What Is trans-Lycopene?
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trans-Lycopene is the trans-isomer of the very beneficial nutrient Lycopene.
Lycopene is a very powerful antioxidant.
Plants and photosynthetic bacteria naturally produce all-trans lycopene.
trans-Lycopene belongs to the non-provitamin A family.
trans-Lycopene belongs to the family of isoprenoids and is a naturally occurring, non-toxic carotenoid.
It has been shown to be effective in cancer treatments and is currently being evaluated in a number of clinical trials.
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trans-Lycopene Is The trans-Isomer Of Lycopene
Isomers are compounds with identical chemical formulas but different structures.
The cis-isomer indicates that the functional groups are on the same side of the carbon chain, while the trans-isomer indicates that functional groups are on opposing sides of the carbon chain. (source ◳)
When exposed to light or heat, trans-lycopene can undergo isomerization to any of several cis-isomers, giving it the same benefits Lycopene can provide.
Lycopene Is Red Pigment
Lycopene is a naturally occurring red carotenoid pigment that is responsible for the colors seen in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and other foods.
It’s the all-trans configuration of lycopene that is the most predominant isomer found in foods that gives it the red color. (source ◳)
In a red tomato, 94–96% of total lycopene comes from all-trans-lycopene.
When trans-lycopene is ingested, it is poorly absorbed. (source ◳)
Lycopene Is Stable
Lycopene is more stable in the body than, for instance, beta-carotene. Beta-carotene can degrade and change its structure.
Lycopene is more stable, so it can be more effective.
trans-Lycopene In Tomatoes
trans-Lycopene is one of the predominant carotenoids in tomatoes. It is a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
Heat processing of tomatoes converts the all-trans lycopene to various cis-isomers.
cis-lycopene isomers are regarded as more bioavailable because they are more soluble and better absorbed than the all-trans isomers.(source ◳)
Multiple studies have demonstrated that lycopene from processed tomato products is more bioavailable than lycopene from fresh tomatoes. (source ◳)
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Foods You Can Find trans-Lycopene In
You can find trans-Lycopene in other foods than tomatoes aswell, like in dairy and egg products.
Examples of food sources include
Foods in our nutrition tool
You can access regularly updated top-ranked lists of foods for over 200+ nutrients in our nutrition tool.
We currently have just a few foods in our nutrition tool that contain trans-Lycopene.
Here's our short list of foods that contain trans-Lycopene.