Uses of Lycopene

Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. It is one of a number of pigments called carotenoids. Lycopene is found in tomatoes, watermelons, red oranges, pink grapefruits, apricots, rosehips, and guavas. It is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage. In North America, 85% of dietary lycopene comes from tomato products such as ketchup, tomato juice, sauce, or paste.

Uses

People are trying lycopene for lowering blood pressure and high cholesterol, for heart disease and cancer, and many other conditions. However, there is no scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Possibly ineffective for...

Bladder cancer. Research suggests that there is no link between lycopene consumption in the diet or lycopene blood levels and the risk for bladder cancer.

Diabetes. Research suggests that increased lycopene consumption in the diet does not decrease the risk of developing diabetes.

Parkinson's disease. Research suggests that increased lycopene consumption in the diet does not decrease the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Safety concerns

Lycopene is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts. Daily supplements containing up to 120 mg of lycopene have been used safely for up to one year.

Special precautions & warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Lycopene is LIKELY SAFE during pregnancy and breast-feeding when taken in amounts commonly found in foods. However, lycopene is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken as a supplement during pregnancy. In one study, using a specific lycopene supplement (LycoRed, Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals, India) 2 mg daily, starting between weeks 12 and 20 of pregnancy and continuing until delivery, increased the rate of premature births and low-birth-weight babies. But in another study using the same lycopene supplement, these problems weren't seen.

Not enough is known about the safety of lycopene supplements during breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, avoid using lycopene in amounts greater than those typically found in foods.

Surgery: Lycopene might slow blood clotting. It might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using lycopene supplements at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

You may like