Tomato Paste Powder
Also known as: Tomato Paste Powder, Tomato powder, dehydrated tomato paste, tomato concentrate powder, Solanum lycopersicum powder
Overview
Tomato Paste Powder is a dehydrated and powdered form of concentrated tomato paste, derived from Solanum lycopersicum. It is classified as a functional food ingredient and an antioxidant supplement, rich in bioactive compounds such as lycopene, other carotenoids, vitamins (C and E), and polyphenols. This powder is primarily used as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties, with potential benefits for prostate health. The processing involved in creating the powder enhances the bioavailability of lycopene, a potent antioxidant. While research on tomato-derived products and lycopene is extensive, more specific large-scale clinical trials on tomato paste powder are needed to fully establish its unique benefits.
Benefits
Tomato Paste Powder offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its rich antioxidant content. It significantly increases serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and decreases oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), as shown in a 4-week intervention with 150 mg/day water-soluble tomato concentrate (p < 0.05). This antioxidant effect contributes to cardiovascular health by reducing platelet activation and aggregation, thereby potentially lowering the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). While some systematic reviews report mixed results, tomato products generally show positive effects on inflammatory markers, particularly in contexts of metabolic inflammation. There is also some evidence suggesting benefits for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) management, though further validation is required. Secondary benefits include improved lipid profiles, observed in animal models. These benefits are particularly relevant for middle-aged and elderly adults, who have shown improved antioxidant status and platelet function after supplementation, with effects typically observed within 4 weeks.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Tomato Paste Powder involves its rich content of lycopene and other carotenoids. These compounds act as potent scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), effectively reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. In the cardiovascular system, these phytochemicals modulate platelet apoptosis and activation pathways, leading to a reduction in pro-thrombotic states and improved endothelial health. The powder also interacts with the immune system by modulating inflammatory cytokines, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. For prostate health, potential anti-proliferative effects are being investigated. Lycopene's bioavailability is enhanced in processed tomato products like paste powder due to heat-induced isomerization to cis-forms, which are more readily absorbed by the body.
Side effects
Tomato Paste Powder is generally considered safe for consumption, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials at the studied dosages. There are no commonly reported side effects (occurring in >5% of users), nor are there documented uncommon (1-5%) or rare (<1%) side effects in high-quality studies. While no significant drug interactions have been reported, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulants due to the powder's effects on platelet function. There are no established contraindications for its use. Regarding special populations, safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been well studied, although elderly populations have tolerated supplementation well in clinical trials.
Dosage
For antioxidant and platelet function benefits, a minimum effective dose of approximately 150 mg/day of water-soluble tomato concentrate equivalent has been used in clinical trials. Optimal dosage ranges may vary depending on the specific formulation and lycopene content of the product. While a maximum safe dose is not well established for tomato paste powder specifically, higher doses of pure lycopene up to 30 mg/day are generally considered safe in supplement form. Daily supplementation is recommended, with benefits typically observed after 4 weeks of consistent use. For best results, standardized tomato paste powders or water-soluble tomato concentrates are preferred to ensure consistent bioactive content. Lycopene absorption is enhanced when co-ingested with dietary fat, which is a required cofactor for optimal bioavailability.
FAQs
Is tomato paste powder effective for cardiovascular health?
Yes, evidence supports its ability to improve antioxidant status and platelet function, which may contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Is lycopene alone as effective as tomato paste powder?
Pure lycopene shows mixed results; whole tomato products like paste powder may offer synergistic benefits due to the presence of other phytochemicals.
How long does it take to see benefits from tomato paste powder?
Benefits, particularly antioxidant and platelet function improvements, are typically observed after approximately 4 weeks of daily supplementation.
Is it safe to take tomato paste powder daily?
Yes, daily supplementation is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials at recommended dosages.
Does cooking affect the efficacy of tomato paste powder?
The processing involved in making tomato paste powder, which includes cooking, actually enhances lycopene bioavailability, making it an effective form for supplementation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9412583/ – This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial on water-soluble tomato concentrate (WSTC) involved over 30 healthy middle-aged and elderly adults over 4 weeks. It found that WSTC supplementation significantly increased serum antioxidant capacity and decreased oxidative stress markers and platelet activation (p<0.05). The study highlights the potential of tomato-derived products for improving cardiovascular health by modulating oxidative stress and platelet function.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1519905/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of tomato consumption on inflammation across various populations. It concluded that tomato products show potential anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in metabolic inflammation, and noted a need for further validation in specific areas like prostate health. The review acknowledges heterogeneity among studies but provides a comprehensive overview of the anti-inflammatory potential of tomato-derived compounds.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/effect-of-tomato-tomatoderived-products-and-lycopene-on-metabolic-inflammation-from-epidemiological-data-to-molecular-mechanisms/2DF4AD06030FD4B2E59D774EE284E22E – This narrative review synthesizes epidemiological and intervention studies on the effect of tomato products and lycopene on metabolic inflammation. It suggests that while pure lycopene shows mixed results, whole tomato products are more promising due to synergistic effects of various compounds. The review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current understanding, emphasizing the importance of the 'food matrix' in the efficacy of tomato-derived nutrients.
- https://www.jafs.com.pl/Dietary-supplementation-with-tomato-waste-to-improve-nperformance-and-egg-quality,159529,0,2.html – This study investigated dietary supplementation with tomato waste to improve performance and egg quality in hens. It found that tomato waste supplementation led to improved lipid profiles, specifically reduced triglycerides and cholesterol. While an animal study, it provides insight into the broader nutritional benefits of tomato by-products and their potential to influence metabolic parameters.
Supplements Containing Tomato Paste Powder
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