What if your watch could measure your nutrition in real time?
Samsung has made that idea a reality with the Antioxidant Index on the Galaxy Watch8, the world’s first wearable capable of measuring carotenoid levels — a proven indicator of fruit and vegetable intake — in just five seconds with a simple thumb scan.
Developed through years of R&D, this breakthrough turns complex, lab-grade nutrition tracking into a simple, everyday tool for healthier living and aging.
Pioneering Real-Time Nutrition Insights
Back in 2018, Samsung identified a major gap in wearables: while we could track steps and calories, we couldn’t measure how diet impacts health. Antioxidants — essential in combating aging and chronic diseases — became the focus.
Working closely with Dr. Hyojee Joung from Seoul National University, Samsung engineers honed in on carotenoids, key antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables, to serve as a measurable nutrition marker.
“Antioxidation plays a vital role in slowing aging,” notes Dr. Joung. “Tracking carotenoid levels provides valuable insight into long-term dietary habits.”
Miniaturizing Lab Science
Traditional Raman spectroscopy could measure carotenoids but required large, expensive lab equipment. Samsung’s engineers spent seven years shrinking that technology into a coin-sized sensor, using multi-wavelength LEDs and a custom photodetector array for accurate readings.
“Our breakthrough came when we replaced lasers with LEDs,” said Jinyoung Park, from Samsung’s Digital Health team. “It allowed us to miniaturize the system without sacrificing precision.”
To ensure inclusivity, Samsung optimized the feature to work accurately across diverse skin tones by using the fingertip, which contains minimal melanin interference. Clinical trials at Samsung Medical Center validated its accuracy and reliability.
How the Antioxidant Index Works
Carotenoids reflect how much fruit and vegetables a person consumes. The Antioxidant Index translates those levels into easy-to-understand categories — Very Low, Low, or Optimal — giving users a clear picture of their dietary balance.
Changes appear gradually, reflecting consistent habits rather than daily fluctuations. Lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, and activity also influence the score, providing a holistic picture of health when combined with Galaxy Watch8’s sleep coaching, activity tracking, and Vascular Load Monitoring.
A New Frontier in Preventive Health
According to Professor Yoonho Choi from Samsung Medical Center, “Wearable nutrition sensors can encourage healthier eating habits and potentially reduce long-term risks like cancer and heart disease.”
With its Antioxidant Index, Samsung leads the next frontier of wellness technology — shifting from reactive health tracking to proactive prevention.
Experience the future of health on your wrist with the Galaxy Watch8 Series: