The patent relates to the use of Lycored's carotenoid compositions to protect the skin from UV radiation from the sun through oral supplementation – and relates directly to the ingestible use of the compositions in supplements, foodstuff or beverages.
Compositions combine natural lycopene with phytoene, phytofluene, and Vitamin E from tomatoes, said the Israel-based company.
"Lycored is delighted that its carotenoid compositions for skincare have received an EU patent,” said Golan Raz, head of global health division at Lycored.
“This is the result of years of hard work and research and further supports our mission to make the benefits of carotenoids as widely available as possible. With consumers increasingly embracing ingestible skincare, and a growing body of evidence for the benefits, we're very excited about the future."
A patent has been held in Canada since 2014, while Japan also recently confirmed that a patent has been granted. Meanwhile a decision from the US patent office is pending.
Research backing a blend of Lycopene-Rich Tomato Nutrition Complex (TNC) and lutein for protection against UVA/B- and UVA1 radiation at a molecular level recently won the University Research of the Year award at the third annual NutraIngredients awards.