Tomato Fruit Concentrate
Also known as: Tomato Fruit Concentrate, Tomato extract, Standardized tomato extract, Fruitflow®, Solanum lycopersicum fruit concentrate
Overview
Tomato Fruit Concentrate is a processed extract derived from the fruit of Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as tomato. It is a nutraceutical and functional food ingredient primarily recognized for its cardiovascular and antioxidant properties. This concentrate is rich in bioactive phytochemicals, including lycopene (a potent carotenoid), various polyphenols, and flavonoids, which act synergistically. It is often standardized for its lycopene content to ensure consistent efficacy. The primary applications of Tomato Fruit Concentrate include supporting cardiovascular health by aiding in blood pressure regulation and reducing platelet aggregation, thereby lowering thrombotic risk. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and has shown promise in improving symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). Research on Tomato Fruit Concentrate is well-established, with multiple human clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses supporting its benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. Its complex mixture of antioxidants contributes to its broad health-promoting effects.
Benefits
Tomato Fruit Concentrate offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in cardiovascular health. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that tomato products, including concentrates, can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 5 mmHg. This reduction is clinically significant, potentially lowering the risk of stroke and cardiovascular mortality by 9-14%. Standardized tomato extracts, such as Fruitflow®, have been shown to significantly reduce markers of platelet aggregation, which may help lower the risk of blood clot formation. Beyond cardiovascular effects, Tomato Fruit Concentrate demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties, with studies showing reductions in inflammation markers, particularly after intense physical activity. While less robust, some research suggests improvements in lipid profiles and antioxidant status in diabetic populations, though effects on glycemic control are inconsistent. Additionally, a specific study noted symptomatic improvement in benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) patients with a daily intake of 5g of tomato fruit concentrate over two months, with no reported side effects. These benefits are particularly relevant for individuals at cardiovascular risk, those with prehypertension, physically active persons, and BPH patients. The effects on blood pressure and platelet function can be observed within 24 hours to 4 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Tomato Fruit Concentrate exerts its beneficial effects primarily through its rich content of antioxidants, including lycopene, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These compounds reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, which is a key factor in cardiovascular disease progression. The concentrate also inhibits platelet activation pathways, specifically targeting ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid, and thrombin, thereby reducing the risk of excessive blood clot formation. Its anti-inflammatory actions involve the modulation of cytokine production, contributing to a reduction in systemic inflammation. These mechanisms collectively interact with the cardiovascular system by improving endothelial function, regulating blood pressure, and optimizing platelet function. It also modulates the immune system through its anti-inflammatory effects and influences metabolic processes related to lipid and glucose metabolism. The bioavailability of bioactive compounds, especially lycopene, is enhanced in processed tomato products like the concentrate compared to raw tomatoes.
Side effects
Tomato Fruit Concentrate is generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no significant adverse effects. There are no common (greater than 5%) or uncommon (1-5%) side effects documented in high-quality trials. Rare side effects (less than 1%) have also not been reported. However, due to its effects on blood pressure and platelet aggregation, there is a potential for additive effects when co-administered with antiplatelet or antihypertensive medications. While no severe interactions have been documented, caution is advised for individuals already on blood thinners or medications for high blood pressure. There are no established contraindications for its use. Data on its safety in pregnant or lactating women are limited, so caution is recommended in these populations. For diabetic patients, while some studies show antioxidant benefits, the effects on glycemic control have been inconsistent, suggesting it should not be relied upon for blood sugar management.
Dosage
For cardiovascular benefits, including blood pressure reduction and platelet aggregation modulation, the optimal dosage range for standardized tomato extract is typically 150-213 mg per day. A minimum effective dose of approximately 150 mg/day has shown positive effects. For the symptomatic improvement of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), a higher dose of 5 grams per day of whole tomato fruit concentrate has been used effectively. The maximum safe dose has not been clearly established, but clinical trials have reported no adverse effects at the studied dosages. Benefits are observed with daily dosing, with platelet effects potentially seen within 24 hours and cardiovascular benefits developing over several weeks. Standardized extracts, such as Fruitflow®, are preferred for their consistent effects on platelet function, while whole fruit concentrates may offer broader antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The absorption of carotenoids like lycopene is enhanced when the concentrate is consumed with dietary fat, and processing of the tomato significantly improves lycopene bioavailability.
FAQs
Is tomato fruit concentrate safe for daily use?
Yes, clinical trials consistently report that Tomato Fruit Concentrate is safe for daily consumption, with no significant adverse effects documented.
How quickly does it work?
Some effects on platelet function can be observed within 24 hours of supplementation, while more significant improvements in blood pressure may take several weeks of consistent daily use.
Does it replace medications for blood pressure or blood thinning?
No, Tomato Fruit Concentrate is a supplement and should not replace prescribed medications. It can be an adjunct, but always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen.
Is lycopene alone as effective as the whole concentrate?
Whole tomato concentrates are generally considered more effective than isolated lycopene due to the synergistic action of multiple bioactive compounds present in the full extract.
Can it help with diabetes?
Evidence for direct benefits on blood glucose control in diabetes is mixed and inconsistent. While some antioxidant benefits may exist, it is not a primary treatment for diabetes.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.849841/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis, along with included RCTs, found that standardized tomato extract (150-213 mg/day) significantly reduced blood pressure and platelet aggregation. It also showed that Fruitflow® reduced platelet activation and inflammation post-exercise, supporting its cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8869745/ – This RCT involving 30 type 2 diabetic patients over 8 weeks indicated that raw tomato intake improved blood pressure and ApoA-1 levels. However, it did not show a significant effect on blood glucose, highlighting mixed metabolic effects and the need for further research with placebo controls.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/tomato-and-lycopene-consumption-is-inversely-associated-with-total-and-causespecific-mortality-a-populationbased-cohort-study-on-behalf-of-the-international-lipid-expert-panel-ilep/7D8B45540833A742F0D23FD6EB66072E – This large prospective cohort study found an inverse association between higher tomato and lycopene intake and total and cause-specific mortality. It also reported improved cardio-metabolic risk profiles, providing strong epidemiological support for the long-term cardiovascular benefits of tomato consumption.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1519905/full – This Phase II RCT investigated the effects of 5g/day whole tomato fruit concentrate in 71 BPH patients over 2 months. The study reported significant improvements in urinary symptoms and quality of life without any side effects, suggesting a promising role for tomato concentrate in BPH management.
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