The Antioxidant Index uses multi-wavelength LEDs and a photodetector to estimate carotenoid levels accurately across skin tones.
Scores are classified as very low, low, or optimal based on WHO-recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake.
Developed with Seoul National University and Samsung Medical Center, the feature aims to encourage healthier eating habits.
Samsung has introduced yet another new health feature for the Galaxy Watch 8 series users. The new feature called Antioxidant Index, can measure carotenoid levels in the body through a simple thumb scan. The company claims that the feature can calculate these levels in about five seconds, a first time in a smartwatch.
SurveyIt is developed after several years of research and is based on spectroscopy, a technique commonly used in laboratories to analyse biological compounds, as per Samsung. According to the company, the Antioxidant Index measures carotenoids, which are natural pigments found in fruits and vegetables and act as key antioxidants in the human body. Because the body cannot produce carotenoids on its own, their levels can reflect an individual’s fruit and vegetable intake.
How does it work?
According to Samsung, the sensor uses multi-wavelength LEDs and a custom photodetector array to measure how much light is absorbed by the skin. The readings are then processed through algorithms to estimate carotenoid levels. To ensure accuracy across skin tones, the scan is performed on the fingertip, where melanin levels are relatively low.
Users’ Antioxidant Index scores are classified as very low, low, or optimal based on how closely their carotenoid levels match the World Health Organization’s recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake. The readings, according to the company, change gradually over one to two weeks, reflecting consistent dietary patterns rather than short-term fluctuations.
Samsung claims that the Antioxidant Index complements other Galaxy Watch8 health-tracking features such as sleep monitoring, activity tracking, and Vascular Load measurement. The company claims that the technology gives users a more complete picture of their overall well-being.
The feature was developed in collaboration with researchers at Seoul National University and Samsung Medical Center. Medical experts involved in the project noted that wearable nutrition tracking could help promote healthier eating habits.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
