Predictors of carotenoid status in New Zealand children using carotenoid reflection score: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Optically-assessed skin carotenoid status offers an objective measure of vegetable and fruit intake. Data from the Sodium and Potassium Intake (SNaK+) study was used to explore asso-ciations of carotenoid reflection scores with body size, annual household income, vegetable and fruit intake and potassium intake, and the relationship between carotenoid reflection score and 24-h urinary potassium in children. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-five children (29 girls, 37 boys; 9 not stated) aged 8 to 13 years from five New Zealand primary schools were supported by the parents/caregivers to complete validated questions about their frequency of vegetable and fruit intake. Carotenoid reflection scores were measured using reflection spectroscopy and 24-h urine samples (n = 69) were collected. Differences by gender and age were tested using two-sample t-tests. Linear regression identified determinants of carotenoid reflection score. RESULTS: Children's overall mean (standard deviation) carotenoid reflection score was 236 (91), with 51% having low scores (< 250). Younger boys (< 10 years) had higher carotenoid reflection scores than younger girls (mean difference (95% confidence interval); 74 (4, 144). Few (8%, n = 6) children met vegetable intake recommendations. Annual household income and fruit servings per day were predictive correlates of carote-noid reflection scores (R2 = 0.17, F(2.52) = 6.10, p CONCLUSIONS: This study identified low household income and low fruit intake as drivers of low carotenoid status in children, emphasizing the need for targeted dietary interventions. A study is required to further explore the relationship between carotenoid reflection score and potassium excretion.