Hidden Tomato Compound Could Help Protect the Liver

Tufts University researchers found that phytoene, a colorless compound in tomatoes, reduced fatty liver severity in mice fed a high-sugar diet, suggesting whole tomato products may protect the liver beyond lycopene. Phytoene appears to promote liver fat burning through metabolic pathways and may require conversion into smaller metabolites to be effective. Genetic differences in processing enzymes and sex-based differences in liver accumulation could influence its benefits. If future studies in humans confirm these findings, increasing phytoene-rich fruits and vegetables could be a dietary strategy to prevent or slow metabolic liver disease.