Background
Oxidative stress caused by free radicals and antioxidant imbalance damage cellular lipids, proteins and DNA. Recently, some studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress is a key modulator of bone cell function and that oxidative status influences the pathophysiology of bone. Endurance exercise is effective for antioxidant enzyme activity enhancement and the bone formation enhancement. On the other hand, lycopene is a kind of carotenoids had a higher antioxidant capability to reduce oxidative stress caused by exercise. In addition, several studies have reported that lycopene is effective for suppressing bone resorption. Thus, we considered that combining exercise and lycopene can contribute to bone health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combining exercise and lycopene intake on bone health.