Supplementation with Tomato-Based Products Increases Lycopene, Phytofluene, and Phytoene Levels in Human Serum and Protects against UV-Light-Induced Erythema
Abstract
Carotenoids are suitable photoprotectants, and beta-carotene supplements are used for protection against ultraviolet (UV) light-induced erythema. Protective effects are also observed when carotenoids are provided with the diet. Here, we investigated the photoprotective effects of synthetic lycopene in comparison with a tomato extract (Lyc-o-Mato) and a drink containing solubilized Lyc-o-Mato (Lyc-o-Guard-Drink). With these different sources, the volunteers ingested similar amounts of lycopene (about 10 mg/day). After 12 weeks of supplementation, significant increases in lycopene serum levels and total skin carotenoids were observed in all groups. Significant increases in the serum levels of phytofluene and phytoene occurred in the Lyc-o-Mato and the Lyc-o-Guard-Drink group. At weeks 0, 4, and 12 an erythema was induced with a solar light simulator. Dorsal skin of each subject was irradiated with 1.25 minimal erythemal dose (MED). Reddening of the skin was evaluated before and 24 hours after irradiation by chromametry and expressed as positive a-values (red/green-axis). delta a-values (difference of a-value before irradiation and after 24 hours) were used as an index of erythema intensity. A decrease in the delta a-value from week 0 to week 12, indicating prevention of erythema formation, was observed in all groups. Compared to week 0, the delta a-value at week 12 was 25% lower in the synthetic lycopene group. The protective effect was more pronounced in the Lyc-o-Mato (38%) and Lyc-o-Guard-Drink (48%) groups. In the two latter groups, phytofluene and phytoene may have contributed to protection. Both of these carotenoids exhibit absorption maxima at wavelengths of UV light. Absorption of UV light protects skin from photodamage and might explain the differences observed between groups.
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The protective effect of a tomato extract containing lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene on UV-induced erythema formation was more pronounced compared with lycopene treatment alone in human.
“For example, the protective effect of a tomato extract containing lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene on UV-induced erythema formation was more pronounced compared with lycopene treatment alone in human [107].”
From Nutraceuticals in the Prevention and Treatment of the Muscle Atrophy (2021) · cites this paper as [107]
Treatment with combined antioxidant compounds seems more effective compared with single application.
“Studies have reported that treatment with combined antioxidant compounds seems more effective compared with single application.”
From Nutraceuticals in the Prevention and Treatment of the Muscle Atrophy (2021) · cites this paper as [107]
Protection from UV radiation seems more effective upon treatment with combined tomato antioxidant compounds compared to lycopene treatment alone.
“Protection from UV radiation seems more effective upon treatment with combined tomato antioxidant compounds, compared to the effects of lycopene treatment alone.”
From Boosting the Photoaged Skin: The Potential Role of Dietary Components (2021) · cites this paper as [102]
A tomato extract containing lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene had a more pronounced protective effect against UV-induced erythema than lycopene alone.
“For example, a study showed that the protective effect of a tomato extract containing lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene against UV-induced erythema formation was more pronounced compared with lycopene alone [102].”
From Boosting the Photoaged Skin: The Potential Role of Dietary Components (2021) · cites this paper as [102]
Carotenoids in the diet and in the form of dietary supplements have photoprotective effects.
“Research confirms the photoprotective effects of carotenoids in the diet and in the form of dietary supplements.”
From Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review (2021) · cites this paper as [240]
The protective effects of lycopene supplementation are more pronounced in groups that received tomato extract or a drink containing solubilized tomato extract than in the synthetic lycopene group.
“The protective effects were more pronounced in the groups that received the tomato extract or a drink containing solubilized tomato extract [240].”
From Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review (2021) · cites this paper as [240]
After 12 weeks of supplementation with about 10 mg/d lycopene from synthetic lycopene, tomato extract, or a drink containing solubilized tomato extract, serum lycopene levels significantly increase in all groups.
“After 12 weeks of supplementation, significant increases in serum lycopene levels and total skin carotenoids were observed in all the groups, as was less severe erythema following exposure to UV radiation.”
From Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review (2021) · cites this paper as [240]
After 12 weeks of supplementation with about 10 mg/d lycopene from synthetic lycopene, tomato extract, or a drink containing solubilized tomato extract, erythema following exposure to UV radiation is less severe.
“After 12 weeks of supplementation, significant increases in serum lycopene levels and total skin carotenoids were observed in all the groups, as was less severe erythema following exposure to UV radiation.”
From Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review (2021) · cites this paper as [240]
After 12 weeks of supplementation with about 10 mg/d lycopene from synthetic lycopene, tomato extract, or a drink containing solubilized tomato extract, total skin carotenoids significantly increase in all groups.
“After 12 weeks of supplementation, significant increases in serum lycopene levels and total skin carotenoids were observed in all the groups, as was less severe erythema following exposure to UV radiation.”
From Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review (2021) · cites this paper as [240]
Protection from UV radiation is more effective upon treatment with combined tomato antioxidant compounds compared to lycopene treatment alone, probably due to a synergistic effect of different tomato phytonutrients.
“Several studies suggested that the protection from UV radiation is more effective upon treatment with combined tomato antioxidant compounds, compared to the effects of lycopene treatment alone, and this is probably due to a synergistic effect of the different tomato phytonutrients [79, 111].”
From Antioxidants from Plants Protect against Skin Photoaging (2018) · cites this paper as [111]
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References 25 · Cited by 207
- Authors
- Aust, O., Stahl, W., Sies, H., Tronnier, H., & Heinrich, U.
- Affiliations
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (DE)
- Witten/Herdecke University (DE)
- Venue
- International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research
- Publisher
- IMR Press
- Published
- 2005-01-01
- Volume
- 75
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 54-60
- ISSN
- 0020-9406 (ISSN-L)
- 0300-9831
- 1664-2821
- OpenAlex
- W2042809195
- Cited by
- 207
- References
- 25
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 14 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 7
- FWCI
- 6.35
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Biochemistry › Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Biochemistry › Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities
- Keywords
- lycopene, phytofluene, phytoene, tomato extract, carotenoid supplementation, photoprotection, UV-induced erythema, serum carotenoids, skin carotenoids, beta-carotene, UV absorption, dietary carotenoids
- MeSH terms
- Lycopene, Adult, Antioxidants, Carotenoids, Erythema, Humans, Reference Values, Skin, Time Factors, Ultraviolet Rays, Solanum lycopersicum, Statistics, Nonparametric, Dietary Supplements, Plant Preparations
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