Lycopene
Antioxidant
Also known as: Lycopene (from tomato extract), tomato lycopene, carotenoid, Tomato extract, Lycopersicon esculentum
B
Grade B💊 10–30 mg daily🎯 6 primary uses🔗 3 synergies✅ Generally safe
Levels upHeart & Longevity+50 pts
Overview
Lycopene is a potent red carotenoid from tomatoes and other red fruits with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly studied for cardiovascular and prostate health. It is one of the most biologically active dietary carotenoids.
Primary Uses
Prostate cancer preventionProstate healthAntioxidantCardiovascular health supportAntioxidant protectionAnti-inflammatory support
Frequently Asked About Lycopene
How much Lycopene should I take?
The typical effective range is 10–30 mg daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Lycopene?
With meals containing dietary fat. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Lycopene with food?
Critical for absorption—lycopene is lipophilic; cis-lycopene (heat-treated forms) may have superior bioavailability.
Does Lycopene interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include May have additive antiplatelet effects with warfarin or antiplatelet drugs (rare, clinical significance unclear). If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Lycopene.
What does Lycopene pair well with?
Lycopene stacks well with Selenium, Vitamin E, and Saw palmetto — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Dosage
Typical range
10–30 mg daily
Timing
With meals containing dietary fat
With food
Critical for absorption—lycopene is lipophilic; cis-lycopene (heat-treated forms) may have superior bioavailability
Duration
Steady-state tissue accumulation requires 2–4 weeks; prostate and cardiovascular benefits may require 8–12 weeks
Special Populations
Safe in pregnancy; no pediatric contraindications
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for Lycopeneyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Mechanism of Action
- • Singlet oxygen quenching and free radical scavenging
- • Inhibition of cell proliferation pathways
- • Anti-inflammatory via NF-κB pathway modulation
- • LDL oxidation prevention
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade B
Good epidemiological and mechanistic evidence; observational studies show associations with cardiovascular and prostate health. RCT evidence is moderate but supports benefits at 10–30 mg/day. Bioavailability is enhanced with heat and dietary fat.
Safety & Contraindications
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • May have additive antiplatelet effects with warfarin or antiplatelet drugs (rare, clinical significance unclear)
🧪 Supplements
- • Synergistic with other carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene)
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Avoid Combining With
None significant
Best Goal Synergies
Prostate cancer preventionProstate health
Buying Guide
Standardization Markers
Source and cis-/trans-lycopene ratio should be verified; heat-processed tomato extract often preferred for bioavailability
Practical Notes
- • From cooked tomatoes or supplements
- • Must take with fat
- • Accumulates in prostate
Tags
prostateantioxidantcancer-preventioncarotenoidcardiovascularprostate health
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Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). Lycopene — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/lycopene
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.