Skin Carotenoid Scores Assessed with Reflection Spectroscopy Are Associated with Self-Reported Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Latino Early Adolescents

Background: Latino early adolescents have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Interventions to address healthy eating among Latino youth frequently focus on fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. Reflection spectroscopy assessed skin carotenoid (SC) levels has been proposed as an easy, noninvasive method to evaluate FV intake, but validation studies involving ethnically diverse youth are lacking. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between reflection spectroscopy-measured SC scores and self-reported FV intake among low-income, urban, Latino early adolescents, controlling for potential confounding factors. Design: This study was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of baseline data from a community-based intervention program (Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables) involving Latino fathers and adolescents to improve paternal parenting practices and youth energy balance-related behaviors. Participants/setting: Participants were 195 low-income, Latino early adolescents (aged 10 to 14 years). Data were collected in the Minneapolis/St Paul metropolitan area from 2017 to 2020 during fall or winter months. Main outcome measures: SC scores were measured using reflection spectroscopy, usual intakes of FV and carotenoid compounds were estimated based on the assessment using 24-hour dietary recalls. Statistical analysis: Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to estimate associations of SC scores and each dietary component and potential confounding factors after assessing variables for inclusion in the analyses. Results: The mean SC score was 225 ± 95. The mean FV and total carotenoid intakes were 3.3 ± 0.5 servings/day and 8,360 ± 786 μg/day, respectively. Higher SC scores were observed among youth who had higher FV (β = .37 and P < 0.01) or total carotenoid intakes (β = .31 and P < 0.01). SC scores measured during fall were higher than scores measured during winter. Study participants with higher home FV availability and accessibility had higher SC scores. Conclusions: Findings supported using SC score as a potential easy-to-use indicator of FV intake among Latino youth with consideration of seasonal variation and home FV availability and accessibility.