Original scientific paper
BIOACCESSIBILITY OF LYCOPENE: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF DIETARY FIBER INTERACTIONS IN DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD FOR SPECIAL MEDICAL PURPOSES
Dubravka Vitali Čepo
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Nikolina Golub
orcid.org/0000-0002-1217-2569
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
*
Kristina Radić
orcid.org/0000-0001-5792-5061
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Emerik Galić
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Marijana Ceilinger
; Belupo, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Inc. Ulica Danica 5, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia
Jelena Miličević
; Belupo, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Inc. Ulica Danica 5, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia
Lenkica Penava
; Belupo, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Inc. Ulica Danica 5, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia
Marijeta Kralj
orcid.org/0000-0002-7165-2722
; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ivanka Jerić
; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Lycopene is gaining recognition as a functional food component due to antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties that result with numerous health benefits. However, the interaction between lycopene and the food matrix, especially dietary fiber (DF), significantly impacts its bioaccessibility from food. This study investigates how different types of DF influence lycopene bioaccessibility, which is crucial for developing effective functional foods. The research utilized DF of different characteristics (inulin, oligofructose, dextrin, gummi arabicum, cellulose, pea fiber, apple fiber, and citrus fiber) to assess their lycopene binding capacity (LBC). Obtained results were further used to investigate if single fiber – LBC data can be used to predict LBC of DF mixture (by comparing experimental and calculated data). The study involved in vitro static simulation of gastrointestinal digestion to mimic gastric and intestinal conditions. The content and characteristics of DF were assessed by standard AOAC methods. Lycopene content was measured spectrophotometrically. Results showed that lycopene itself is stable under gastrointestinal conditions. However, the presence of different DF significantly altered lycopene bioaccessibility, that ranged from 50.7% to 111.3%, depending on the fiber type. The content of insoluble DF, higher oil holding capacity and shorter DF chain length corresponded with a lower lycopene bioaccessibility. Data on LBC of DF enabled relatively accurate prediction of LBC of DF mixtures. Understanding DF−lycopene interactions is crucial for formulating functional foods that maximize the health benefits of both lycopene and DFs. Further research should focus on the structural and physicochemical characteristics of DFs to optimize their combination with lycopene in food formulations, enhancing their bioavailability and health benefits.
Keywords
lycopene; dietary fiber; lycopene binding capacity; bioaccessibility; functional food
Hrčak ID:
333481
URI
Publication date:
11.7.2025.
Visits: 313 *