Lycopene for Atherosclerosis
D Early Research Only preliminary research exists (lab studies, case reports).EURAMIC study showed association between adipose lycopene and lower MI risk. Cambridge study improved FMD in CAD patients. Interventional evidence is limited.
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 Study Findings
Population: HFD-induced obese male C57BL/6 mice
Key Statistics
3
Studies
200
Participants
Positive
Grade
Referenced Papers
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
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg/kg lycopene in mice | -- | Positive | -- |
Best taken: With meals containing fat (cooking with olive oil enhances absorption 2-3x)
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Generally well-tolerated
- ⚠ Lycopenodermia (orange skin discoloration) at very high intake — harmless and reversible
Known Interactions
- ● Blood pressure medications (may have mild additive effect)
- ● Beta-carotene (may compete for absorption)
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?
How much Lycopene should I take for Atherosclerosis?
Are there side effects of Lycopene?
How strong is the evidence for Lycopene and Atherosclerosis?
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Atherosclerosis
Lycopene for other conditions
References
- [1] Kazuhiko Nakadate et al.. Int J Mol Sci. 2025. Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Plant-Derived Compounds and Prevention of Chronic Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Applications. doi:10.3390/ijms26115206 PubMed
- [2] Yuqing Wu et al.. Clin Nutr. 2025. Functional food lycopene mitigates obesity-related cognitive decline via lipid metabolism regulation and neuroprotection via taurine and glutathione pathway. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2025.06.005 PubMed
- [3] Shreya Verma et al.. J Nutr. 2025. Vascular Roads to a Healthier Brain: Lutein Moderates the Influence of Arterial Stiffness on Cognitive Function. doi:10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.08.029 PubMed
- [4] Friederike Wylenzek et al.. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2024. A systematic review on the impact of nutrition and possible supplementation on the deficiency of vitamin complexes, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, … doi:10.1007/s00404-024-07555-6 PubMed
- [5] Jolanta Flieger et al.. Int J Mol Sci. 2024. Carotenoid Supplementation for Alleviating the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. doi:10.3390/ijms25168982 PubMed
- [6] Sitong Wan et al.. Nutrients. 2024. Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. doi:10.3390/nu16142213 PubMed
- [7] Michael A Grandner et al.. J Sleep Res. 2014. Sleep symptoms associated with intake of specific dietary nutrients. doi:10.1111/jsr.12084 PubMed
- [8] Graziano Riccioni. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2009. Carotenoids and cardiovascular disease. doi:10.1007/s11883-009-0065-z PubMed
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.