What Is trans-Lycopene?
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 belong to the non-provitamin A family.
Table of Contents
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 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 ◳)
trans-Lycopene In Tomatoes
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 isomer.(source ◳)
Multiple studies have demonstrated that lycopene from processed tomato products is more bioavailable than lycopene from fresh tomatoes. (source ◳)
Foods You Can Find trans-Lycopene In
You find trans-Lycopene other foods than tomatoes, like in and dairy and egg products.
Examples of food sources include
- Egg Yolk
Foods That Contain trans-Lycopene 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.