BELFAST, Northern Ireland—Researchers from Queen’s College reported lycopene supplementation in healthy males did not significantly affect insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) or IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), two compounds that might compete for insulin receptors, making them possible factors in diabetes. The results were published in the February issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (ePub online ahead of print, Feb. 7, 2007).
The four-week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study featured lycopene supplementation (15 mg/d) in 20 healthy male volunteers, with a control group taking placebo. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after four weeks. Samples were analyzed for lycopene by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 activity was assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in end points from baseline were compared in those who received placebo versus those who received the lycopene supplement.
While there was a median change in lycopene concentration in the intervention group, compared to the control group, there were no significant differences in median change in IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 levels between the intervention and control groups.
The scientists concluded lycopene supplementation in healthy male subjects has no effect on IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 concentrations in a healthy male population. However, a mild change in lycopene concentration and IGFBP-3 in the intervention group suggests a potential effect of lycopene supplementation on IGFBP-3.
