Tomato Oleoresin
Also known as: Tomato oleoresin, tomato extract, lycopene-rich tomato extract, Solanum lycopersicum extract, Tomato Oleoresin
Overview
Tomato oleoresin is a concentrated, lipid-soluble extract derived from tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), primarily valued for its high content of carotenoids, especially lycopene, along with beta-carotene and other bioactive compounds. It functions as a nutraceutical and food additive, primarily utilized for its antioxidant properties and potential benefits for cardiovascular health. This extract is known for its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Its fat-soluble nature enhances the bioavailability of its active compounds, particularly lycopene. Research on tomato oleoresin is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses exploring its effects, though some findings remain inconsistent due to variability in study designs and formulations.
Benefits
Tomato oleoresin, largely due to its lycopene content, offers several evidence-based benefits. A large population-based cohort study indicated an inverse association between tomato/lycopene intake and total and cause-specific mortality, including cardiovascular mortality, suggesting a significant reduction in risk for those with higher intake. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated improvements in lipid profiles, such as reductions in total and LDL cholesterol and increases in HDL cholesterol, after consistent consumption of tomato products. It also enhances antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), indicating improved defense against oxidative stress. Secondary benefits include a reduction in LDL oxidation and postprandial oxidative stress, improved endothelial function crucial for cardiovascular health, and potential antithrombotic effects through inhibition of platelet aggregation. These benefits are observed in both healthy adults and individuals with elevated cardiovascular risk factors. While some benefits can be seen within 2 to 8 weeks, meta-analyses show inconsistent effects on blood pressure and lipid parameters, highlighting the need for more standardized research.
How it works
Tomato oleoresin exerts its effects primarily through its potent antioxidant activity, largely attributed to lycopene. It scavenges reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. The extract also modulates lipid metabolism, contributing to improved cholesterol profiles. Its anti-inflammatory properties further support its health benefits. In the cardiovascular system, it improves endothelial function, which is vital for healthy blood vessel dilation and blood flow, and can influence lipid profiles. Additionally, components within tomato oleoresin, such as those found in tomato pomace extract, have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, suggesting a potential antithrombotic effect. As a fat-soluble compound, its absorption and bioavailability are significantly enhanced when consumed with dietary fats.
Side effects
Tomato oleoresin is generally considered safe for consumption, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in clinical trials. Common side effects (occurring in more than 5% of users) have not been identified. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are rare and may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, though this is not consistently reported. Significant rare adverse events (less than 1%) have not been documented. There are no major drug interactions reported, but caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulant medications due to the potential for tomato products to inhibit platelet aggregation. No specific contraindications have been established, but individuals with bleeding disorders should exercise caution. The safety of tomato oleoresin during pregnancy and lactation has not been well-studied, so use in these populations should be approached with caution.
Dosage
The optimal dosage of tomato oleoresin varies, with studies using lycopene doses ranging from approximately 1.4 mg to 75 mg per day. Commonly studied and effective doses typically fall within the range of 10-30 mg of lycopene per day, whether from concentrated tomato oleoresin supplements or whole tomato products. There is no established upper limit for safe consumption, as doses up to 75 mg/day have been used in studies without reported adverse effects. For optimal absorption, tomato oleoresin should be consumed with meals that contain dietary fats, as its carotenoid components are fat-soluble. This enhances the bioavailability of lycopene. The form of intake can vary, including concentrated supplements, tomato paste, juice, or pomace extracts.
FAQs
Is tomato oleoresin effective for heart health?
Evidence suggests potential benefits for heart health, including improvements in lipid profiles and endothelial function. However, meta-analyses show mixed results, indicating variability in efficacy across different studies and formulations.
Are there any safety concerns?
Tomato oleoresin is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is rare. Caution is advised for individuals on anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on platelet aggregation.
How long until benefits appear?
Some beneficial effects, such as improvements in antioxidant status and lipid profiles, may begin to appear within 2 to 8 weeks of consistent supplementation or dietary intake.
Should it be taken with food?
Yes, it is highly recommended to take tomato oleoresin with fat-containing meals. This significantly enhances the absorption and bioavailability of its fat-soluble carotenoids, especially lycopene.
Is lycopene the main active compound?
Yes, lycopene is considered the primary bioactive carotenoid in tomato oleoresin and is largely responsible for most of its observed health benefits, particularly its antioxidant and cardiovascular effects.
Research Sources
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/tomato-and-lycopene-consumption-is-inversely-associated-with-total-and-causespecific-mortality-a-populationbased-cohort-study-on-behalf-of-the-international-lipid-expert-panel-ilep/7D8B45540833A742F0D23FD6EB66072E – This prospective cohort study found an inverse association between tomato and lycopene intake and total and cause-specific mortality, including cardiovascular mortality. Participants with higher intake showed significantly reduced risk, suggesting a protective effect. The study highlights the importance of dietary patterns in long-term health outcomes.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32652029/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 intervention trials investigated the effect of lycopene supplementation on blood pressure and lipid profiles. It concluded that there was no significant overall effect, attributing conflicting results to heterogeneity in dosage, formulation, and study populations. The findings suggest that more standardized research is needed to clarify lycopene's impact on these cardiovascular risk factors.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.849841/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 human studies found that tomato products reduce LDL oxidation, improve antioxidant enzyme activity, and enhance endothelial function. It also noted that tomato pomace extract inhibits platelet aggregation. The study provides consistent mechanistic findings supporting the cardiovascular benefits of tomato products, despite some limitations like small sample sizes and short durations in individual RCTs.
