Lycopene content of selected foods available on the Polish market and estimation of its intake.

Abstract

In the present study, lycopene content of tomatoes as well as tomato products and other products available on the Polish market was estimated. Lycopene content of fresh tomatoes ranged from 1.21 to 6.43 mg/100 g, the average content of tomato pastes was 38.88 mg/100g, of ketchups - 11.12 mg/100 g, and of tomato juices - 7.05 mg/100 g. Lycopene intake was estimated at 1.93 mg/person/day. The main sources of lycopene were fresh tomatoes which contributed 52.2% of the total amount of this carotenoid in the diet.