● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Introduces Antioxidant Index Feature
Key points
- Galaxy Watch 8 adds an Antioxidant Index feature.
- It estimates skin carotenoid levels using a thumb scan.
- The score reflects estimated fruit and vegetable intake.
- The feature is not for diagnosing medical conditions.
New Antioxidant Index Feature
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has introduced a new feature called the Antioxidant Index. This addition allows users to obtain a score from 0 to 100 based on a five-second thumb scan. The watch estimates carotenoid levels in the skin, which are pigments with antioxidant properties found in certain fruits and vegetables.
How the Sensor Works
To measure, users remove the watch, open Samsung Health, select Antioxidant Index, and press their thumb against the BioActive Sensor. The sensor uses multi-wavelength absorption spectroscopy, illuminating the skin with yellow, blue, purple, and green LED light. Carotenoids absorb specific wavelengths, particularly blue, and photodiodes detect reflected light to estimate carotenoid concentration.
The thumb is used because its skin minimizes melanin interference, and pressure temporarily restricts blood flow, reducing hemoglobin interference, both of which can affect optical measurements.
Accuracy and Limitations
Samsung validated the sensor against Raman spectroscopy, a lab technique for measuring skin carotenoids, and compared readings with blood tests, food logs, and clinical data. A 2023 randomized controlled trial also found a correlation between reflection spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy for skin carotenoid measurement.
However, Samsung has not published a consumer-facing accuracy percentage or margin of error. The company states that the Antioxidant Index is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
The daily brief
One email each morning: the day's tech stories, clustered across outlets and summarized. No account needed.
One email a day. Unsubscribe in one click, any time.
Today's brief
Spend a few minutes, get the whole day. Every topic's top stories in one hands-free rundown — listen, watch, or read the transcript.
▶ Play today's brief
New every morning, and the back catalogue is archived by date.
Reporting from
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 now includes an Antioxidant Index feature that estimates carotenoid levels in the skin via a five-second thumb scan. This feature provides a score from 0 to 100, indicating estimated fruit and vegetable intake, though it is not intended for medical diagnosis.