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Lycopene
The red carotenoid antioxidant in tomatoes. Observational/epidemiological data consistently link higher dietary and blood lycopene with modestly lower prostate cancer risk, but randomized trials are mostly null on hard endpoints (no PSA effect overall, no consistent cardiovascular benefit). A skin-photoprotection signal exists for tomato-carotenoid complexes. Promising as a dietary pattern, unproven as a stand-alone pill.
What the evidence says
Most Lycopene studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2015–2023 with a typical study size of 3,418 participants.
Based on 5 studies · 3 meta-analyses · 1 RCT · 695,579 total participants
Confidence
HighBy outcome
Lycopene has an evidence score of 4.5/10 — emerging evidence based on 5 indexed studies, including 3 meta-analyses. The red carotenoid antioxidant in tomatoes. Observational/epidemiological data consistently link higher dietary and blood lycopene with modestly lower prostate cancer risk, but randomized trials are mostly null on hard endpoints (no PSA effect overall, no consistent cardiovascular benefit). A skin-photoprotection signal exists for tomato-carotenoid complexes. Promising as a dietary pattern, unproven as a stand-alone pill. Representative study: PMID 28440323.
The commonly studied dose of Lycopene is 10-30mg daily, ideally from cooked/oil-containing tomato sources for absorption. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
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Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 5 studies · how we score
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Lycopene is the carotenoid pigment that makes tomatoes (and watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava) red. It is a potent lipophilic antioxidant and the most abundant carotenoid in many Western diets. The strongest data are observational: a large dose-response meta-analysis (Rowles 2017, 42 studies, ~692,000 participants) found higher dietary and circulating lycopene each associated with ~12% lower prostate cancer risk, with a graded dose-response — but no association with advanced/aggressive disease, and observational designs cannot prove causation. When tested in randomized trials, lycopene supplementation did NOT lower PSA overall in men with prostate cancer (Sadeghian 2021), though a subgroup with high baseline PSA saw a reduction. For cardiovascular risk, a 34-RCT meta-analysis found lycopene/tomato improved an oxidative-stress marker (MDA) but did NOT significantly change cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, or inflammatory markers. The most reproducible interventional signal is dermatological: lycopene-rich tomato-carotenoid complexes reduced UVB-induced skin erythema and pro-inflammatory cytokines in placebo-controlled trials. Bottom line: a healthy nutrient with a real epidemiological prostate signal but thin causal/RCT support as an isolated supplement.
One of the most efficient biological quenchers of singlet oxygen; reduces lipid peroxidation (lower MDA).
Accumulates in skin and dampens UV-induced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine upregulation (IL-6, TNF-α).
Proposed modulation of IGF-1, NF-κB, and androgen signaling in prostate tissue — mostly preclinical.
How Lycopene works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
10-30mg daily, ideally from cooked/oil-containing tomato sources for absorption
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Tomato extract (natural lycopene) | Recommended |
| 💊Synthetic lycopene capsules | Alternative |
| 💊Dietary cooked tomato | Alternative |
Whole-food cooked tomato may be preferable to isolated supplements given the epidemiology rests on dietary intake.
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: With a fat-containing meal for absorption.
Dose-response data unavailable. The current published research for Lycopene does not provide sufficient dose-specific outcome data to generate reliable dose-response curves.
Refer to the Dosage & Timing section above for recommended dose ranges based on available evidence.
Higher dietary/blood lycopene associated with reduced prostate cancer risk in epidemiology (not advanced disease).
Tomato-carotenoid complex reduced UVB-induced redness and inflammation in trials.
Lycopene supplementation did not lower PSA overall in prostate-cancer RCTs.
Not a treatment — RCTs show no overall PSA benefit; do not substitute for medical care.
Dietary tomato amounts are safe; high-dose supplements are not well studied — prefer food sources.
Theoretical, weak antiplatelet/antioxidant effect; clinical relevance low. Caution only at very high supplemental doses.
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Reversible; occurs only with very high chronic intake
Both are marketed for prostate health via different mechanisms — saw palmetto for urinary symptoms, lycopene as an antioxidant.
Complementary prostate-support angles (both modestly evidenced).
Both are carotenoid antioxidants with skin-photoprotection signals; layering carotenoids may broaden antioxidant coverage.
Broader carotenoid antioxidant and skin-photoprotection support.
The best time to take Lycopene is with meals. Take it with food. Lycopene is fat-soluble; absorption is markedly higher when taken with dietary fat and from cooked/processed tomato (heat and oil increase bioavailability).
Lycopene is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. The most commonly reported side effects are mild GI upset, lycopenodermia (orange skin discoloration). Use caution if any of these apply to you: Known tomato/carotenoid allergy.
A cold-pressed oil rich in phytosterols, zinc, and unsaturated fatty acids shown to support prostate health, hair growth, cardiovascular function, and hormonal balance.
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