov;7(11-12):926-37. doi: 10.1002/jbio.201300134.

Abstract

The cutaneous carotenoid concentration correlates with the overall antioxidant status of a person and can be seen as biomarker for nutrition and lifestyle. 50 high school students were spectroscopically measured for their cutaneous carotenoid concentrations initially in a static phase, followed by an intervention phase with biofeedback of their measured values, living a healthy lifestyle and on healthy food this time. The volunteers showed higher carotenoid concentrations than found in previous studies. A significant correlation of healthy lifestyle habits and a high antioxidant status could be determined. Subjects improved their nutritional habits and significantly increased their carotenoid concentration during intervention. Follow-up five months later showed a consolidation of the increase. The investigations show that a healthy diet and a well-balanced lifestyle correlate with a high cutaneous antioxidant concentration and that spectroscopic biofeedback measurement of cutaneous carotenoids as part of an integrated prevention program is a feasible and effective means to raise the health awareness in adolescents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Medicine / methods*
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Attitude to Health
  • Biofeedback, Psychology / methods*
  • Carotenoids / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Free Radicals / chemistry
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Normal Distribution
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Spectrophotometry / methods*
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Free Radicals
  • Carotenoids