Validating the Effects of Multivitamins on Nutrient Status Using Non-Invasive Spectroscopy

Background: The main objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to measure the impact of a multivitamin supplement on nutrient status and quality of life (QOL) and compare two non-invasive methods of detecting skin carotenoids. Methods: Subjects (46 healthy adults) were given either a supplement containing minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, and phytonutrients (n = 29) (SUP) or a placebo (n = 17) (PL) daily for 12 weeks. Skin carotenoid levels were measured at baseline, 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RRS) using a BioPhotonic Scanner S3 and Hyperspectral Absorption (HA) device. Subjects had blood drawn to assess safety and nutrient status for vitamin C and selenium at baseline and week 12. Subjects also filled out questionnaires related to QOL and skin attributes at baseline and week 12. Results: At week 12, the SUP group had a 44% increase in vitamin C levels (p Conclusion: Supplementation with a multivitamin significantly increased serum vitamin C, serum selenium, and skin carotenoid levels while also improving QOL and skin health attributes. These findings support the use of SUP to improve nutrient status and use of non-invasive methods to measure.