Lycopene in human health. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caseiro, Mélanie; Ascenso, Andreia; Costa, Ana; Creagh-Flynn, Jack; Johnson, Melissa; Simões, Sandra
• Is Part Of: Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft + Technologie =. Volume 127(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Lycopene -- Antioxidant -- Biological activity -- Human health -- Formulations; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 664.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109323
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-6438

Abstract

Abstract: The dietary intake of lycopene is recommended, demonstrated by the health-promoting properties important through all phases of human life, however it is currently not considered an essential nutrient. Evidence suggests a growing interest is observed in lycopene intake from the present general consciousness of the food we consume and food ingredient based cosmeceuticals are increasingly connected with a positive impact on human health and wellness. Lycopene is a natural carotenoid pigment with a variation of intake depending on the population investigated. Although lycopene present in the human body is predominantly derived from tomato and tomato processed foods, this red-coloured compound is also found in other fruits and vegetables. As a result of the low bioavailability of lycopene, its circulating levels are more suitable as prognostic data for health outcomes than its dietary intake values. Lycopene has the potential responsibility for human health in different ways. For example, it can protect lipids, proteins and DNA from oxidative damage; stimulate the modulation of cell growth and the expression of connexin 43, IGF-1 and/or IGF binding protein blood levels as well as intermediate in immune and inflammatory processes. A beneficial or prejudicial cellular response by lycopene will depend on its antioxidant or prooxidant properties respectively, depending on the cellular and extracellular environment. Primarily, carotenoids and metabolites at low doses may present the beneficial effects described above, however the equivalent is not observed at high doses corresponding to harmful prooxidant effects. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Similarly to other carotenoids, lycopene occurs in various geometrical configurations. Lycopene bioavailability is lower in raw sources than in thermal processed food sources. Lycopene has several biological effects in human health. Lycopene structure must be protected because it is very sensitive to environmental conditions. Several advanced drug delivery systems have been developed, improving the in vivo delivery of lycopene.