Lycopene is a fat-soluble carotenoid pigment that gives tomatoes and other red fruits their color. It acts as an antioxidant in the body.

What foods are high in lycopene?

Tomatoes and tomato products are major sources, along with red fruits like watermelon and pink grapefruit. Cooked or processed tomato products are often more bioavailable than raw tomatoes.

What are the main benefits of lycopene?

Lycopene is studied for antioxidant protection and support of cardiovascular health. Higher dietary intake is also linked to a lower risk of some cancers, especially prostate, though supplement evidence is mixed.

How much lycopene should I take per day?

Common supplemental intake ranges are about 15–45 mg per day. Many people aim to get lycopene primarily from foods over the long term.

Should lycopene be taken with food?

Yes, lycopene is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal that contains some fat can improve absorption. This also applies to lycopene-rich foods.

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Lycopene

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Lycopene is a fat-soluble carotenoid antioxidant found in red fruits, studied for cardiovascular and cellular health benefits, best obtained from the diet.

Cardiovascular Support Cancer-inhibitor Antioxidant Cholesterol Management

dose range

15–45 mg

Once daily with a meal containing fat.

Consumption

Take lycopene supplements with a meal that contains some fat to enhance absorption.

Fat-soluble: take with fat.

Best time

Supplementation is best done with main meals (first or second meal of the day).

Description

Lycopene is a naturally occurring red pigment primarily found in tomatoes and other red fruits. It is a powerful antioxidant and has been investigated for its potential role in preventing chronic diseases. Most benefits are linked to long-term dietary intake instead of supplementation.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Population studies and intervention trials suggest benefits of dietary lycopene, but evidence for supplements is less robust.

Support for cardiovascular health

Moderate

Dietary lycopene is associated with reduced LDL cholesterol levels and supports healthy blood pressure, potentially lowering cardiovascular disease risk.

Particularly relevant for: adults · people with elevated LDL cholesterol · individuals seeking to maintain heart health

S1 · NIH ODS: Lycopene Fact Sheet for Health Professionals S5 · Examine.com – Lycopene S6 · Rao AV, Rao LG. Carotenoids and human health. Pharmacol Res. 2007;55(3):207-16.

Antioxidant protection

Moderate

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and protects cellular structures from oxidative damage.

Particularly relevant for: general population · older adults

S1 · NIH ODS: Lycopene Fact Sheet for Health Professionals S5 · Examine.com – Lycopene S6 · Rao AV, Rao LG. Carotenoids and human health. Pharmacol Res. 2007;55(3):207-16.

Potential cancer risk reduction (especially prostate)

Limited

Higher lycopene intake through diet is linked to a lower risk of some cancers, especially prostate; evidence for supplements is mixed.

Particularly relevant for: men · individuals with family history of prostate cancer

S1 · NIH ODS: Lycopene Fact Sheet for Health Professionals S7 · Linnewiel-Hermoni K, et al. Lycopene and cancer: new mechanistic insights. Front Oncol. 2014 Aug 18;4:42.

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Lycopene from food sources is very safe; high-dose supplements may cause minor gastrointestinal discomfort and should be used with caution in certain populations.

warning notices

GI distress such as nausea, diarrhea, or bloating may occur at high doses (>45 mg/day).
No established toxic dose, but long-term safety beyond 6 months is not clear.
Pregnancy and lactation safety unclear for supplemental doses.
Avoid supplementing with lycopene if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless supervised by a healthcare provider.
Use with caution and under medical guidance if taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications due to possible increased bleeding risk.
Discontinue use and consult a clinician if you experience persistent gastrointestinal discomfort while supplementing lycopene.

Known interactions with medications

warfarin
anticoagulants

Contraindications / special precautions

pregnancy
lactation (supplemental use)

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Lycopene may interact with certain blood thinners and can affect absorption of some other carotenoids.

Lycopene may increase the effect of warfarin and similar anticoagulants.

drug · warfarin

CautionLimited

Why

Lycopene may enhance the risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners.

recommendation

Monitor for signs of increased bleeding if combined, and use under medical supervision.

S2 · WebMD - Lycopene S3 · Drugs.com - Lycopene

Lycopene supplementation may competitively inhibit absorption of other carotenoids like beta-carotene.

nutrient · beta-carotene

CautionLimitedSeparate by 2h

Why

High doses of lycopene may reduce plasma levels of beta-carotene through competition for absorption.

recommendation

Consider separating high-dose lycopene supplementation from other carotenoid supplements.

S1 · NIH ODS: Lycopene Fact Sheet for Health Professionals S5 · Examine.com – Lycopene

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Antioxidant activity

Lycopene neutralizes reactive oxygen species and protects lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidative stress.

S1 · NIH ODS: Lycopene Fact Sheet for Health Professionals S6 · Rao AV, Rao LG. Carotenoids and human health. Pharmacol Res. 2007;55(3):207-16.

Modulation of cell signaling pathways

Lycopene influences gene expression associated with inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, potentially underlying its suggested cancer and cardiovascular protective effects.

S6 · Rao AV, Rao LG. Carotenoids and human health. Pharmacol Res. 2007;55(3):207-16.S7 · Linnewiel-Hermoni K, et al. Lycopene and cancer: new mechanistic insights. Front Oncol. 2014 Aug 18;4:42.