Lycopene Supplement Uses, Health Benefits & Side Effects

Lycopene is a natural pigment called a carotenoid that has demonstrated several beneficial effects for human health. It is believed to have benefits for the cardiovascular system, eye health, fertility, skin health, anti-aging, cancer and brain health.

It is found in highest concentrations in tomatoes, but is also in other orange/red foods like watermelons, pink grapefruit, red carrots, papayas and guava.

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant compound that scavenges free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to cells. Carotenoids are believed to protect cells from oxidative stress and support cell membrane integrity.

Researchers have studied lycopene for its potential health benefits in conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, bone health, brain function, vision and pain management, among others. [1]

Lycopene

Carotenoid

Heart Health

Skin

Vision

How It Works:

• Supports vision & eye health
• Promotes prostate & heart health
• Anti-oxidant & immune boosting

Dosage:

Between 6.5 - 30 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Lycopene: An Antioxidant Carotenoid

As a dietary supplement, lycopene is believed to help quench free radical molecules and prevent excessive oxidative damage.

Lycopene and other carotenoids or triterpenoids are natural anti-oxidants produced by plants to help them quench singlet oxygen, a by-product of photosynthesis.

The Linus Pauling Institute (LPI) states that there are more than 750 known carotenoids in nature. They are produced in some plants, fungi, photosynthetic bacteria and algae to combat free radical damage. [1]

Of all carotenoids that have been tested, lycopene is the most effective at deactivating the ionic charge of singlet oxygen, which is a highly reactive oxygen molecule.

Deactivating singlet oxygen is a very important self-defence mechanism in plants. While humans cannot synthesize carotenoids like lycopene endogenously (internally), we can derive these anti-oxidant molecules from a diet rich in plant foods.

Consumption of plants that contain carotenoids is believed to have benefits for human health by reducing the potentially harmful effects of singlet oxygen, which is produced naturally as a by-product of cellular metabolism.

Singlet oxygen is known to damage and mutate DNA, which is associated with cancer and other forms of cellular dysfunction.

Lycopene Effects

Some researchers believe that, because lycopene is so effective at quenching singlet oxygen and scavenging free radicals in plants, it may help humans to reduce DNA damage that can lead to the formation of cancer (carcinogenesis). [1]

However, there is insufficient clinical research available to evaluate this claim. The FDA has not approved the use of lycopene as a drug for the prevention or treatment of cancer.

Research continues to study how carotenoids can help to protect human cells from oxidative damage and affect risk factors for cancer and preventable diseases.

Lycopene is also believed to inhibit lipid peroxidation, which refers to oxidative damage of lipids (fats) in the body. These damaged fats can cause further harm to cells in the body by rupturing cell membranes.

The end-products of lipid peroxidation have the potential to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and mutagenic (causing mutations to genetic material).

Furthermore, these damaged fats can also increase risk factors for clogged arteries (atherosclerosis), CAD (coronary artery disease), stroke and heart disease. [1]

A lot of research is focused on understanding how lycopene might help improve cardiovascular health by preventing lipid peroxidation.

How does Lycopene Work in the Body?

The primary function of Lycopene in the body is to protect cells from free radical damage.

Lycopene is found in cell membrane, which are the walls that surround all of the cells in the body. These membranes are composed of lipids and they play an important role in keeping our cells functioning properly.

Research suggests that lycopene can support cell integrity when our cells are exposed to toxins or excess oxidative damage.

Like all carotenoids, lycopene travels throughout the circulatory system attached to cholesterol molecules. It appears to protect these blood lipids from free radical molecules.

In vitro studies suggest that lycopene is effective at slowing down the rate at which cholesterol in the blood reacts with oxidated free radicals.

By inhibiting lipid peroxidation, Lycopene may help to reduce accumulations of fatty acid plaque within blood vessels throughout the body. [1]

Preliminary data from clinical studies suggest that increasing lycopene may downregulate cholesterol production, and also increase the removal of LDL-cholesterol from the blood. [1]

This may have benefits for the circulatory system in general, although more reseach is needed to understand its potential therapeutic effects.

Lycopene Health Benefits

There are a number of general benefits associated with the anti-oxidant effects of Lycopene.

Oxidative damage is believed to speed up signs of aging on the body and cause widespread dysfunction at the cellular level.

The use of a lycopene supplement may have equally widespread benefits by inhibiting chemical reactions in the body that, over time, can have significant damaging effects.

Lycopene is purported to have positive effects for improved nerve function, protection from certain toxins, inflammation, protection from age-related macular degeneration and regulating blood pressure.

Lycopene research is on-going for a number of different conditions.

The following is some of the results and observations from the most recent clinical studies on lycopene supplementation use for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and bone health.

Lycopene for Cancer:

Some clinical studies suggest that lycopene acts in several ways to combat different types of cancer.

University of Portsmouth researchers explored lycopene’s capacity to interrupt cell signaling pathways that encourage tumor growth in prostate and breast cancer cell lines.

One study involving more then 46,000 men reported a strong correlation between high lycopene in the diet and decreased risk for prostate cancer. Results states that regular consumption of tomato sauce was important in this risk decrease. [5]

Lycopene seems to stunt the growth of breast, prostate and renal (kidney) cancer cells, according to in-vitro studies. Lycopene has been studied in pancreatic, prostate, lung, renal, breast, colorectal, bladder and cervical cancer. [1] NMCD

NMCD states that there is currently insufficient evidence available to determine efficacy of lycopene for cancer.

Large, randomized studies are required to determine how lycopene may affect carcinogenesis, apoptosis (scheduled death), proliferation (rapid replication), metastasis (secondary growths) and/or other processes in human cancer cells.

The FDA has not approved the use of lycopene for the prevention, treatment or for reducing risk factors for cancer.

In 2015, the FDA was petitioned to allow qualified health claims related to the use of lycopene-containing tomato based foods for reducing the risk of certain forms of cancer.

The FDA denied the request, staking that there was not “significant scientific agreement” that the use of lycopene could reduce the risk of cancer.

Cardiovascular Disease:

NMCD states that lycopene is used to prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. While there is some evidence of benefits for heart health, there is insufficient research available to determine therapeutic efficacy of this supplement.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that increased lycopene intake is associated with decreased carotid and aortic plaque formation that leads to atherosclerosis. [1]

Some preliminary evidence suggests that increased serum lycopene levels may decrease incidences of heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart disease that occur secondary to atherosclerosis. [1]

However, there seems to be no association between increased lycopene levels and lowering the risk for blood obstruction to the brain (ischemic stroke). [1]

Some epidemiological data also suggests an inverse relationship between high lycopene levels and cardiovascular disease. Other evidence from epidemiologic studies involving only women is contradictory. [1]

In men already at low risk for heart disease, increasing lycopene does not seem to significantly decrease the risk of future cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction or stroke. [1]

Preliminary evidence suggests that lycopene helps to balance blood lipids, which would be beneficial for preventing cardiovascular disease. [1]

In one study, a 4 mg oral lycopene supplement called LycoRed, used daily for 6 months, significantly reduced cholesterol. Total cholesterol was reduced by 24% and LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) decreased by 15%. [6]

Other studies have also reported reductions to total cholesterol and LDL-C, as well as lower levels of triglycerides, and increased HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol). However, in other studies, increased consumption of lycopene foods showed no improvements to blood lipid balance at all.

Preliminary evidence also suggests that lycopene can improve blood pressure. In one study in patients with mild hypertension, 15 mg daily doses of LycoMato for 8 weeks reportedly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.

NMCD states that it is not possible to make reliable determinations currently concerning lycopene use for cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, arterial plaque, clogged arteries, heart attack, stroke or heart disease.

Significantly more research is needed to determine lycopene’s efficacy for preventing or treating cardiovascular disease in humans.

Lycopene for Brain Function:

Is lycopene good for your brain? Some research seems to indicate that it is.

Lycopene induces certain restorative actions in people suffering repetitive epileptic seizures.

A research study published in 2016 found this carotenoid effective for decreasing the risk of future seizures and repairing neural damage from previous seizures that could lead to permanent brain damage. [8]

Dr. Josh Axe states that lycopene has been explored as a possible agent to improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. He says it might work against the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s by “correcting cell corruption and protecting healthy cells”. [4]

Dr. Axe says that in Alzheimer’s patients, lycopene might help to inhibit future damage to cells in the brain that would cause cognitive function to continue to degrade.

In a 2015 study, Chinese researchers stated, “Collectively, our data support that elevated lycopene contributes to the lower pathogenesis of AD. Our findings suggest that increasing lycopene in neurons may be a novel approach to attenuate onset and development of AD.”. [9]

Although lycopene does seem to possess beneficial neuroprotective properties, more research is needed to understand how it might be useful for Alzheimer’s impaired cognition or other neurological conditions in humans.

The FDA has not approved this supplement as a drug or therapy for the treatment or amelioration of Alzheimer’s disease.

Additional Uses of Lycopene

Lycopene is also believed to be useful for various other health conditions due to its strong antioxidant properties.

According to Dr. Axe, lycopene could have benefits for diabetes mellitus, infertility, cataracts, menopause, maintaining strong bones and improving overall health.

More research is needed to determine if and how lycopene affects these or other health conditions. There is not currently enough evidence to rate its effectiveness for therapeutic use in these conditions.

Lycopene Food Sources

Most people associate lycopene with tomatoes. However, there are hundreds of other foods that contain small amounts of lycopene.

Some single-ingredient, water-rich foods that contain lycopene include asparagus, black pepper, chili peppers, cinnamon, papaya, mango, carrot and red cabbage. [2]. Be sure to choose organic, non-GMO produce whenever possible.

A number of process foods also contain small amounts of this carotenoid, including tomato-based soups and sauces, baked beans, granola bars, baby food and taco shells.

Some research suggests that certain lycopene supplements can be as effective at increasing serum lycopene as is consuming lycopene-rich foods. [1] However, it is generally believed that dietary nutrients are superior to synthetic supplements.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that those in the US obtain about 85% of their lycopene intake from consumption of tomato-based foods. 8 ounces of tomato juice provides roughly 23 milligrams (mg) of lycopene. [1]

According to NMCD, lycopene occurs naturally in its “trans” configuration. This form of lycopene is not absorbed well by the body.

When it is heated, its molecules bend into their “cis” configuration, which has superior bioavailability. [1]

Lycopene is lipophilic and hydrophobic, meaning it dissolves best in fats and is resistant to water. Some people add coconut oil or other healthy fats to enhance absorption of lycopene-rich foods.

Carotenoids

Many of the benefits attributed to lycopene are also attributed to other molecules in the carotenoid family. Eating a diet rich in a variety of these carotenoids is recommended.

Carotenoids are natural pigments that yield the color of many plants. For instance, lycopene provides the deep red color of ripe tomatoes, while another antioxidant carotenoid called beta-carotene gives carrots their orange hue.

There are more than forty carotenoids commonly found in human foods, most of them coming from vegetables and fruits. The 6 most common carotenoids in the average human diet are:

• ?-carotene;
• ?-carotene;
• ?-cryptoxanthin;
• Lutein;
• Zeaxanthin;
• Lycopene;

LPI states that ?-Carotene, ?-carotene and ?-cryptoxanthin are provitamins. They are used in the body to produce vitamin A (retinol).

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene are not retinol provitamins. The body cannot convert them to retinol. [1]

Lycopene Supplements

NMCD states that there are at least 1324 dietary supplements products available that are labelled to contain lycopene. This ingredient is available in soft gels, capsules and powders in serving sizes of 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg.

Organic, non-GMO lycopene dietary supplements are available. There are also vegan and vegetarian-friendly supplements that do not use gelatin capsules.

Some supplements have been found to elevate serum lycopene levels as effectively as consumption of carotenoid-rich foods. However, when lycopene foods are heated in cooking, the bioavailability of this micronutrient increase significantly. [1]

Not all supplements marketed to contain this ingredient provide naturally-sourced lycopene. Some dietary supplements use synthetic lycopene, which is manufactured in a laboratory.

According to Dr. Axe, artificial lycopene may not be as effective as the natural extract and there may be an increased risk of side effects or interactions.

Lycopene Dosage

This supplement is typically used in a dosage range of between 2 to 30 mg per day, taken for up to six months.Most supplements provide a serving size of between 10-20 mg per capsule.

NMCD states that 15 mg lycopene dosages have been used twice daily for treating prostate cancer.

LycoRed, a trademarked supplement, has been used in 4 and 8 mg doses twice daily for treating a mucous membrane disorder called oral leukoplakia.

For asthma symptoms brought on by exercise, 30 mg lycopene doses have been used.

If you are considering taking lycopene to address a medical condition, then it is best to seek medical advice about the best dosage to use.

Lycopene Safety

Various studies have shown that lycopene supplements are well tolerated when used orally and appropriately. Doses as high as 120 mg daily have been used without adverse side effects for as long as one year. [1]

Lycopene is rated Likely Safe in pregnant women when consumed in foods, but it is rated as Possibly Unsafe in supplement form during pregnancy. One study associated doses of just 2 mg daily with low birth weights and increased rates of preterm labor. [1]

During lactation, lycopene is rated Likely Safe in amounts found commonly in foods. There is not enough information to rate its safety in supplement form for breastfeeding mothers. [1]

Lycopene Side Effects

According to NMCD, no serious side effects have been reported for lycopene in research studies. Also, its carotenoid relatives lutein and zeaxanthin have no adverse effects reported in clinical trials.

LPI states that high intakes of foods rich in lycopene, or excessive use of supplements, can cause lycopenodermia, a condition marked by a deep-orange discoloration of the skin. This condition normally clears up without intervention after a lycopene-free diet for several days.

According to Dr. Axe, some people have experienced loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, gas, stomach cramps and vomiting after using lycopene supplements. These adverse reactions seem to be rare and temporary when they do occur.

Ask a health professional about the possible side effects of lycopene supplementation before beginning. Stop taking this supplement and seek medical attention if you experience any harmful effects.

Lycopene Interactions

NMCD states that lycopene can interact with certain types of medications, foods and health conditions.

Preliminary evidence suggests that lycopene can increase metastasis in existing cases of prostate cancer. Men is this group are advised not to use lycopene until more is understood.

A fat substitute food product called Olestra can hinder the absorption of lycopene. In one study, Olestra decreased serum lycopene by roughly 30%.

20 to 30 mg of beta-carotene each day seems to significantly increase absorption of both dietary sources and supplement forms of lycopene. However, other evidence seems to contradict this, showing no effects at all from combined lycopene/beta carotene administration.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is possible for lycopene to interact with various types of pharmaceuticals, especially when consumed in supplement form. Some of these include:

• Immunomodulatory agents that affect the immune system;
• Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight exposure;
• Antihypertensive drugs for lowering blood pressure;
• Drugs prescribed for stomach and/or lung disorders;
• Antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners);
• Drugs that affect nervous system function;
• Medications that bind to bile acid.

The Mayo Clinic also warns that lycopene can interact with androgens, nicotine, creatine, arsenic, anticancer drugs, antiasthmatic medications, statin drugs, fertility agents and drugs used to reduce inflammation.

Natural compounds like lycopene can affect multiple biological pathways at the same time.

Always discuss the use of any dietary supplement with your primary healthcare provider before you start taking it. Make sure to mention all pre-existing health conditions and all medications you may be using.

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