This common tomato nutrient may help prevent severe gum disease

A recent study suggests that older Americans who do not get enough lycopene in their diet face a much higher risk of developing severe periodontitis. The analysis focused on US adults aged 65 to 79, and found that risk levels varied by both race and sex. The findings were published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging. The research was led by Katherine Kwong from the Department of Human Development at Connecticut College.

Researchers examined health and nutrition data from 1,227 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2014). Nearly half of the older adults included in the study, about 48.7%, showed signs of periodontitis. At the same time, more than three-quarters, or 77.9%, were not consuming enough lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits.

After accounting for factors such as age, sex, race, smoking habits and education level, the researchers found a strong association between lycopene intake and gum health. Older adults who met recommended lycopene intake levels had roughly one-third of the odds of severe periodontitis compared with those whose intake was insufficient. The study also identified clear disparities. Severe periodontitis appeared more frequently in men and in non-Hispanic Black adults than in other groups.

According to the authors, the results suggest that dietary lycopene could be an important factor that can be changed to help prevent severe gum disease in older adults. However, they caution that the study design was cross-sectional, meaning it cannot prove that low lycopene intake directly causes gum disease.

From: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208233841.htm.