Lycopene
Also known as: Tomato extract (lycopene), Lycopene 10%
A non-provitamin-A carotenoid with strong singlet-oxygen quenching capacity in vitro. Observational studies link higher lycopene intake/status to lower prostate and cardiovascular risk; intervention trials show modest effects on blood pressure and endothelial function. Causality is not established.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · 0 indexed studies
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Overview
Lycopene is the red carotenoid of tomatoes, standardised in extracts (commonly 5–10%). It is positioned for prostate health, cardiovascular support and skin photoprotection; evidence is largely observational with some supportive small trials.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Lipid-phase antioxidant that quenches singlet oxygen and peroxyl radicals; may modulate endothelial function and LDL oxidation (preclinical and small human studies).
Physiological Role
No essential role; a dietary carotenoid that accumulates in prostate, skin and adrenals.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
No performance relevance; general-health positioning.
Evidence Review
No human clinical studies indexed for this ingredient yet.
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- ~10 mg/day in studies
- Optimal Range
- 10–30 mg/day
- Upper / Caution Level
- Well tolerated; skin yellowing (lycopenodermia) only at very high intakes
- Timing
- Daily, with a fat-containing meal
- Best Format
- Tomato-derived extract standardised for lycopene; oil-based softgels aid absorption
- Bioavailability
- Fat-soluble; processed tomato forms (cis-isomers) are better absorbed than raw.
- Absorption Considerations
- Absorption improves substantially with dietary fat.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Rare GI upset
- •Reversible skin discolouration at very high intakes
Contraindications
- None well established
Drug Interactions
- •None well established
Who Should Avoid
- •None well established
Monitoring
None routinely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Lycopene typically used or indicated?
Lycopene is most commonly used for: Antioxidant formulas, Prostate-health supplements, Skin/UV-support products. No essential role; a dietary carotenoid that accumulates in prostate, skin and adrenals.
How does Lycopene work?
Lipid-phase antioxidant that quenches singlet oxygen and peroxyl radicals; may modulate endothelial function and LDL oxidation (preclinical and small human studies).
What is the recommended dose of Lycopene?
The optimal range is 10–30 mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of ~10 mg/day in studies. Best taken: Daily, with a fat-containing meal. Upper / caution level: Well tolerated; skin yellowing (lycopenodermia) only at very high intakes.
What are the side effects of Lycopene?
Reported side effects include: Rare GI upset; and Reversible skin discolouration at very high intakes. Monitoring: None routinely.
Does Lycopene interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: None well established. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Lycopene?
Lycopene is generally not recommended for: None well established; and None well established.
How strong is the evidence for Lycopene?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 35/100), based on 0 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (0)
No studies match this filter
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/lycopene
SuppIndex. (2026). Lycopene: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/lycopene
Based on 0 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Common in men's-health formulas with selenium and zinc.