What is the recommended dosage for Lycopene?

General: 6-15 mg/day; Cardiovascular Support: 15-30 mg/day

What are the side effects of Lycopene?

Potential side effects include: Generally well-tolerated, Lycopenodermia (orange skin discoloration) at very high intake — harmless and reversible.

What is lycopene and how may it support cardiovascular health?

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes and other red fruits. It is a potent antioxidant that may reduce LDL oxidation and improve endothelial function. Some observational studies associate higher lycopene intake with reduced cardiovascular risk, though RCT evidence is more limited.

What dosage of lycopene has been studied for cardiovascular outcomes?

Clinical trials have used 7–30 mg of lycopene per day, with most cardiovascular studies using 15–25 mg daily for 4–12 weeks. Tomato-based lycopene supplements appear better absorbed than synthetic forms. Lycopene absorption is enhanced by cooking and co-consumption with dietary fat.

What are the potential side effects of lycopene supplements?

Lycopene is generally safe and well tolerated. Very high intake may cause lycopenemia, a harmless orange-yellow skin discoloration. Lycopene supplements may interact with blood pressure medications and anticoagulants. Individuals who are allergic to tomatoes should avoid lycopene supplements.

Lycopene

antioxidant

Also known as: Tomato Extract, Lyc-O-Mato, All-trans-Lycopene

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About

Lycopene is the most efficient singlet oxygen quencher among dietary carotenoids and accumulates in LDL particles where it inhibits oxidation. A 2017 meta-analysis of 6 RCTs found lycopene at 12-75 mg/day significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.6 mmHg. Cooking tomatoes with fat increases lycopene bioavailability 2-3 fold.

How It Works

The most efficient singlet oxygen quencher among dietary carotenoids; accumulates in LDL particles where it inhibits oxidation more effectively than beta-carotene; reduces endothelial activation and monocyte adhesion; inhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity (statin-like mechanism) reducing cholesterol synthesis.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)	B	6	400	View →
Atherosclerosis	D	3	200	View →

Side Effects

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

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Blood pressure medications (may have mild additive effect)
Beta-carotene (may compete for absorption)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

Astaxanthin Grape Seed Extract Quercetin Resveratrol

Quick Facts

Dosage: General: 6-15 mg/day; Cardiovascular_Support: 15-30 mg/day
Forms: softgel capsule tablet
Natural Sources: Tomatoes (especially cooked/processed), Watermelon, Pink grapefruit, Guava, Papaya, Red bell peppers
Upper Limit: Not formally established; up to 75 mg/day used in clinical trials
Best Time: With meals containing fat (cooking with olive oil enhances absorption 2-3x)

Evidence Summary

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) B

Atherosclerosis D

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.