Tomato Nutrient Complex Effect on Blood Pressure (P06-112-19)

OBJECTIVES: Examine the effect of a carotenoid-rich Tomato Nutrient Complex on blood pressure and perform a dose-response analysis and uncover the optimal effective supplementation dose in maintaining blood pressure within normal range among individuals with systolic blood pressure between 130–140 mmHg, otherwise healthy subjects. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, different doses of the Tomato Nutrient Complex were examined, corresponding to 5 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg lycopene. The effect of the tomato-derived treatment was compared with 15 mg of synthetic Lycopene and placebo over 8 weeks of treatment. In addition, we analyzed the bioavailability of the carotenoids following treatment with different doses of the Tomato Nutrient Complex in a group of 25 healthy volunteers. Volunteers were treated for four weeks with Tomato Nutrient Complex providing 2, 5 and 15 mg lycopene. RESULTS: Results indicate that treatment for 8 weeks with Tomato Nutrient Complex standardized to contain 15 mg or 30 mg of lycopene was associated with statistically significant reductions in mean SBP of 9.7 mmHg and 7 mmHg compared to baseline values respectively. Treatment with the lower dose Tomato Nutrient Complex standardized for 5 mg of lycopene, or treatment with 15 mg of synthetic lycopene as a standalone did not show a significant effect. In parallel, we analyzed the bioavailability of the carotenoids in healthy subjects. In a group of 25 healthy volunteers treated for 4 weeks with different doses of the Tomato Nutrient Complex. we identified a dose dependent and significant increase in blood level of lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results suggest that the carotenoids in the Tomato Nutrient Complex are well absorbed in a dose dependent manner and that only the carotenoid levels achieved by the dose corresponding to 15 mg lycopene or more, is correlated to a beneficial effect on systolic blood pressure while lower doses and standalone lycopene are not enough to drive the effect. FUNDING SOURCES: Lycored.