Tomato powder
Also known as: Tomato powder, dried tomato powder, tomato fruit powder, lycopene, Solanum lycopersicum
Overview
Tomato powder is a dehydrated form of the *Solanum lycopersicum* fruit, primarily valued for its high concentration of carotenoids, especially lycopene, along with vitamins C and E, and various polyphenols. It is produced by drying and grinding fresh tomatoes. This nutraceutical and functional food ingredient is widely used as a dietary supplement to provide antioxidant support, promote cardiovascular health, support prostate health, and exert anti-inflammatory effects. Its rich antioxidant capacity and potential to modulate inflammation and metabolic processes are key characteristics. Research on tomato powder is moderately advanced, with multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses supporting its benefits, though some findings show heterogeneity due to variations in formulations and dosages. It is generally recognized as safe and is often incorporated into food products for fortification.
Benefits
Tomato powder offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its rich lycopene content and synergistic compounds: * **Cardiovascular Risk Reduction:** A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated that tomato/lycopene supplementation significantly reduced LDL cholesterol (by approximately 10-15 mg/dL) and systolic blood pressure (by about 3-5 mmHg). These effects are considered modest to moderate but clinically significant, particularly for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. (Cheng et al., 2017) * **Anti-inflammatory Effects:** A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that consuming tomato powder reduces inflammatory markers in humans, especially in conditions related to metabolic syndrome and prostate inflammation. While whole tomato powder shows consistent effects, pure lycopene alone has shown inconsistent anti-inflammatory benefits. (Natali et al., 2025) * **Prostate Health:** Clinical trials suggest that standardized whole tomato formulations may improve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and positively influence prostate cancer risk markers. This benefit is particularly relevant for middle-aged and older men. (Natali et al., 2025) * **Lipid Metabolism:** Animal studies, specifically with laying hens, have shown that tomato waste supplementation can improve egg quality and lipid profiles, suggesting potential benefits for lipid metabolism. While this is an animal model, it supports the broader metabolic benefits observed in human studies. (Handayani et al., 2023) Benefits typically become apparent after 4-12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Tomato powder exerts its beneficial effects primarily through its potent antioxidant activity, largely attributed to lycopene. It scavenges reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage. The compounds in tomato powder also modulate inflammatory gene expression, particularly by influencing pathways like NF-κB, leading to a reduction in systemic inflammation. In the cardiovascular system, it helps improve endothelial function and inhibits LDL oxidation, which is a key step in atherosclerosis development. Lycopene's bioavailability is enhanced when consumed with dietary fats and after processing (like in powder form), allowing for better absorption and utilization by the body. Its interaction with various body systems, including the cardiovascular and immune systems, contributes to its broad health benefits.
Side effects
Tomato powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects consistently reported in clinical trials at typical dosages. Common side effects (>5%) are not consistently reported. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are rare and may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some sensitive individuals. Rare side effects (<1%) have not been documented. There are no major drug interactions reported; however, caution is advised with anticoagulants due to a potential for mild antiplatelet effects, although this is not well-established. Contraindications are not established, but individuals with a known allergy to tomatoes should avoid tomato powder. Safety data for pregnant or lactating women and children are limited, so caution is advised in these populations. Overall, tomato powder has a favorable safety profile when used within recommended dosage guidelines.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of lycopene from tomato powder is approximately 10-15 mg per day, as observed in some clinical trials. For optimal benefits, particularly for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects, a daily dosage range of 15-30 mg of lycopene from tomato powder or equivalent formulations is recommended. Studies have reported the safe use of up to 75 mg of lycopene per day, with no adverse effects noted at these higher levels. For best absorption, tomato powder should be taken daily with meals that contain dietary fat, as fat significantly enhances lycopene bioavailability. Standardized whole tomato powder formulations may offer superior benefits compared to isolated lycopene supplements due to the synergistic effects of other compounds present in the whole tomato matrix. No specific cofactors are strictly required, but vitamin E may synergize its antioxidant effects.
FAQs
Is tomato powder safe for long-term use?
Yes, clinical data support the safety of tomato powder for extended use at recommended dosages, showing no serious adverse effects.
Does tomato powder work better than pure lycopene?
Evidence suggests that whole tomato powder may offer superior benefits compared to isolated lycopene due to the synergistic action of other beneficial compounds present in the whole tomato.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Benefits related to inflammation and cardiovascular markers typically begin to appear within 1 to 3 months of consistent daily supplementation.
Can tomato powder replace medications?
No, tomato powder is a supplement that may complement prescribed therapies but should not be used as a substitute for medications.
Are there any allergies?
Individuals with a known allergy to tomatoes should avoid consuming tomato powder to prevent allergic reactions.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1519905/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that tomato powder consumption effectively reduces inflammatory markers in humans and supports prostate health. It highlights the promise of standardized formulations, though it notes heterogeneity in study designs and populations, suggesting a need for more large-scale RCTs.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/effect-of-tomato-tomatoderived-products-and-lycopene-on-metabolic-inflammation-from-epidemiological-data-to-molecular-mechanisms/2DF4AD06030FD4B2E59D774EE284E22E – This narrative review explores the anti-inflammatory potential of tomato products, contrasting it with the inconsistent effects of pure lycopene in human studies. It emphasizes the need for further randomized controlled trials to clarify the mechanisms and efficacy of tomato-derived compounds.
- https://www.jafs.com.pl/Dietary-supplementation-with-tomato-waste-to-improve-nperformance-and-egg-quality,159529,0,2.html – This meta-analysis of animal studies, specifically on laying hens, demonstrates that dietary supplementation with tomato waste can improve egg quality and lipid profiles. While an animal model, it provides supporting evidence for the metabolic benefits of tomato-derived products.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28129549/ – This rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found that tomato or lycopene supplementation significantly lowers LDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure in adults with cardiovascular risk factors. It highlights the modest but statistically significant cardiovascular benefits, despite variations in dosage and product types across studies.
Supplements Containing Tomato powder
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