Carotenoid-Rich Tomato Extract Benefits Heart Health

06 Oct 2016 --- New research has shown that taking the carotenoid-rich tomato extract (CRTE), Cardiomato, supplement for only two weeks inhibits the oxidation of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), the cholesterol most often associated with heart disease. The study was published in the international peer-reviewed journal, Food & Nutrition Research.

Funded by Lycored, the research carried out by scientists at Naturalpha Clinical Nutrition Center at Hôpital Saint Vincent de Paul, furthers the assertion that whole food extracts are more effective than single, standalone ingredients, such as lycopene.

The study builds upon a growing body of research elucidating the role tomatoes play in cardiovascular health. Specifically, the paper sheds light on a particular niche within this field of research: how a specifically standardized tomato extract can support cardiovascular health, by helping to regulate the stress response that naturally occurs after one eats, which is something that can benefit everyone’s health

“The use of a whole food extract from the tomato as a method of addressing the oxidation of LDL, the most dangerous form of cholesterol, and improving the metabolic picture following a meal, is a new concept,” said Dr. Karin Hermoni, category manager at Lycored.

The concept was tested in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study that involved 146 healthy, normal weight adults. Over a two-week period, study participants were randomly given either the placebo, or a proprietary carotenoid-rich tomato extract for heart developed by Lycored, which comprised of a standardized ratio of several phytonutrients that work together to improve cardiovascular health.

These included phytosterols, tocopherols, as well as several tomato carotenoids.

Measurements of the participants’ oxidized LDL, glucose, insulin and triglyceride responses were performed for eight hours after ingestion of a high-fat meal, before, and at the end of the intervention.

Results showed ingestion of the standardized tomato extract significantly improved changes in oxidized LDL response of a high-fat meal, as compared to the placebo, after two weeks.

“Lycored has been involved in multiple studies examining the relationship between tomato extracts and cardiovascular health over the past two decades,” said Hermoni.

“We’ve discovered that our standardized tomato extract for heart, Cardiomato can affect multiple parameters affecting cardiovascular health, such as blood pressure and endothelial function, but there is a particular amount of enthusiasm around this latest research.”

“The fact that this study shows a CTRE can effectively reduce LDL oxidation and manage the stress response we are all experiencing almost every day of our lives is great news.”

Lycored utilizes special standardization techniques in order to keep the delicate balance between the different phytonutrients in this whole food extract to have beneficial effects on key parameters affecting cardiovascular health.

This composition was proven synergistic in pre-clinical studies, allowing for maximal effect in a minimal once a day dosage.

Lycored claims the new study furthers its commitment of being clinically responsible, continuing to test the efficacy of products before and after launch, and the results validate the efficacy of the final composition.