Insufficient intake of red coloured fruits, such as tomatoes, was associated with a significantly higher risk of severe gum disease in a new study.
As reported by Dentistry, dietary lycopene is a carotenoid commonly found in red coloured fruits such as tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit – with researchers finding that a lack of dietary lycopene was associated with a much greater risk of severe periodontitis amongst those aged 65 to 79.
48.7% of participants had some level of periodontitis, whilst 77.9% were not consuming enough dietary lycopene.
After adjusting for contributing factors (like age, sex, race, and smoking status) the study found that those who consumed sufficient lycopene were one third as likely to develop severe periodontitis.
There were also disparities when it come to disease risk by demographic – with severe gum disease more common amongst men and non-Hispanic Black adults.
> Since you’re here, why not read about a new ‘universal’ vaccine?
Main image credit: Unsplash
