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Lycopene

Lycopene is the red carotenoid pigment that colors tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit. Tomato products are the main source in the diet.

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What adverse effects have been reported?

Prostate cancer trials reviewed by the National Cancer Institute generally tolerated lycopene, with occasional mild to moderate digestive effects. Very high intake of lycopene-rich products can also cause deep orange skin discoloration. Tolerability in these studies does not establish the safety of indefinitely increasing a dose. 1 2

The EU safety value is not an intake goal

EFSA’s acceptable daily intake, as reported by the German consumer authority, is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight from all sources. It is a safety assessment value, not a recommended supplement dose. The authority advises against prolonged high-dose isolated lycopene, with total intake especially relevant in children. 3

What about medicines and pregnancy?

Cholestyramine, colestipol and orlistat can reduce carotenoid absorption. Safety of supplemental lycopene during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Memorial Sloan Kettering also describes a possible high-dose lycopene–alcohol interaction from animal research, whose relevance to people is unknown. 2 4

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

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