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Mechanisms and Biomarkers (WG 4) page 65
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strain which is simply enriched in lycopene. If all the useful components could be increased
whilst maintaining their stoichiometry in the tomato this would be a worthwhile but extremely
difficult target to attain. Perhaps the best efforts of the genetic engineers should be directed at
producing disease and drought resistant strains without compromising the quality of the
nutritional components.
Medical advances over the past century have led to significant increases in life expectancy in
the ’developed‘ world. This does not, however, infer a corresponding improvement in the
quality of life. The ravages of infectious diseases have been replaced by the chronic ailments
of old age, such as arthritis, Alzeimer’s disease, CVD, diabetes and macular degeneration etc.,
all of which have oxidative stress in their aetiologies, and are largely a result of inappropriate
diets and lifestyles. Moreover, as the ratio of old:young increases in the population, there is an
obvious need to maintain productivity. This can surely be done by improving the health and
contribution of the older population.
It is incumbent upon us as scientists to provide insights into how the length and quality of life
can be enhanced by optimising diet and lifestyle.
The tomato and its products can make a significant contribution by providing numerous
healthy nutrients as part of a balanced diet.