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Lycopene
Lycopene, found primarily in tomatoes, is a member of the carotenoid family—including beta-carotene and similar compounds found naturally in food—and has potent antioxidant capabilities. A study conducted by Harvard researchers examined the relationship between carotenoids and the risk of prostate cancer. Of the carotenoids, only lycopene was clearly linked to protection. The men who had the greatest amounts of lycopene (6.5 mg per day) in their diet showed a 21% decreased risk of prostate cancer compared with those eating the least. This report suggests that lycopene may be an important tool in the prevention of prostate cancer. This study also reported that those who ate more than ten servings per week of tomato-based foods had a 35% decreased risk of prostate cancer compared to those eating less than 1.5 weekly servings. When the researchers looked at only advanced (stage D) prostate cancer, the high lycopene eaters had a whopping 86% decreased risk (although this did not reach statistical significance due to the small number of cases). Prior research has associated tomato intake with a reduced rate of prostate cancer.
Lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid in the prostate, and high blood levels of lycopene have been linked to prostate cancer prevention. Lycopene is also a more potent inhibitor of human cancer cells than other carotenoids—even beta-carotene. Another study found that, for the 25% of people with the greatest tomato intake, the risk for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract was 30-60% lower compared with those who ate fewer tomatoes. These reduced risks were statistically significant. A study of women, found that the 75% who ate the least amount of tomatoes had between 3.5 and 4.7 times the risk for cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia—precancerous changes of the cervix.
Where is it found? Tomatoes, tomato sauce, and pizza are high in lycopene. In the Harvard study, the only tomato-based food that did not correlate with protection was tomato juice. There is evidence that people inaccurately report their intake of juice; moreover, the lycopene in juice may not be well absorbed. Other plants, including watermelon and guava, also contain lycopene.
In what conditions might lycopene be supportive?
Further Reading
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Lycopene
NEW YORK, Oct. 3 - In the first clinical intervention trial of prostate cancer patients who were scheduled to undergo surgery, researchers found that lycopene supplementation may decelerate the progression of cancerous growths. The study results were published in the August issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. (more)
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