LycoRed, Israel, launches Lyc-O-Fem™, a slow-release formulation containing genisteinin a new proprietary composition for bone health. The combo also provides a natural approach to alleviate menopause symptoms. Lyc-O-Fem is the first in LycoRed’s new line of innovative products combining slow-release technology with genistein, tomato lycopene and an effective dose of vitamin D3. All three are clinically proven nutrients to support bone health.

The genistein in Lyc-O-Fem is a phytoestrogen derived from sophora japonica, the Japanese pagoda tree, and is standardized to 98 percent purity and specially formulated for slow release. The compound has been shown in research studies to support bone health and reduce vasomotor symptoms. Studies back the positive effect of genistein on bone metabolism in post-menopausal women, without the harmful estrogenic activity. But genistein is rapidly metabolized, requiring a twice-daily administration of the supplement. The slow-release technology in Lycored’s preparation provides a continuous exposure, allowing once-a-day supplementation.

“The advantage in combining the slow-release formulation of pure genistein with natural tomato lycopene, in addition to the cumulative activity in bone maintenance, is the ability of lycopene derivatives to reduce the risk of certain adverse effects associated with estrogenic activity,” explains Tal Offer, PhD, product development manager of LycoRed. Lycopene is a bright-red carotenoid pigment; Lyc-O-Fem contains lycopene from an all-natural extract of tomatoes. To develop a strain of non-genetically modified tomatoes rich in lycopene—up to four times the amount found in regular tomatoes—conventional cross-breeding methods were used and a proprietary method for extracting the tomato lycopene from these tomatoes was developed. Lyc-O-Fem is available as a (drum-to-hopper) pre-mix, in hard-shell capsules or as a bulk or fully packed product.