Insights
What Is a Carotenoid Scanner?
Key Facts
- Measures
- Skin carotenoid concentration
- Method
- Light-based, non-invasive
- Common site
- Palm of the hand
How the Technology Works, Broadly
Published research in this area has used techniques like resonance Raman spectroscopy, which shines a specific wavelength of light on the skin and measures the light that scatters back, providing an estimate of carotenoid concentration. Consumer devices in this category are generally built around this kind of principle.
What a Scanner Is Not
A carotenoid scanner is not a medical diagnostic device. It doesn't identify disease, and it measures one specific marker rather than a comprehensive antioxidant or nutritional profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a carotenoid scan hurt?
No — it's non-invasive and typically involves briefly resting a hand or fingertip against a sensor.
How is Prysm iO related to carotenoid scanners?
Prysm iO is a specific product in this device category, built on patent-pending Spectral Rai™ technology — it scans via a fingertip placed on the sensor for around 15 seconds and takes 700,000+ measurements. See the Prysm iO page for full details.
References
- Ermakov IV, Sharifzadeh M, Ermakova MR, Gellermann W (2005), "Resonance Raman detection of carotenoid antioxidants in living human tissue," Journal of Biomedical Optics 10(6):064028
- Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N (2010), "Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health," Pharmacognosy Reviews 4(8):118–126
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