Lycopene is a carotenoid compound that gives the yellow colour to most vegetables and fruits. Some fruits or vegetables including carrots, oranges, watermelons, and tomatoes, contain lycopene in them. Lycopene can also act as an antioxidant that can help fight free radicals. Some studies have also shown that lycopene can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, lung cancer, and hypertension.

It is widely known that foods rich in lycopene are good for your health. However, you should also pay attention to the intake of other nutrients that can help or hinder the absorption process of lycopene. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, found out that iron can hinder the absorption of lycopene in the body.

The research involved seven male participants who were asked to consume tomato drinks (which contain lycopene) while combining it with iron supplements.  To find the amount of lycopene absorbed, the researchers examined blood samples and digestive juices from each participant.

The researchers found that the body would only absorb half of the lycopene intake when it is combined with iron. The researchers indicated that this happened because iron can oxidise lycopene in the body and change it to other metabolites. The researchers further explained that this could affect the function of lycopene in the body.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Kopec, R.E., Vayrat C.C., Nowicki, M., et all (2019). The Effect of an Iron Supplement on Lycopene Metabolism and Absorption During Digestion in Healthy Humans. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, DOI: 10.1002 / mnfr.201900644.
• Medical News Today - Iron-rich foods may cancel out tomatoes' anticancer benefits (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326370.php, 7 October 2019.