Lycopene
Tomato-source carotenoid, strong observational data linking dietary intake to lower prostate cancer risk; supplement-trial evidence smaller and more mixed.
Why
Lycopene is the red carotenoid that gives tomatoes their colour, accumulating to high concentrations in cooked tomato products. Observational cohort studies (Giovannucci 1995 J Natl Cancer Inst onwards) report inverse association between dietary lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk, particularly for aggressive disease. Supplement-trial evidence is smaller and more mixed; the Chen 2014 systematic review concluded the evidence was suggestive but not definitive.
How it works
Most potent singlet-oxygen quencher among carotenoids, relevant to oxidative damage in tissues like prostate. Modulates androgen signalling and IGF-1 axis in preclinical models. Improved bioavailability from cooked tomato (lycopene cis-isomers).
Expected onset · Tissue levels accumulate over weeks; clinical endpoints assessed over years
How to take
Dosage
Dietary: aim for 10–30 mg/day (achievable via cooked tomato products in Mediterranean-pattern eating). Supplements: 10–30 mg/day.
Timing
With meals containing fat for absorption
On the label
Natural lycopene from tomato extract (LycoMato is a studied branded extract). Synthetic lycopene is chemically equivalent. Cooked tomato products are the cleanest food-first approach.
Ideal for
Adults at higher risk of prostate cancer (family history, age) seeking dietary or supplement adjuncts; general antioxidant nutrient framework.
Safety
Evidence
Chen 2015 Medicine meta-analysis: higher lycopene intake was associated with modest reduction in prostate cancer risk in cohort studies. Supplement-trial evidence is smaller and more mixed. Food-source lycopene from cooked tomato remains the cleanest evidence pathway.
- Giovannucci et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 1995, intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer (Health Professionals Follow-up Study)
- Chen et al., Medicine 2015, lycopene and risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Story et al., Annu Rev Food Sci Technol 2010, an update on the health effects of tomato lycopene
Where to get it
Shop Lycopene on AmazonSponsored · As an Amazon Associate, Healicus earns from qualifying purchases.