Monitoring diet and nutrition accurately has long been a challenge. Most assessments rely on self-reported food diaries, which are often incomplete or inaccurate, and blood tests, which are invasive and not practical for frequent use. This makes it difficult to understand how diet truly affects individual health, delaying personalized interventions and nutrition guidance.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have developed a potential solution: a handheld, light-based sensor that can analyze the skin to detect diet, biological age, sex, and certain nutrient deficiencies with up to 90% accuracy. Using Raman spectroscopy, the device identifies chemical signatures of key biomolecules such as lipids and collagen, providing a detailed picture of how different diets influence the body.
In experiments with live animal models, the team tested six common diets, including vegan, ketogenic, and Mediterranean. The scans successfully distinguished diet type, revealed age-related markers, and even detected folate deficiencies, a nutrient critical for metabolism and healthy development.
The technology’s promise goes beyond the lab. Researchers envision miniaturizing the sensor for wearable use, allowing real-time monitoring of nutrition and metabolism. Such tools could guide personalized dietary recommendations, detect emerging health concerns early, and empower individuals to make informed choices before problems develop.
“This is just the beginning,” says Dmitry Kurouski, Ph.D., lead researcher. “With this technology, we can read metabolism in real time, and one day, people may carry this insight with them every day.”
Published in Analytical Chemistry, the study represents a breakthrough in noninvasive health monitoring, offering a new way to track diet and nutrition accurately, conveniently, and personally.
Artículo escrito por el equipo de redacción de Ashley Vargo
21/08/2025
Source:
Texas AgriLife