Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Lycopene Concentrate

Also known as: Lycopene concentrate, Tomato carotenoid, C40H56, Lycopene

Overview

Lycopene is a naturally occurring red pigment found predominantly in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. As a carotenoid hydrocarbon, it functions as a potent antioxidant, primarily utilized in supplement form for its potential health benefits related to mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. It is commonly incorporated into supplements to support cardiovascular health, reduce cancer risk, and improve outcomes in periodontal disease. Research on lycopene is extensive, encompassing numerous observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and meta-analyses. While the body of evidence is mature, clinical efficacy can vary depending on the specific condition and the dosage administered. It is a lipophilic compound, meaning its absorption is enhanced when consumed with dietary fats.

Benefits

Lycopene offers several evidence-based health benefits. A large meta-analysis of 119 studies indicates that higher dietary intake and elevated blood levels of lycopene are significantly associated with a reduction in overall cancer risk and cancer mortality, suggesting a protective role against various cancers. For periodontal disease, a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrate that lycopene supplementation, when used as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy, can improve clinical periodontal parameters and reduce inflammatory biomarkers. However, these studies often involved small sample sizes and varied follow-up durations, warranting cautious interpretation. Conversely, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 intervention trials found no consistent significant effect of lycopene supplementation on blood pressure or lipid profiles, with conflicting results likely attributable to heterogeneity in dosage and delivery forms, indicating that its cardiovascular benefits are not yet clearly established.

How it works

Lycopene primarily functions as a potent antioxidant by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing oxidative stress within the body. Beyond its direct antioxidant activity, lycopene also modulates inflammatory pathways, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. It is believed to influence gene expression, particularly those genes involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis (programmed cell death), which underlies its potential anticancer properties. Being a lipophilic compound, lycopene's absorption is enhanced in the presence of dietary fats. Once absorbed, it accumulates in various tissues, including the prostate, liver, and adrenal glands, where it can exert its beneficial effects.

Side effects

Lycopene is generally considered safe for consumption, with no major adverse effects reported at typical supplemental doses. Side effects are rare and, when they occur, are usually mild, occasionally manifesting as gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been well documented for lycopene. However, as with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation. While high doses from food sources are not typically problematic, extremely high supplemental doses over prolonged periods could theoretically lead to carotenodermia, a harmless orange discoloration of the skin, though this is rare with standard supplementation.

Dosage

Effective doses of lycopene vary widely across studies and for different health outcomes. For cancer risk reduction, benefits are primarily associated with higher dietary intake levels rather than specific supplemental doses. In the context of periodontal disease, adjunctive therapy has utilized lycopene doses ranging from local applications to systemic supplementation over periods of weeks to months, but specific optimal systemic dosages are not yet standardized. Studies investigating cardiovascular effects have employed doses ranging from 1.44 mg to 75 mg per day, yet no clear optimal dose has been established for this indication due to inconsistent results. It is crucial to note that lycopene absorption is significantly enhanced when consumed with fat-containing meals, which should be considered for optimal bioavailability. There are no established upper limits for lycopene, as it is generally considered safe even at higher dietary intakes.

FAQs

Is lycopene supplementation effective for heart health?

Current evidence does not consistently support lycopene supplements improving cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure or cholesterol. Research results have been conflicting, likely due to variations in study design and dosage.

Can lycopene reduce cancer risk?

Observational data suggest an association between higher lycopene intake and lower cancer risk, including reduced cancer mortality. However, while promising, causality is not definitively established through these studies alone.

Is lycopene safe?

Yes, lycopene is generally considered safe at typical dietary and supplemental levels. Side effects are rare and usually mild, primarily limited to occasional gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant drug interactions are well-documented.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1516048/full – This meta-analysis of 119 observational studies found a statistically significant association between higher dietary intake and blood levels of lycopene and a reduced risk of overall cancer and cancer mortality. The study highlights lycopene's potential protective role against cancer, though its observational nature limits definitive causal conclusions.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10857001/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated lycopene's role as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy. It concluded that lycopene supplementation improves clinical periodontal parameters and reduces inflammatory biomarkers, despite limitations such as small sample sizes and variable follow-up durations in the included studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32652029/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 intervention trials assessed the effect of lycopene supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors. The study found no consistent significant effect on blood pressure or lipid profiles, with conflicting results attributed to high heterogeneity in dosage and delivery forms across the included studies, suggesting inconclusive evidence for cardiovascular benefits.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41405-025-00352-6 – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated oral lycopene supplementation as an adjunctive therapy for periodontal disease. The study reported that lycopene improved clinical periodontal outcomes compared to placebo, indicating a potential benefit. However, specific details regarding sample size and duration were limited in the provided abstract, suggesting further confirmation is needed.