A company that has been spun off from England’s Cambridge University has developed a tomato extract supplement that it says will give protection against strokes and heart attacks.
Lycopene Antioxidant Difficult to Absorb
Lycopene is an ingredient found in abundance in the so-called Mediterranean diet, which is associated with lower rates of heart disease.
Now, a company called Cambridge Theranostics Ltd., has developed a once-a-day supplement, called Ateronon, that is based on lycopene. According to the company, “in its raw form, the large crystals of lycopene make it difficult for the human body to absorb.” In addition, supermarket tomatoes are usually shipped only partially ripened and, as such, lycopene levels are relatively low.
Thernostics says that after seven years of research it has found “a way to break down the large lycopene crystals so that the body can now easily absorb and benefit from this proven antioxidant.”
Supplement Blocks LDL “Bad” Cholesterol
Lycopene in its natural state is known to block the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. This oxidation causes the LDL cholesterol to build up on the inside walls of arteries causing a restriction of blood flow leading, eventually, to heart attack or stroke.
Currently, doctors treat this condition (atherosclerosis) with drugs called statins, one of which is Lipitor. However, as with all pharmaceuticals there can be side effects. Healthy-heart-guide.com reports that, “In addition to the side effects common to most prescription medications such as headaches, nausea, and fever, other problems with Lipitor can be much more serious.
“Two of the most troubling potential side effects of Lipitor include extreme muscle pain and muscle disease (statin-induced myopathy), and serious liver problems.”
One statin drug, called Baycol, was withdrawn from the market in August 2001 when it was found that 31 patients taking it had died from a severe muscle disorder.
Early Trials of Ateronon Show Positive Results
According to BBC News (June 1, 2009) “Preliminary trials involving around 150 people with heart disease indicate that Ateronon can reduce the oxidation of harmful fats in the blood to almost zero within eight weeks…”
“Neuroscientist Peter Kirkpatrick, who will lead a further research project…said the supplement could be much more effective than statin drugs…”
The early indications are the supplement will have none of the side effects of the statins.
Clinical Effectiveness not yet Proven
Dr. Peter Weissberg is Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation. He cautions the public to wait for full-scale clinical trials to prove Ateronon’s efficacy.
He says “It will take some time, and several clinical trials, to provide such evidence for Ateronon.
“In the meantime, our advice to heart disease patients or those at high risk is to rely on proven medications prescribed by a GP, and aim to get the benefits of a Mediterranean diet by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.”
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