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Lycopene for Atherosclerosis

D

EURAMIC study showed association between adipose lycopene and lower MI risk. Cambridge study improved FMD in CAD patients. Interventional evidence is limited.

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            D

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
EURAMIC study showed association between adipose lycopene and lower MI risk. Cambridge study improved FMD in CAD patients. Interventional evidence is limited.

            
            
        

    











    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
3

        
Studies

    

    

        
200

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        D

        
Grade

    




        


        
        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
6-15 mg/day

                    

                    
                    

                        
cardiovascularsupport:

                        
15-30 mg/day

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Not formally established; up to 75 mg/day used in clinical trials
                

                
            

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With meals containing fat (cooking with olive oil enhances absorption 2-3x)
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Generally well-tolerated
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Lycopenodermia (orange skin discoloration) at very high intake — harmless and reversible
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Blood pressure medications (may have mild additive effect)
                        
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  • 
                            ●
                            Beta-carotene (may compete for absorption)
                        
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                        Tolerable upper intake: Not formally established; up to 75 mg/day used in clinical trials
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Lycopene help with Atherosclerosis?
            
        
        

            Based on 3 studies with 200 participants, there is preliminary evidence that needs more research that Lycopene may support Atherosclerosis management. Our evidence grade is D (Very Early Research).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Lycopene should I take for Atherosclerosis?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 6-15 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Lycopene?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Generally well-tolerated, Lycopenodermia (orange skin discoloration) at very high intake — harmless and reversible. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Lycopene and Atherosclerosis?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade D (Very Early Research). This rating is based on 3 peer-reviewed studies with 200 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Related Evidence





            

                
                
                

                
                

                    
Lycopene for other conditions

                    

                        
                        
                            High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
                            B

                        
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    












    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.