LYCOPENE 96% CRYSTAL

Lycopene, a vibrant red carotenoid pigment, is abundantly found in ripe red fruits and vegetables, most notably tomatoes, but also in watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava. As a highly lipophilic compound, its bioavailability is significantly enhanced when consumed with dietary fats. The 96% crystalline form of lycopene, such as LYC096S, represents a highly purified and concentrated ingredient, ensuring maximum potency and stability for supplement applications. This specific crystal structure contributes to its robust chemical integrity, making it less susceptible to degradation compared to less purified forms. Its distinct molecular arrangement dictates its unique light absorption properties and its role as a powerful biological antioxidant, setting the stage for its diverse health benefits.

The primary mechanism of action for lycopene lies in its exceptional ability to quench singlet oxygen, a highly reactive free radical species, far more efficiently than other common carotenoids like beta-carotene or even vitamin E. This superior antioxidant capacity is crucial for protecting cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids, from oxidative damage, which is a key contributor to chronic disease development. Research highlights lycopene's role in supporting cardiovascular health by inhibiting LDL cholesterol oxidation and improving endothelial function, as evidenced in studies published in journals like *Atherosclerosis*. Furthermore, its contribution to prostate health has been extensively investigated, with epidemiological data and clinical trials suggesting a correlation between higher lycopene intake and reduced risk of certain prostate conditions, potentially through modulating cellular growth and differentiation.

In supplement formulations, the 96% crystalline lycopene is primarily utilized in softgels, hard-shell capsules, and certain functional food applications due to its lipophilic nature, which necessitates formulation strategies to optimize absorption. Microencapsulation or co-formulation with lipid carriers are common approaches to enhance its bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. Quality considerations for LYC096S include rigorous testing for purity, absence of heavy metals, and residual solvents, ensuring a premium-grade ingredient. Scientific evidence from a meta-analysis by Chen et al. (2015) in the *Journal of the National Cancer Institute* reinforces the inverse association between lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk. Additionally, a systematic review by Cheng et al. (2017) in the *British Journal of Nutrition* further supports its cardiovascular protective effects, emphasizing the importance of consistent dietary intake and supplementation.