JAPAN — Lycopene, a constituent of tomato products, is known to be a preventative of certain cancers, diabetes and heart disease. Recent research has now linked it to the decrease of oxidative stress with beneficial effects on bone health.
The study by researchers at the University of Tsukuba and the Japan Women’s University was published in November’s edition of the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology.
The study investigated the effect of lycopene intake on bone metabolism through circulating oxidative stress in growing female rats.
Three control groups of 6-week-old rats were used where the lycopene amounts in the diet were manipulated. Bone density in lumbar spinal and tibial tests were analyzed based on lycopene dosage.
While no difference in systemic oxidative stress levels was observed, the oxidative stress level correlated with the tibial bone mass density.
Researchers have concluded that lycopene intake does facilitate bone formation and inhibits bone resorption, which leads to increased BMD in female rats.
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/60/2/60_101/_article