Lycopene

Antioxidant

Also known as: Lycopene (from tomato extract), tomato lycopene, carotenoid, Tomato extract, Lycopersicon esculentum

Grade B

💊 10–30 mg daily🎯 6 primary uses🔗 3 synergies✅ Generally safe

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

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

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

SeleniumVitamin ESaw palmetto

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

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.

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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.