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Lycopene
What's Lycopene?
Mary Elizabeth May
Poison Control
The Bottom Line
Lycopene is a
carotenoid − a natural pigment that gives some vegetables and fruits their red
color.
There are several
published studies that evaluate whether lycopene in tomato products or
supplements could have protective effects against prostate cancer and
cardiovascular disease.
However, there is
not enough evidence to say that lycopene provides such health benefits.
The Full Story
Lycopene is a
carotenoid − a natural pigment that gives some vegetables and fruits their red
color. It is an antioxidant (a substance that protects against cell damage).
Tomatoes provide
about 80% of the lycopene in the US diet.
Tomatoes processed
with high heat contain lycopene in a form more usable by the body than in raw
tomatoes; however, heat processing can destroy other nutrients such as
beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
These are also
antioxidants.
Synthetic lycopene
is categorized as "generally recognized as safe" by the US Food and
Drug Administration, but "safe" does not mean "effective".
Does lycopene lower
the risk of prostate cancer? The answer is unclear.
In 2007, the World
Cancer Research Fund reported that a diet high in fruits and vegetables might
help reduce the risk of cancer, including lycopene for prostate cancer.
Supplemental
lycopene for prevention of prostate cancer has been studied in a few randomized
controlled trials (RCTs).
A study that
combined the results of these RCTs concluded that there was not enough evidence
to support the use of lycopene supplements to prevent prostate cancer.
The men in the
studies did not have improvement in primary outcomes (incidence of prostate
cancer and death from prostate cancer) or in secondary outcomes like changes in
prostate symptoms or changes in blood concentrations of prostate specific
antigen (PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland that is often elevated
in prostate cancer).
Some research
suggests that any beneficial effects from lycopene might actually be related to
other antioxidants in the natural diet.
There is interest
in the possible role of lycopene in helping prevent atherosclerosis (hardening
of the arteries) that can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, and
stroke.
Some studies have
associated high lycopene blood concentrations with reduction of the incidence
of cardiovascular disease.
One study suggested
that lower blood concentrations of lycopene were associated with early
atherosclerosis in men.
However, study
results are mixed and most studies did not examine taking lycopene alone.
The body utilizes
lycopene in supplements about as easily as that in food. Daily supplements of
up to 120 mg of lycopene have been taken safely for up to 1 year.
The appropriate
dose of lycopene depends on several factors such as the user’s age and health.
Some people have developed allergic skin reactions such as rashes from
lycopene.
Lycopene is
possibly unsafe when used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
One study of a
specific lycopene supplement (LycoRed) suggested that taking lycopene 2 mg
daily starting at 12-20 weeks of pregnancy and continuing until delivery might
increase the rates of premature births and low birth weights.
Pregnant or
breastfeeding women should avoid lycopene other than that in food. There is no
known safe or effective dose for lycopene in children.
· Check
with all your healthcare providers before taking lycopene. Tell them about all
supplements you are taking.
· Do
not take lycopene supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
· Do
not take lycopene if you are sensitive or allergic to tomatoes or
lycopene-containing supplements.
· “Natural”
products are not necessarily safe and the dose is important. Follow directions
on product labels.
· Use
only USP-Verified herbal and supplement products.
This Really
Happened
Case 1. A 61-year-old
woman consumed 2 liters of tomato juice daily for several years and developed
orange discoloration of her skin. Although there was evidence of lycopene and
fatty deposits in the liver, there was no measurable liver damage. After 3 weeks
on a diet free of tomato juice, the orange discoloration faded.
Case 2. A 2-year-old
boy swallowed one tablet of lycopene 10 mg. His mother called Poison Control
and was advised that no adverse effects were expected. When Poison Control
checked with the child’s mother the next day, the boy had not developed
symptoms.
If you suspect
someone has swallowed lycopene and is having a problem, do not make the person
vomit. Immediately check the webPOISONCONTROL® online
tool for help or call Poison Control at
1-800-222-1222.
Mary Elizabeth May, RN, BA, MPH
Certified Specialist in Poison Information
Certified Specialist in Poison Information
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