New Study: Lycopene Consumption (Abundant in Tomatoes) Significantly Reduces the Risk of Severe Periodontitis in Older Adults
A recent scientific study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging revealed a strong correlation between consuming lycopene—a natural carotenoid abundant in tomatoes and tomato-derived products—and a reduced risk of developing severe periodontitis in older adults (65-79 years old). The study, conducted on a large sample of Americans, showed that individuals who consumed sufficient amounts of lycopene had up to two-thirds less risk of developing severe periodontitis compared to those who did not consume enough.
The study was led by Catherine Kwong of the College of Connecticut, in collaboration with a research team from leading American and Chinese universities. It was based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the period 2009-2014, which included 1,227 participants in the target age group.
Key Findings of the Study
- Prevalence of Periodontitis: 48.7% of participants had some form of periodontitis, a high percentage reflecting the widespread prevalence of this disease among older adults.
- Common Lycopene Deficiency: 77.9% of participants did not obtain sufficient lycopene in their diet.
- Strong Protective Association: After adjusting for factors (age, sex, race, smoking, education), adequate lycopene intake was associated with a significantly reduced risk of acute periodontitis (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.17–0.65).
- Racial and Sexual Differences:
- Men were more likely to develop periodontitis than women (odds ratio 0.27 favoring women).
- Black adults of non-Hispanic descent were more likely to develop periodontitis than white adults of non-Hispanic descent (odds ratio 2.82).
- Among non-Hispanic whites, lycopene intake was associated with a significant reduction in risk, while no such association was observed among non-Hispanic Blacks.
Lycopene: A Powerful Antioxidant with Multiple Benefits
Lycopene is a red carotenoid pigment that gives tomatoes their red color. It is abundant in cooked tomatoes, tomato sauce, juices, watermelon, and red bell peppers. It boasts an antioxidant power 100 times greater than vitamin E and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which explains its potential role in reducing chronic inflammation in the gums and periodontium.
Importance of Findings and Future Recommendations
The study suggests that lycopene may be a modifiable dietary factor for preventing severe periodontal disease in older adults, especially given the prevalence of this disease and its association with serious health complications (heart disease, diabetes, dementia). However, because the study was cross-sectional, a definitive causal relationship cannot be established.
The researchers call for longitudinal, randomized controlled studies to confirm the findings, emphasizing the need for racially and sex-specific dietary interventions to maximize the benefits.
Practical Recommendations for Older Adults
- Increase your consumption of cooked or processed tomatoes (sauce, juice) because cooking enhances lycopene absorption.
- Combine lycopene sources with healthy fats (such as olive oil) to improve absorption.
- Consult a dentist or nutritionist to assess gum health and determine if supplements are necessary.
This study adds further evidence to the growing list of lycopene's known health benefits and confirms that a tomato-rich diet may be a simple and effective step toward better oral health in old age.
