Lycopene

Indication: Cardiovascular disease

Source: Am J Clin Nutr, January 2004;79(1):47-53.

Research: The association between plasma lycopene and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged and elderly women was examined. In a case-control study conducted in 39,876 women initially free of CVD and cancer in the Women’s Health Study. Baseline blood samples were collected from 28,345 (71%) of the women. During a mean of 4.8 years of follow-up, researchers identified 483 CVD cases and 483 control subjects matched by age, smoking status and follow-up time. Plasma ly­copene, other carotenoids, retinol and total cholesterol were measured.

Results: Higher plasma lycopene concentrations were associated with a lower risk of CVD in women. For CVD, exclusive of angina, women in the upper three quartiles had a significant multivariate 50% risk reduction compared with those in the lowest quartile. The stepwise addition of individual plasma carotenoids did not affect the relative risk.