A comprehensive new meta-analysis of 121 prospective cohort studies, involving nearly 4.6 million adults, has found that higher dietary intake of tomatoes and lycopene — along with elevated blood levels of lycopene — is associated with modestly reduced risks of cancer incidence and, more strongly, cancer mortality.
Modest Protection Against Cancer Incidence
Comparing highest versus lowest intake categories, high dietary lycopene was linked to a 5% lower overall cancer risk (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92~0.98), while high circulating lycopene levels correlated with an 11% reduction (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84~0.95). Each 10 µg/dL increase in blood lycopene was associated with a 5% lower risk. A linear inverse dose-response relationship emerged specifically for prostate cancer.
Stronger Signal for Cancer Mortality
The associations were more pronounced for mortality. Highest versus lowest total tomato intake showed an 11% lower cancer death risk (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85~0.93), dietary lycopene a 16% reduction (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.81~0.86), and circulating lycopene a 24% reduction (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60~0.98). Blood lycopene levels also showed a significant inverse link with lung cancer mortality.
Caveats and Context
While the findings are consistent across large cohorts followed for up to 32 years, heterogeneity was present in some analyses, and total tomato intake showed no clear protective effect on overall incidence. The Iranian-led review underscores lycopene’s potential anticancer properties but stops short of proving causation.
Overall, the study strengthens the evidence that regular consumption of tomato-rich foods may offer meaningful, if modest, protection against cancer and especially cancer-related death.What new insights do you have on the efficacy of lycopene? We welcome you to contact us at info@newlanddehy.com for discussion and exchange.
