The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has published three new lycopene-based monographs, reflecting the rapid growth in supplement products containing the antioxidant.
Lycopene is a carotenoid, similar to beta-carotene, which is found in biggest quantities in tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit, giving these fruits their red color. The nutrient is found increasingly in dietary supplement applications as science continues to support its benefits for cardiovascular and prostate health.
The monographs cover lycopene preparation and lycopene tomato extract, as well as lycopene on its own and can be found in the Pharmacopeial Previews section of USP's May-June 2003 Pharmacopeial Forum.
Last year the USP launched a dietary supplement verification program to promote the quality of ingredients used in supplements.
Comments on the lycopene monographs should be mailed to Dr Gabriel Giancaspro at USP, 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852 before 17 February 2004.