[Short-term Lycopersicum esculentum consumption may increase plasma high density lipoproteins and decrease oxidative...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and lycopene, known for their free radical scavenging properties.
• The impact of tomato consumption on plasma lipoproteins and oxidative stress in humans remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vivo effects of concentrated tomato juice supplementation on oxidative status and plasma lipoproteins in healthy volunteers.
• To assess short-term changes following a 7-day dietary intervention.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen healthy volunteers participated in a 7-day supplementation study with pure concentrated tomato juice.
• Blood samples were analyzed at baseline, end of supplementation, and 8 days post-supplementation for antioxidant levels (lycopene, a-tocopherol, TRAP, catalase, superoxide dismutase) and plasma lipoproteins.

Main Results:

• Lycopene levels increased significantly by 48% (p < 0.05) early in the supplementation period.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol showed a significant increase of 5.6+/-4.3 mg/dL (p < 0.002), improving the cholesterol/HDL ratio.
• Total antioxidant capacity (TRAP), catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels did not change significantly.

Conclusions:

• Dietary supplementation with concentrated tomato juice effectively increases plasma lycopene levels.
• The intervention led to a significant increase in HDL cholesterol, suggesting a positive impact on lipid profiles.
• No significant short-term changes were observed in overall antioxidant capacity markers (TRAP, catalase, superoxide dismutase).