Lycopene in human health

The dietary intake of lycopene is recommended, demonstrated by the health-promoting properties important through all phases of human life, however it is currently not considered an essential nutrient. Evidence suggests a growing interest is observed in lycopene intake from the present general consciousness of the food we consume and food ingredient based cosmeceuticals are increasingly connected with a positive impact on human health and wellness. Lycopene is a natural carotenoid pigment with a variation of intake depending on the population investigated. Although lycopene present in the human body is predominantly derived from tomato and tomato processed foods, this red-coloured compound is also found in other fruits and vegetables. As a result of the low bioavailability of lycopene, its circulating levels are more suitable as prognostic data for health outcomes than its dietary intake values. Lycopene has the potential responsibility for human health in different ways. For example, it can protect lipids, proteins and DNA from oxidative damage; stimulate the modulation of cell growth and the expression of connexin 43, IGF-1 and/or IGF binding protein blood levels as well as intermediate in immune and inflammatory processes. A beneficial or prejudicial cellular response by lycopene will depend on its antioxidant or prooxidant properties respectively, depending on the cellular and extracellular environment. Primarily, carotenoids and metabolites at low doses may present the beneficial effects described above, however the equivalent is not observed at high doses corresponding to harmful prooxidant effects.