Lycopene Affects Systolic Blood Pressure
A meta-analysis attempts to clear the uncertainty around this tomato-based nutrient.
Updating the story for lycopene and blood pressure, Chinese researchers have completed the latest meta-analysis on this tomato compound and its blood pressure effects.
Writing in the journal Nutrients, they compiled the results of six studies that met inclusion criteria-studies ranged from 4 to 16 weeks in duration, using 4.5 to 15 mg of daily lycopene with healthy or hypertensive participants.
Considering all of the available data, lycopene use significantly lowered systolic blood pressure-but not diastolic blood pressure-and effects were most prominent in Asians and subjects who already had high blood pressure to begin with. A dosage of at least 12 mg yielded the best results.
Manufacturers likely prefer natural ingredients that can lower both dystolic and diastolic blood pressure, but, considering the side effects associated with hypertensive drugs and the limited availability of natural alternatives, lycopene may still be useful.
It’s worth noting that four of the six studies used Lyc-O-Mato lycopene from Lycored Ltd. (Beer Sheva, Israel).
