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Lycopene, a carotenoid found in red-hued fruits and vegetables
including tomatoes and others (see table below), seems to reduce
the risk of exercise-induced asthma (EIA) in some patients, Israeli
researchers report.
Researchers studied 20 patients with EIA
- Patients were randomly assigned to receive a once-daily treatment
of 30 mg of a lycopene supplement or an inactive placebo
- After one week of treatment, 55% of the patients given lycopene
showed significant protection against EIA
- Patients taking the lycopene supplements had elevated blood
levels of lycopene compared to the placebo group, and no changes
were found in levels of other carotenoids or other antioxidants
such as retinol (vitamin A) or tocopherols (vitamin E)
The researchers note that there is some evidence that dietary antioxidants
protect against EIA and lycopene has been shown to be a potent antioxidant.
The lycopene used is a proprietary formula known as LYC-O-MATO,
produced by the Israeli company LycoRed.
Researchers conclude "Our results indicate that a daily dose
of lycopene exerts a protective effect against EIA in some patients,
most probably through an in vivo antioxidative effect."
Allergy, December, 2000; 55:
1184-1189
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