Emily Hill, affiliated with the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, is employing the Veggie Meter to advance dietary assessment methods. This device, leveraging reflection spectroscopy, quantifies carotenoid levels in the skin, and indicators of fruit and vegetable consumption. The process involves a blue light that interacts with carotenoids, yielding a score indicative of an individual’s fruit and vegetable intake over time.

The Veggie Meter addresses the limitations of self-reported dietary data, offering a more objective measurement. Hill highlights the challenges of traditional dietary reporting, such as recall issues and the estimation of portions, which the Veggie Meter circumvents by directly measuring carotenoid accumulation.

Within the BfedBwell program, the Veggie Meter serves both as a research tool and a motivational instrument for participants, aiding in the promotion of healthier eating habits among those living with and beyond cancer. Although the scores do not correspond to specific servings, they enable researchers to gauge changes in consumption patterns.

Hill is also exploring additional biomarkers to assess dietary habits more comprehensively, including the analysis of blood, urine, and stool samples. These efforts aim at developing personalized nutrition strategies based on individual biological responses. Despite the potential of these technologies, Hill emphasizes the need for further validation before their application in clinical settings.

Looking forward, Hill is optimistic about the integration of technology in dietary research, such as mobile apps and photo-based tracking, to enhance the accuracy of dietary assessments. Her work signifies a step towards precision nutrition, focusing on tailored dietary recommendations to optimize health outcomes.

Source: University of Colorado