Lycopene : Dosing and Safety

by MedlinePlus

(Page 2 of 2)

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)

Cancer prevention: Most research examining prevention of cancer has studied tomato and tomato-based products (tomato sauce or juice), not lycopene supplements specifically. Effectiveness has not been proven.

Immune system enhancement: 13.3 milligrams of lycopene daily, supplied as Lyco-O-Pen®, LycoRed Natural Products Industries Ltd., Israel) has been studied.

Asthma (exercise-induced): 30 milligrams of lycopene daily, supplied as Lyc-O-Mato® (LycoRed Natural Products Industries Ltd., Israel) has been studied.

Atherosclerosis prevention: 1.243 grams of 6% lycopene oleoresin capsules daily (LycoRed Natural Product Industries Ltd., Israel) has been studied.

Sun protection: 8 milligrams of lycopene in combination with other antioxidants has been studied.

Infertility (male): 2000mcg of lycopene twice a day has been studied for three months.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend use of lycopene supplements in children.

Safety

Allergies

Avoid lycopene in people with allergy/hypersensitivity to lycopene or tomatoes.

Side Effects and Warnings

The safety of lycopene supplements has not been thoroughly studied. Review of available scientific literature finds no reports of serious toxicity or adverse effects from eating tomatoes, tomato-based products, or lycopene supplements. Tomatoes and tomato-based products may be acidic and irritate stomach ulcers.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is not enough scientific research to recommend use of lycopene supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In one study, lycopene components were found in samples of human breast milk, at approximately 10% of blood concentrations. Amounts of lycopene found in foods are usually assumed to be safe. Tomato consumption has been shown to increase lycopene concentrations in breast milk and plasma of lactating women.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

Some drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood may also reduce levels of carotenoids such as lycopene. Examples of cholesterol-lowering drugs include "statin" drugs like lovastatin (Mevacor®) or atorvastatin (Lipitor®), cholestyramine (Questran®, Prevalite®, LoCHOLEST®), or colestipol (Cholestid®). There is no evidence that replacing lycopene levels with supplements has any benefit in people using these drugs. Some research suggests that lycopene may add to the cholesterol-lowering effects of statin drugs.

It is proposed that nicotine (cigarette smoking) and alcohol may lower lycopene levels in the body, although this has not been proven.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Studies report mixed effects of taking lycopene with beta-carotene. Some studies report higher levels of lycopene, while others note no change or decreased levels. Canthaxanthin, a carotenoid, has been shown to reduce lycopene uptake from dietary sources, and may result in decreased lycopene levels in the blood.

Laboratory studies suggest possible interactions between lycopene and other vitamins or supplements, although the significance of these interactions in the human body is not known. Examples include increased antioxidant effects when lycopene is combined with lutein, or decreased growth of cancer-like cells when used with vitamin D or vitamin E.

Red palm oil may increase blood levels of lycopene.

Interactions with Foods

Based on human study, the fat substitute, Olestra®, may decrease levels of lycopene in the blood. Olestra® is available commercially in many reduced-fat foods.

In theory, lycopene may be absorbed into the body better when taken with fatty foods. However, studies comparing the consumption of a fatty diet to a reduced-fat diet have not found an effect on lycopene blood levels.

About the Author

medlineplus.gov
MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news.