Abstract
Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density, which affects the quality of life of the aging population. Furthermore, disruption of bone microarchitecture and the alteration of non-collagenous protein in bones lead to higher fracture risk. This is most common in postmenopausal women. Certain medications are being used for the treatment of osteoporosis; however, these may be accompanied by undesirable side effects. Phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables are a source of micronutrients for the maintenance of bone health. Among them, lycopene has recently been shown to have a potential protective effect against bone loss. Lycopene is a lipid-soluble carotenoid that exists in both all-trans and cis-configurations in nature. Tomato and tomato products are rich sources of lycopene. Several human epidemiological studies, supplemented by in vivo and in vitro studies, have shown decreased bone loss following the consumption of lycopene/tomato. However, there are still limited studies that have evaluated the effect of lycopene on the prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the relevant literature on the potential impact of lycopene on postmenopausal bone loss with molecular and clinical evidence, including an overview of bone biology and the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.
Highlights
Osteoporosis is an age-related health problem which reduces the quality of life
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common metabolic disease among older women (≥50 years). It is characterized by reduced bone mineral density along with disruption of bone microarchitecture and alteration of non-collagenous protein in bone, which together lead to higher fracture risk [8]
As summarized in this review, lycopene has a protective effect against bone loss; this has been demonstrated in in-vitro studies, in animal models of osteoporosis, and human clinical studies
Summary
Osteoporosis is an age-related health problem which reduces the quality of life. It is estimated that over 200 million people suffer from osteoporosis worldwide [1]. Red tomatoes contain almost 90% of their total lycopene in the all-trans-form [15], yet cis-lycopene concentrations in body tissues are higher than those of other lycopene isomers [18,19]. This could be due to isomerization occurring during food processing or post consumption during digestion and absorption. 90% of cortical bone is calcified; it contains a low surface area to volume ratio This leads to a slower rate of remodeling in cortical bone compared to trabecular bone [23]. Bone remodeling increases and continues at a higher rate for 5–10 years due to the decrease in levels of estrogen [31]
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