Tomato and Lycopene Intake Linked to Lower Mortality in Adults with Diabetes

Jim Crocker
21st July, 2024

Tomato and Lycopene Intake Linked to Lower Mortality in Adults with Diabetes

Tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum)

Photo adapted from: Daniel Cahen / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • A study by Shandong University found that higher tomato and lycopene intake is linked to lower mortality in US adults with diabetes
  • Diabetic individuals consuming the most tomatoes had a 32% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those consuming the least
  • Higher lycopene intake was associated with a 22% reduction in all-cause mortality risk among diabetic adults
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated glucose levels due to impaired pancreatic β cell function and insulin resistance[2]. This condition has become a global epidemic, significantly exacerbated by rising obesity rates, and is now one of the leading causes of death worldwide[3]. Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are particularly at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which includes heart failure and coronary heart disease, among other complications[3]. Additionally, oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive species and antioxidants, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes, contributing to complications such as neuropathy and nephropathy[4][5]. A recent study conducted by Shandong University, China, explored the association between dietary intake of tomatoes and lycopene with all-cause and cancer mortality among US adults with diabetes[1]. The researchers hypothesized that higher consumption of tomatoes and lycopene could reduce the risk of mortality in diabetic individuals. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2016, the study analyzed 9213 US adults with diabetes. Dietary intake was assessed through two 24-hour dietary recalls, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were employed to determine the associations between tomato/lycopene intake and mortality. The findings revealed that higher intake of tomatoes and lycopene was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Specifically, participants in the highest quintile of tomato consumption had a 32% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those in the lowest quintile (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54-0.86, p = 0.001). Similarly, higher lycopene intake was associated with a 22% reduction in all-cause mortality risk (HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64-0.95, p = 0.013). Furthermore, high consumption of tomatoes and lycopene was linked to a reduced risk of cancer mortality, with the highest quintile of tomato intake showing a 42% lower risk of cancer mortality (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35-0.96, p = 0.035) and lycopene intake showing a 37% reduction (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40-0.98, p = 0.043). These results suggest that dietary intake of tomatoes and lycopene could be beneficial in reducing mortality risks among adults with diabetes. The study's findings align with previous research indicating the role of oxidative stress in diabetes pathogenesis. Oxidative stress, marked by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leads to cellular damage and is implicated in the development of T2DM and its complications[4][5]. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, helps neutralize ROS, thereby reducing oxidative stress and its harmful effects[4]. Moreover, the study supports the notion that dietary antioxidants can play a significant role in managing diabetes and its associated risks. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of antioxidants in counteracting oxidative stress and preserving pancreatic β cell function, which is crucial for insulin production and glucose regulation[2]. By incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like tomatoes into their diet, individuals with diabetes may improve their overall health outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. In conclusion, the study by Shandong University provides compelling evidence that higher intake of tomatoes and lycopene is associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality among US adults with diabetes. These findings underscore the potential benefits of dietary antioxidants in managing diabetes and highlight the importance of a balanced diet in mitigating the risks associated with this chronic condition.

NutritionHealthFitness And Diet

References

Main Study

1) Associations Between Dietary Intake of Tomato and Lycopene with All-Cause and Cancer-Specific Mortality in US Adults with Diabetes: Results From a Cohort Study.

Published 21st July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2024.2380521

Related Studies

2) The Role of Oxidative Stress in Pancreatic β Cell Dysfunction in Diabetes.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22041509

3) Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-019-1107-y

4) Diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress-A concise review.

Journal: Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society, Issue: Vol 24, Issue 5, Sep 2016

5) Mechanism of Generation of Oxidative Stress and Pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: How Are They Interlinked?

https://doi.org/10.1002/jcb.26097


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