Impact of Calcium-Enriched Diet on Lycopene Absorption

Study Overview

A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition has revealed that a diet enriched with calcium may hinder the absorption of lycopene in healthy individuals. Lycopene, a carotenoid pigment responsible for the red hue of tomatoes and tomato products, has been linked to various health outcomes.

Lycopene and Health Risks

Previous studies have indicated a negative correlation between lycopene levels in the bloodstream and the risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. This association highlights the potential health benefits of lycopene, making its absorption a topic of interest.

Research Background

In vitro research has suggested that calcium can impede the bioaccessibility of lycopene, which is the ability of a substance to be absorbed and utilized by living organisms. This has led researchers to speculate that a similar effect might occur in humans, potentially limiting lycopene absorption when calcium is present.

Study Objectives and Methodology

The primary objectives of the study were to investigate whether dietary calcium could reduce the bioavailability of lycopene in humans and to identify the biological mechanisms involved in this interaction. The study involved 10 healthy participants, consisting of 5 females and 5 males, who were administered two lycopene-rich meals separated by a three-week interval. One meal included a calcium supplement of 500 mg, while the other did not.

Findings

Researchers observed a significant increase in lycopene plasma concentration two hours after participants consumed the control meal without calcium. In contrast, plasma levels of lycopene did not show an increase until five hours after the calcium-enriched meal was consumed. These findings suggest that the addition of 500 mg of calcium to lycopene-containing foods, such as tomato paste, reduced the bioavailability of lycopene in the bloodstream.

Conclusion

This study marks the first documented instance of calcium’s impact on lycopene absorption in humans, raising important considerations for dietary recommendations involving calcium and lycopene-rich foods.

Written By: Melissa Booker