Tomato study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
First in human tolerance study of genetically modified ‘purple’ tomatoes containing anthocyanins
IRAS ID
218506
Contact name
Paul Kroon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Quadram Institute Biosciences
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 28 days
Research summary
Anthocyanins are highly coloured compounds that give the red-purple-blue-black colours to many fruits such as strawberries, blackcurrants and blueberries. There is considerable interest in their health benefits, particularly with regard to cardiovascular health. Researchers in Norwich have introduced high levels of anthocyanins into tomato fruits by engineering in two genes from the garden snapdragon, resulting in purple tomatoes. Red tomatoes do not contain anthocyanins. It is expected that consumption of these purple tomatoes would be more beneficial than consuming similar red tomatoes.
This study is a 'first in humans' study to assess the tolerability of consuming anthocyanin enriched GM purple tomatoes. Six apparently healthy participants (3 men and 3 women) aged between 18 and 65 years will ingest increasing doses of GM tomato soup. Blood samples will be collected and gastro-intestinal well-being questionnaires completed, before and after ingestion of each dose.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0278
Date of REC Opinion
6 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion