Non-invasive technologies could in the future help detect our nutritional deficiencies. A prototype centered on vitamin C is currently under development.
Vitamin C is involved in many processes in the body. One of its main functions is to help the body make collagen , a protein present in all the structures of the body:skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues. It also contributes to the maintenance of immune function , activates the healing of wounds, participates in the formation of red blood cells and increases the absorption of iron contained in plants.
Not to mention its antioxidant effect capable of protecting our cells from damage inflicted by free radicals.
So it's important not to run out. However, the human body having lost the ability to synthesize this vitamin during its evolution, we must draw it every day from food.
As a reminder, colored and raw fruits and vegetables contain the most (red peppers, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries or broccoli, to name but a few). ). But how do we know if we've had enough?
Researchers at the University of San Diego are currently developing a patch that can estimate your vitamin C levels by analyzing sweat .
This new prototype, which temporarily adheres to the user's skin, features flexible electrodes that contain an enzyme called ascorbate oxidase.
The principle is as follows:once applied, the patch will cause the underlying skin to sweat. If vitamin C is present in sweat, ascorbate oxidase will convert it to dehydroascrobic acid, a process that generates a mild electrical current. Basically, the patch will then measure the strength of the current which varies according to the levels of vitamin C in the sweat, the latter corresponding to those of the blood circulation.
Once connected to a small circuit board, the prototype then wirelessly transmits this data which can then be analyzed.
As part of a recent study, four subjects applied this patch to their skin for two hours. All had previously consumed supplements and fruit juices rich in vitamin C. During this period of time the patch was able to precisely follow the evolution of the levels of the vitamin of the concerned, note the researchers.
Obviously this is only a prototype and further research will be needed to refine the technology even further. However, it looks very promising. Eventually, it may also be possible to develop sensors capable of detecting other compounds, allowing us to monitor our possible nutritional deficiencies more closely.
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