Carotenoids are suitable photoprotectants, and
beta-carotene supplements are used for protection against ultraviolet (UV) light-induced
erythema. Protective effects are also observed when
carotenoids are provided with the diet. Here, we investigated the photoprotective effects of synthetic
lycopene in comparison with a tomato extract (
Lyc-o-Mato) and a drink containing solubilized
Lyc-o-Mato (Lyc-o-Guard-Drink). With these different sources, the volunteers ingested similar amounts of
lycopene (about 10 mg/day). After 12 weeks of supplementation, significant increases in
lycopene serum levels and total skin
carotenoids were observed in all groups. Significant increases in the serum levels of
phytofluene and
phytoene occurred in the
Lyc-o-Mato and the Lyc-o-Guard-Drink group. At weeks 0, 4, and 12 an
erythema was induced with a solar light simulator. Dorsal skin of each subject was irradiated with 1.25 minimal erythemal dose (MED). Reddening of the skin was evaluated before and 24 hours after irradiation by chromametry and expressed as positive a-values (red/green-axis). delta a-values (difference of a-value before irradiation and after 24 hours) were used as an index of
erythema intensity. A decrease in the delta a-value from week 0 to week 12, indicating prevention of
erythema formation, was observed in all groups. Compared to week 0, the delta a-value at week 12 was 25% lower in the synthetic
lycopene group. The protective effect was more pronounced in the
Lyc-o-Mato (38%) and Lyc-o-Guard-Drink (48%) groups. In the two latter groups,
phytofluene and
phytoene may have contributed to protection. Both of these
carotenoids exhibit absorption maxima at wavelengths of UV light. Absorption of UV light protects skin from photodamage and might explain the differences observed between groups.