Lee Swanson Research Update

Plasma Lycopene Linked to Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk

April 2004

In the past few years, lycopene supplementation has become very popular with men who are concerned about prostate health. Now, scientists believe that high levels of lycopene in your blood may help cut your chances of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health began the study noting that "growing evidence suggests that lycopene has significant in vitro antioxidant potential." But they added, "Lycopene has rarely been tested in prospective studies for its role in CVD prevention. We examined the association between plasma lycopene and the risk of CVD in middle-aged and elderly women."

Data was taken from 966 women initially free of CVD who participated in the Women’s Health Study. Over a 4.8-year follow-up, the women in the upper three quartiles of plasma lycopene had a significant risk reduction compared to those in the lowest quartile.

Researchers concluded that, "Higher plasma lycopene concentrations are associated with a lower risk of CVD in women."

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 79(1):47-53, 2004

New to Natural Health?
Tools
Customer Service