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Abstract
Lycopene, a carotenoid without provitamin-A activity, is present in many fruits and vegetables; however, tomatoes and processed tomato products constitute the major source of lycopene in North American diet. Among the carotenoids, lycopene is a major component found in the serum and other tissues. Dietary intakes of tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene have been shown to be associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases in several recent studies. Serum and tissue lycopene levels have also been inversely related with the chronic disease risk. Although the antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its beneficial properties, evidence is accumulating to suggest other mechanisms such as modulation of intercellular gap junction communication, hormonal and immune system and metabolic pathways may also be involved. This review summarizes the background information about lycopene and presents the most current knowledge with respect to its role in human health and disease.
Key teaching points:
• Oxidative stress is causally related to the incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
• Lycopene may be a key component responsible for the protective effects of fruits and vegetables.
• Tomatoes and tomato products are the main dietary sources of lycopene.
• Lycopene is a major carotenoid of plasma and other body tissue.
• Dietary intake and/or serum levels of lycopene have been reported to be inversely related to the risk of cancer and heart diseases.
• Recommended daily intake of lycopene is 35 mg which can be obtained by ingesting two glasses of tomato juice or through a combination of tomato products.
Key teaching points:
• Oxidative stress is causally related to the incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
• Lycopene may be a key component responsible for the protective effects of fruits and vegetables.
• Tomatoes and tomato products are the main dietary sources of lycopene.
• Lycopene is a major carotenoid of plasma and other body tissue.
• Dietary intake and/or serum levels of lycopene have been reported to be inversely related to the risk of cancer and heart diseases.
• Recommended daily intake of lycopene is 35 mg which can be obtained by ingesting two glasses of tomato juice or through a combination of tomato products.
Notes
This is the second paper in a series on antioxidants edited by Sudhir Dutta, MD, FACN.