Contamination of human milk with nitrates and nitrites

Human milk nitrates and nitrites were assayed colorimetrically. Colostrum samples were collected on the 3rd postpartum day from 59 women inhabiting Pu?awy region and being potentially exposed to nitrogen compounds emitted from the industrial sources. Thirty five Lublin inhabitants serving as a control group were matched in age, parity and duration of pregnancy. Geometric mean value of nitrates and nitrites concentration in the human milk being 2.83 mg/L and 0.46 mg/L, respectively were higher in the examined group than those in the control group /2.76 mg/L and 0.32 mg/L/ but difference was statistically insignificant. Ratio of nitrates and nitrites in the examined samples was 7.38 on the average and the concentration of those compounds was related statistically significantly /p less than 0.001/. The average daily intake of nitrates and nitrites by the breast-fed neonates was 0.12 mg/kg body weight and 0.02 mg/kg body weight, respectively. These values did not exceed corresponding ADI recommended by the Joint Expert Committee of FAO/WHO in none case. Significantly positive correlation of examined mothers' age and parity with nitrates content in their colostrum was seen. In view of the obtained results is may be assumed that the examined colostrum samples contain low amounts of both nitrates and nitrites.     

Toxic Metals and Trace Elements in Artisanal Honeys from the Canary Islands

Honey is a natural product made by honey bees from the nectar of flowers or secretions produced by other living plant parts. The metal content of the honeys is related to the levels of metals in the environment. Due to the importance of honey in the human diet and the increase of environmental pollution, it is necessary to determine the content of metals in honey to evaluate the toxicological risk derived from its consumption. The objective of this study was to determine the content of 20 metals (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn) in different samples of artisanal honey from the Canary Islands (Spain) in order to evaluate the dietary intake derived from the consumption of these honeys. A total of 161 samples of different types of Canary honey were analyzed by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry). K (825 mg/kg) was the macroelement found in highest concentration, while B (4.25 mg/kg) was the trace element with the highest mean concentration. Al (3.33 mg/kg) was the most abundant toxic metal, followed by Pb (0.040 mg/kg) and Cd (0.002 mg/kg). A mean consumption of 25 g/day of honey mainly contributes to the recommended daily intake of Cu (1.34% adults) and K (0.67% adults). As regards the toxic metals, the contribution percentage to the TDI (tolerable daily intake) of Pb at 2.92% for adults is noteworthy. However, the consumption of honey does not imply a high intake of metals and, therefore, does pose a risk to the health of adult men and women.

     

三七对土壤中镉、铬、铜、铅的累积特征及健康风险评价

我国传统珍贵草本药用植物三七Panax notoginseng(Burk.)F.H.Chen重金属污染问题已引起广泛关注,但相关研究却非常有限。调查了三七种植区土壤重金属污染状况,揭示了三七对土壤中重金属的吸收转运规律及其健康风险。结果表明,三七种植区土壤镉(Cd)、铬(Cr)、铜(Cu)的超标率分别为75%、38%、50%,污染程度分布表现为丘北县文山县砚山县马关县;种植区三七存在较为严重的Cd、Cr、铅(Pb)污染,其不同部位的超标率范围分别为81%—100%、75%—100%、25%—63%;三七具有较强的Cd富集能力及Cd、Cu转运能力;三七不同部位Pb、Cd、Cr、Cu对人体的摄入风险贡献依次为13.46%—46.40%、8.67%—24.67%、1.90%—14.40%、0.38%—0.79%,其中主根中Cd、Cr、Cu对人体的健康风险与土壤中相应的重金属浓度呈线性正相关。研究可为解决三七种植区,乃至其他中草药种植区的重金属污染问题提供重要的科学依据。     

Concentration and health risk assessment of nitrates in vegetables from conventional and organic farming

The aims of the study were to determine: (1) nitrates concentrations in vegetables from conventional and organic farming and (2) potential health risk assessment relating to vegetables containing nitrates. The analyses were made on the 27 types of vegetables. The nitrates concentrations were determined by the potentiometric method with the CyberScan ION 510 ionometer. The highest nitrates concentrations were found for lettuce, both from conventional and organic farming. The root and bulb vegetables (potato, carrot, parsley root, radish, celery root) from conventional farming had higher nitrates concentrations than those from organic farming. For leafy vegetables (beet leaves, broccoli, chive from onion, kale, dill, lettuce, celery leaves, chive, spinach), nitrates concentrations were higher in case of organic than conventional farming. Total daily nitrates intake in vegetables from conventional farming was equal to 1.45 mg NO₃ kg^?1 bw day^?1, which is 39.2% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI), and for organic farming, it was equal to 1.91 mg NO₃ kg^?1 bw day^?1 (28.5% ADI). Health risk from vegetables containing nitrates consumption was low, both for organic (HI_O = 0.66) and conventional (HI_C = 0.86) farming. However, in case of the organic farming, this value was approaching the limit of the acceptable risk value.     

Manganese,copper, and zinc in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with multiple sclerosis

The concentrations of manganese, copper, and zinc in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and patients with no known neurological disease (control group) were measured. Manganese and copper levels were determined by two different analytical methods: atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and high-resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS), whereas zinc levels were determined by HR-ICP-MS only. Manganese levels (mean±SEM) were significantly decreased in the CSF of MS patients (1.07±0.13 μg/L, ICP-MS; 1.08±0.11 μg/L, AAS) compared to the levels in the control group (1.78±0.26 μg/L, ICP-MS; 1.51±0.17 μg/L, AAS). Copper levels were significantly elevated in the CSF of MS patients (10.90±1.11 μg/L; ICP-MS, 11.53±0.83 μg/L, AAS) compared to the levels in the control group (8.67±0.49 μg/L, ICP-MS; 9.10±0.62 μg/L, AAS). There were no significant differences between the CSF zinc levels of MS and control patients. The physiological basis for the differences in manganese and copper concentrations between MS patients and controls is unknown, but could be related to alterations in the manganese-containing enzyme glutamine synthetase and the copper-containing enzyme cytochrome oxidase.     

Changes in the cholesterol content of high-density plasma lipoproteins in guinea pigs in the presence of a raised exogenous cholesterol intake and different degrees of vitamin C saturation

The cholesterol content of the high-density plasma lipoproteins (d over 1.1 g.cm-3) of guinea-pigs with experimental vitamin C deficiency, followed by realimentation with suboptimal (1 mg/animal per day) or optimal (10 mg/animal per day) doses of L-ascorbic acid for 6-9 weeks in the continued presence of an elevated alimentary cholesterol intake (0.5 g/kg diet), did not exceed 5% of the total plasma cholesterol concentration and did not alter significantly with changes in the degree of vitamin C saturation of the organism. The maximum total body tissue cholesterol concentrations were found in C-deficient guinea-pigs (plasma, adrenals) and in the group with partial vitamin C deficiency (liver, brain); the lowest values were found in the group whose organism was fully saturated with vitamin C. Under conditions of a raised cholesterol intake, ascorbic acid stimulated its elimination from the organism, but did not affect the proportion of plasma cholesterol bound in high-density lipoproteins.     

Bioaccessibility and health risk assessment of rare earth elements in Porphyra seaweed species

In this study, the content and bioaccessibility of rare earth elements (REEs) in Porphyra spp. Samples before and after thermal treatments were investigated. Additionally, the risks of REEs exposure to human health were assessed. REEs content significantly reduced after thermal processing (P < 0.01), and the removal rate of REEs was approximately 30%. Thermal treatment increased REEs bioaccessibility from 44% to 64.34%. The concentration and bioaccessibility of Ce, La, Y, Nd were high in raw and thermally treated Porphyra samples, and there was no correlation between REEs content and bioaccessibility. Based on the following parameters: highest content of REEs in the studied seaweed samples (13.45 mg/kg), the highest daily seafood consumption (44.9 g/day), and the highest bioaccessibility (64.34%), the ratio of the calculated daily intake (DI) to daily allowable intake by diet (DAI_diet) of REEs did not exceed the reference value in rare earth mining areas or under extreme conditions. The DI via seafood consumption would be exceeded when the content of REEs in the seafood sample is greater than 15.77 mg/kg. In this study, the concentration of REEs did not exceed 15.77 mg/kg in any sample. Thus, the human health risks of REEs associated with seafood are low.     

Effect of a selectiveβ 2-adrenergic agonist (Cenbuterol) on energy balance and body composition in normal and protein deficient rats

In rats fed a normal (22% protein) diet, injection of clenbuterol (1 mg/kg/d for 21 d) did not affect energy intake, energy expenditure or weight gain, but reduced energetic efficiency, and fat and energy gains and increased body protein content. Presenting a low-protein (8%) diet reduced energy intake, gain and efficiency, body protein content and the mass of the gastrocnemius muscle when compared to rats fed the control diet. Injection of the protein-deficient rats with clenbuterol (1 mg/kg/d for 21 d) caused hypophagia and reduced body weight and energy gains, energy expenditure and total body fat. However, the total body content of protein was not significantly reduced and the percentage of body protein in this protein deficient, clenbuterol-treated group was greater than that of untreated rats on both the high- and low-protein diets. The ratio of body protein to fat following clenbuterol treatment was increased by over 50% in both normal and protein-deficient rats. The results show that in protein deficient animals, clenbuterol treatment may help conserve body protein at the expense of fat, resulting in a smaller, but leaner body mass.     

Heavy metal analysis in commercial Spirulina products for human consumption

For consumption of health foods of Spirulina, by the general public, health food stores are increasingly offering more exotic products. Though Spirulina consumption is growing worldwide, relatively few studies have reported on the quantities of heavy metals/minerals they contain and/or their potential effects on the population’s health. This study reveals the concentrations of six typical heavy metals/minerals (Ni, Zn, Hg, Pt, Mg, and Mn) in 25 Spirulina products commercialized worldwide for direct human consumption. Samples were ground, digested and quantified by Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP–MS). The concentrations (mg/kg d.w.) were range from 0.001 to 0.012 (Pt) followed by 0.002–0.028 (Hg), 0.002–0.042 (Mg), 0.005–2.248 (Mn), 0.211–4.672 (Ni) and 0.533–6.225 (Zn). The inorganic elements of the present study were significantly lower than the recommended daily intake (RDI) level of heavy metal elements (mg/daily) Ni (0.4), Zn (13), Hg (0.01), Pt (0.002), Mg (400) and Mn (4). Based on this study the concentration of inorganic elements was not found to exceed the present regulation levels, and they can be considered as safe food.     

Dietary molar ratios of phytate: Zinc and millimolar ratios of phytate × calcium: Zinc in South Koreans

The zinc nutritional status in south Koreans was established by evaluation of zinc, calcium and phytate intakes, the molar ratio of phytate: zinc, and the millimolar ratio of phytate × calcium: zinc. The intakes of iron and magnesium were also estimated. Sampling was designed so that it was representative of the national population. Two-day food records were used for the calculation of nutrient intakes, using food consumption data from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey (’95NNS) for South Korea. Daily intakes of zinc and calcium were estimated to be 10.1 mg/d and 426.5 mg/d, respectively, and those of iron and magnesium were 15.2 mg/d and 268.0 mg/d, respectively. The estimated daily phytate intake was 1676.6 mg/d. The ratio of phytate: zinc was 15.9 mol/d and that of phytate × calcium: zinc was 168.9 mmol/d. The ratio in millimoles per 4.2 MJ (1000 kcal) of phytate × calcium: zinc was 91.8. The major food groups for zinc intake were meat, poultry and their products (43%), and cereals and grain products (18%). Sixty-two percent of zinc was from animal food sources. Cereal and grain products supplied most of the phytate intake (46%) followed by seasonings, fruits, and legumes and their products. The major food source of phytate was rice (39%). The results of the study raise concern about the suboptimal zinc status in relation to the Western diet.     

Flavonoid Intake in European Adults (18 to 64 Years)

BackgroundFlavonoids are a group of phenolic secondary plant metabolites that are ubiquitous in plant-based diets. Data from anthropological, observational and intervention studies have shown that many flavonoids are bioactive. For this reason, there is an increasing interest in investigating the potential health effects of these compounds. The translation of these findings into the context of the health of the general public requires detailed information on habitual dietary intake. However, only limited data are currently available for European populations.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to determine the habitual intake and main sources of anthocyanidins, flavanols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, proanthocyanidins, theaflavins and thearubigins in the European Union.DesignWe use food consumption data from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the FLAVIOLA Food Composition Database to estimate intake of flavonoids.ResultsMean (±SEM) intake of total flavonoids in Europe was 428±49 mg/d, of which 136±14 mg/d were monomeric compounds. Gallated flavan-3-ols (53±12 mg/d) were the main contributor. The lowest flavonoid intake was observed in Mediterranean countries (monomeric compounds: 95±11 mg/d). The distribution of intake was skewed in many countries, especially in Germany (monomeric flavonoids; mean intake: 181 mg/d; median intake: 3 mg/d).ConclusionsThe habitual intake of flavonoids in Europe is below the amounts found to have a significant health effect.     

High bromide intake affects the accumulation of iodide in the rat thyroid and skin

The effect of a high bromide intake on the kinetics of iodide uptake and elimination in the thyroid and skin of adult male rats was studied. In rats fed a diet with sufficient iodine supply (>25 μg I/d), the iodide accumulation in the skin predominated during the first hours after ¹³¹I -iodide application. From this organ, radioiodide was gradually transferred into the thyroid. A high bromide intake (>150 mg Br⁻/d) in these animals led to a marked decrease in iodide accumulation, especially by the thyroid, because of an increase in iodide elimination both from the thyroid and from the skin. In rats kept under the conditions of iodine deficiency (<1 μ I/d), the iodide accumulation in the thyroid, but not in the skin, was markedly increased as a result of a thyrotropic stimulation. The effect of a high bromide intake (>100 mg Br⁻/d) in these animals was particularly pronounced because the rates of iodide elimination were most accelerated both from their thyroid and from their skin. Presented in part at the 20th Workshop on Macro and Trace Elements held in Jena (Germany) on December 1–2, 2000.     

生理pH条件下精氨酸脱亚胺酶的分子改造研究

精氨酸脱亚胺酶（arginine deiminase,EC 3.5.3.6,ADI）因其可作为精氨酸营养缺陷型肿瘤细胞的靶向治疗药物而受到广泛关注. 目前,支原体来源的重组ADI处于肝癌和黑素瘤的三期临床研究阶段. 作为药用酶,当前报道的ADI在体内生理条件下普遍存在酶活低、半衰期短、底物亲和性弱等局限性.本研究结合随机突变及基于理性设计的定点突变两种方法,对研究室前期自主筛选得到的变形假单胞菌Pseudomonas plecoglossicida来源的ADI经一轮定向进化后所获优势突变株M314(A128T/H404R/I410L)进行分子改造.通过对随机突变法获得的1480个突变株进行96孔板高通量筛选,得到优良突变株M173(A128T/H404R/I410L/K272R);同时,基于同源序列比对及ADI蛋白三维结构同源建模,采用PyMOL软件理性预测和分析其活性中心及附近保守区域氨基酸位点对蛋白功能的影响,选择了6个位点D78E、L223I、P230I、S245D、A275N、R400M分别在M314的基础上进行定点突变,最终获得优势突变株M04(A128T/H404R/I410L/S245D). 通过对突变株的酶学性质以及动力学参数分析发现：生理pH值下,突变株M173的酶比活（12.32 U/mg）在M314（9.02 U/mg）的基础上提升3659%,Kcat/Km提高5236%;而突变株M04的最适pH由6.5升高至7.0,更接近体内生理pH,其比酶活（14.66 U/mg）较M314提升62.53 %,Kcat/Km提高了37.12%. 综上结果,本研究结合两种分子改造方法成功地对该ADI在生理pH条件下的酶活和酶学性质进行了改良,并为蛋白质的分子改造策略提供了理论基础和实验依据.     

Purification,immobilization, and biochemical characterization of l‐arginine deiminase from thermophilic Aspergillus fumigatus KJ434941: Anticancer activity in vitro

l ‐Arginine deiminase (ADI) has a powerful anticancer activity against various tumors, via arginine depletion, arresting the cell cycle at G₁ phase. However, the current clinically tried bacterial ADI displayed a higher antigenicity and lower thermal stability. Thus, our objective was to purify and characterize this enzyme from thermophilic fungi, to explore its catalytic and antigenic properties for therapeutic uses. ADI was purified from thermophilic Aspergillus fumigatus KJ434941 to its electrophoretic homogeneity by 5.1‐fold, with molecular subunit 50 kDa. The purified ADI was PEGylated and covalently immobilized on dextran to explore its catalytic properties. The specific activity of free ADI, PEG‐ADI, and Dex‐ADI was 26.7, 21.5, and 18.0 U/mg, respectively. At 50°C, PEG‐ADI displays twofold resistance to thermal denaturation (t_1/2 13.9 h), than free ADI (t_1/2 6.9 h), while at 70°C, the thermal stability of PEG‐ADI was increased by 1.7‐fold, with similar stability to Dex‐ADI with the free one. Kinetically, free ADI had the higher catalytic affinity to arginine, followed by PEG‐ADI and Dex‐ADI. Upon proteolysis for 30 min, the residual activity of native ADI, PEG‐ADI, and Dex‐AD was 8.0, 32.0, and 20.0% for proteinase K and 10.0, 52.0, and 90.0% for acid protease, respectively. The anticancer activity of the ADIs was assessed against HCT, HEP‐G2, and MCF7, in vitro. The free and PEG‐ADI exhibits a similar cytotoxic efficacy for the tested cells, lower than Dex‐ADI. The free ADI had IC₅₀ value 22.0, 16.6, and 13.9 U/mL, while Dex‐ADI had 3.98, 5.18, and 4.43 U/mL for HCT, MCF7, and HEPG‐2, respectively. The in vitro anticancer activity of ADI against HCT, MCF7, and HEPG‐2 was increased by five‐, three‐, and threefold upon covalent modification by dextran. The biochemical and hematological parameters of the experimented animals were not affected by ADIs dosing, with no signs of anti‐ADI immunoglobulins in vivo. The in vivo half‐life time of free ADI, PEG‐ADI, and Dex‐ADI was 29.7, 91.1, 59.6 h, respectively. The present findings explored a novel thermostable, less antigenic ADI from thermophilic A. fumigatus, with further molecular and crystallographic analyses, this enzyme will be a powerful candidate for clinical trials. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:396–405, 2015     

Evaluation of Magnesium Intake and Its Relation with Bone Quality in Healthy Young Korean Women

Many studies have reported magnesium's role in nutrition as a vital factor involved in bone health. However, not enough studies have evaluated magnesium (Mg) intakes in young women. In this study, we evaluated Mg intake in healthy adults and its relation with bone quality. A total of 484 healthy young women in their early 20s were enrolled into the study. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake survey using 3-day dietary records, and the bone quality of the calcaneus using quantitative ultrasounds were obtained and analyzed. Average age, height, and weight of the subjects were respectively 20.20?years, 161.37?cm, and 54.09?kg, respectively. Also, the average broadband ultrasound attenuation, speed of sound (SOS), stiffness index (SI), and calcaneus T scores were 114.32?dB/MHz, 1,568.45?m/s, 95.23, and 0.36?g/cm(2), respectively. The subject's average intake of energy was 1,543.19?kcal, and the average Mg intake was 185.87?mg/day. Mg intake per 1,000?kcal of consumed energy in our subjects was 119.85?mg. Subjects consumed 63.11% of the recommended intake for Mg. Food groups consumed with high Mg content in our subjects included cereals (38.62?mg), vegetables (36.97?mg), milk (16.82?mg), legumes (16.72?mg), and fish (16.50?mg). The level of Mg intake per 1,000?kcal showed significant correlation to the SOS in the calcaneus (r?=?0.110, p?相似文献   

Zinc supplementation has no effect on lipoprotein metabolism,hemostasis, and putative indices of copper status in healthy men

Pharmacological doses of zinc can adversely affect body copper status. The resulting copper deficiency can impact directly upon cholesterol metabolism and a suboptimal copper status has been observed to influence markers of hemostasis (specifically fibrinogen and the copper-containing coagulation factors V and VIII). The aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of a low level of zinc supplementation, to include dietary intake, at the United States tolerable upper intake level of 40 mg/d upon indicators of lipid metabolism, hemostasis, and copper. Thirty-eight subjects were recruited onto a double-blind placebo-controlled intervention trial and randomly selected to one of two groups. Group 1 took zinc supplements (30 mg/d) for 14 wk followed by copper supplements (3 mg/d) for 8 wk (to counteract adverse effects, if any, of zinc supplementation). A second group took placebo supplements for the full duration of the trial. Estimated dietary zinc intake approximated 10 mg/d. The effect of supplement was analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance (anova). Results indicate that no effect of zinc supplementation on putative indices of copper status, lipoprotein metabolism, and markers of hemostasis. These results indicate that short-term low-level zinc supplementation (total intake 40 mg/d) is not detrimental to health.     

Dietary copper intake of the population

Average copper intakes by different groups of the Czech population, supplemented by the results of serum copper level determinations, are surveyed. It is shown that the dietary copper intake averages in males range from 1.26 to 3.08 mg per person per day, in females from 1.61 to 2.37 mg per person per day. The main copper sources are cereals and meat. Judged by the recommended allowances, dietary intakes of this trace element in Czechoslovakia appear adequate. This is supported by the serum copper levels (18.55-25.8 mumol/l) in the selected groups of the population: none of these was below the range of normal physiological limits.     

The Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agaricus blazei</Emphasis> Murill Polysaccharides on Cadmium-Induced Apoptosis and the TLR4 Signaling Pathway of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Chicken

Fluorine is an element of great importance to human health, as it is considered to be an essential element. However, both a deficiency and an excess, it can cause various problems. It is for this reason that values have been established regarding the recommended daily intake (RDI) and acceptable daily intake (ADI). The largest source of incorporation of fluoride is water, but it can be found in other foods and beverages, such as vegetables, tea, and wine. The aim of the study was to establish the fluoride concentration in organic and non-organic wines from different appellations of origin of the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, in order to assess the contribution of fluoride and toxic risk. A total of 53 samples of red, white, and rosé wines, both organic and non-organic, from different appellations of origin were analyzed. They were analyzed by potentiometric determination with ion-selective electrode for fluoride using the method of standard addition. The wines analyzed are within the recommended limits set by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. RDI is not exceeded for adults, taking into account the data provided by the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition on the average consumption of “table wines” in Spain. Fluoride intake from wine poses no risk to the health of adults. The fluoride concentration of organic and non-organic wines is within the range of 0.03 to 0.70 mg/L.     

The effect of copper supplementation on red blood cell oxidizability and plasma antioxidants in middle-aged healthy volunteers

A multicenter European study (FoodCue) was undertaken to provide data on the significance of increased dietary copper as a pro-oxidant or antioxidant in vivo. The present work describes the effect of Cu supplementation on (2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH)-induced red blood cell oxidation in middle-aged people. Double-blinded copper supplementation was achieved in 26 healthy volunteers (50-70 years) with pills containing 3 mg CuSO(4), 3 mg Cu glycine chelate (CuG) and 6 mg CuG. Each 6 week supplementation period was preceded and followed by 6 weeks of washout (WO) on placebo. The results show significant increases in time necessary to achieve 50% hemolysis (LT(50)) after 3CuSO(4) and 6CuG compared with values after WO periods. Cu supplementation did not increase the levels of (Cu,Zn)SOD activity in red blood cells. Resistance to hemolysis was significantly and positively correlated (r =.30, p <.01) with alpha- and beta-carotene content in the plasma. Together, these data suggest that intake of copper as high as 7 mg/d has no pro-oxidant activity and may rather result in protection of red blood cells against oxidation. The decreased oxidizability of red blood cells did not result from increased (Cu,Zn)SOD activity and may occur through other mechanisms such as changes in membrane antioxidant content.     

Factors influencing lycopene content of foods, and lycopene intake of Hungarian population

Lycopene is an acyclic, biologically active carotenoid that constitutes foods, its preventive role in several cancerous diseases have been proved by epidemiological and experimental data. Its beneficial role in maintenance of human health is related to its significant antioxidant properties. Data of dietary lycopene intake of the Hungarian population is not available. The aims of the present complex study were 1) to measure the lycopene content of foods frequently consumed in Hungary, 2) to investigate the effect of agrotechnological procedures and food processing on lycopene content of tomatoes, 3) to estimate the lycopene intake in two groups of the Hungarian population with the use of a three-day dietary record. The best lycopene sources are the raw (5.0-16.0 mg/100 g) and processed tomatoes and tomato products (3.0-80.0 mg/100 g), and also watermelon (3.6-6.2 mg/100 g). The variety of the plants, the growing circumstances, and the weather conditions significantly influence the lycopene content of freshly consumed and processed tomato fruits. Mild technological processes can preserve a considerable amount of the original lycopene content in tomato. The estimated average dietary intakes of the Hungarian children (n=521) and adults (n=205) were 2.98 +/- 4.71 mg/day/capita, and 4.24 +/- 8.47 mg/day/capita, respectively. Optimal climate conditions of Hungary makes possible to produce tomato fruits with high dietary value including significant amount of health protective lycopene. Increased consumption of tomato and tomato products with high concentration of lycopene may improve the antioxidant capacity of human body, and the risk of several cancerous diseases may be reduced.