Samsung has unveiled a pioneering health innovation in its Galaxy Watch lineup: the Antioxidant Index, a feature that measures carotenoid levels—key antioxidants in the skin—offering users real-time insights into their oxidative stress and nutrition habits.
What Is the Antioxidant Index?
The Antioxidant Index quantifies carotenoids—antioxidants found in green and orange fruits and vegetables—using Samsung’s advanced BioActive Sensor embedded in the Galaxy Watch. By placing a finger (ideally the thumb) on the sensor for just five seconds, the device provides a personalized antioxidant score. This Metric reflects how balanced a user’s oxidative protection is, effectively encouraging healthier behavioral changes, like increased vegetable intake.
How It Works
According to Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch preview, the sensor emits light that activates within the watch to capture carotenoid concentration in the skin. The data then syncs with the Samsung Health app for detailed insight.
Health Benefits & Context
Free radicals—generated from factors like UV exposure, poor sleep, smoking, alcohol, and stress—can accelerate aging and contribute to chronic disease. Antioxidants help neutralize these molecules. By measuring carotenoid levels, Galaxy Watch encourages users to boost their antioxidant intake through diet, creating immediate feedback on lifestyle choices.
Beta Testing and Availability
Currently, the Antioxidant Index feature is listed as a “Labs” option in a One UI 8 Watch beta preview, accessible to Galaxy Watch owners (Galaxy Watch5, Watch7, Watch Ultra, and later) in selected regions like South Korea, the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Compatibility
Software: Requires Samsung Health app v6.30.2 or later.
Hardware: Galaxy Watch series models (Watch5 onward); some features may be limited to Watch7 and Watch Ultra.
OS: Android 10 or above
Broader Health Tools Coming to One UI 8 Watch
The Antioxidant Index joins a suite of new health insights in beta:
Bedtime Guidance: Provides optimized sleep timing based on circadian rhythm using three days of tracked data.
Vascular Load: Analyzes cardiovascular strain during sleep over three nights to inform heart health patterns.
Running Coach: Creates tailored running programs (5K, 10K, half/full marathon) following a 12-minute initial performance test.
Expert Perspective
Samsung’s digital health team emphasizes that these features promote holistic, actionable healthy habits, making wellness data interactive and motivational rather than passive.
Limitations & Medical Disclaimer
Samsung stresses that these tools are wellness-focused, not medical devices, and are not intended to diagnose or treat health conditions.
Outlook and Release
Samsung is expected to integrate these features into the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8, anticipated alongside new Galaxy Z series devices this July. Initially introduced via beta for select regions, broader availability should follow later this year.
By integrating real-time biomarker tracking into a wearable, Samsung is redefining how users engage with daily health—and making nutrition, fitness, and cardio care a seamless, data-driven part of everyday life.