Lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant compound — a red carotenoid pigment abundant in tomatoes. 9 peer-reviewed studies are available in our database. Common forms include Tomato Extract, Lycopene Beadlets, Lyc-O-Mato.
Content reviewed by ZYNAVA Research Team · Last updated February 2026 · Editorial policy
Find Quality Lycopene Supplements
Explore lycopene supplements and browse options based on ingredient research.
What Is Lycopene?
A red carotenoid pigment abundant in tomatoes.
Key fact: Often used as beadlets or tomato extracts in supplements.
Lycopene Supplement Forms
Lycopene is available in several supplemental forms: Tomato Extract, Lycopene Beadlets, Lyc-O-Mato. Often used as beadlets or tomato extracts in supplements.
Explore Lycopene Supplements
Use our research tool to explore lycopene supplements and see what studies have examined.
Research Studies on Lycopene
Our database contains 9 peer-reviewed studies examining lycopene. Below are selected recent studies:
Related Supplements
Natural Food Sources of Lycopene
Understanding the natural food sources of lycopene provides valuable context for supplementation decisions. For many people, a well-planned diet can contribute meaningfully to their lycopene intake, though individual needs may vary.
- Berries — Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are among the richest dietary antioxidant sources
- Dark chocolate — High-cocoa chocolate is rich in flavanols and polyphenols
- Green tea — Contains catechins, particularly EGCG, with potent antioxidant activity
- Colorful vegetables — Red, orange, and dark green vegetables contain various antioxidant compounds
- Nuts — Pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts are among the highest-antioxidant nuts
Dietary Context
Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells. Thousands of different antioxidant compounds exist in foods, including vitamins C and E, carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Research suggests that the synergistic effects of diverse antioxidants in whole foods may be more beneficial than isolated antioxidant supplements.
Absorption: Food vs. Supplements
Antioxidant absorption varies greatly by compound. Fat-soluble antioxidants (carotenoids, vitamin E) are better absorbed with dietary fat. Polyphenols from foods have relatively low absorption rates but may still exert benefits in the gut. The food matrix — fiber, fats, and other compounds — significantly influences antioxidant bioavailability.
Practical Tips
- Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get a broad spectrum of antioxidants
- Cooking can both increase and decrease antioxidant content depending on the specific compound
- Pairing antioxidant-rich foods with healthy fats improves absorption of fat-soluble antioxidants
How to Take Lycopene
Getting the most from lycopene supplementation involves more than just choosing the right product. When and how you take it can significantly affect absorption and effectiveness.
Best time to take: Varies by herb — check specific guidance
With or Without Food
Many herbal supplements are better tolerated when taken with food. Fat-soluble herbal compounds (like curcumin) benefit from being taken with a fat-containing meal.
How Often
Typically 1-3 times daily. Many herbs take weeks of consistent use before effects are noticeable.
Practical Tips
- Consistency is key — many herbs require weeks of regular use for noticeable effects
- Some practitioners recommend cycling herbal supplements (e.g., 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off)
- Start with lower doses and increase gradually to assess tolerance
Important Interactions
- Many herbs can interact with prescription medications — always inform your healthcare provider
- St. John's Wort is particularly known for numerous drug interactions
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a provider before using herbal supplements
This is not an exhaustive list of interactions. Always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential interactions with your specific medications and health conditions.
Where to Find Lycopene Supplements
If you are considering lycopene supplementation, choosing a quality product from a reputable retailer is an important step. Here are some trusted options where you can browse and compare lycopene supplements.
How to Choose a Quality Lycopene Supplement
- Verify the expiration date and that the product is stored appropriately
- Research the brand — established companies with transparent testing are generally more reliable
- Consider subscription options for supplements you plan to take long-term — many retailers offer discounts
- Check the other ingredients list for potential allergens (soy, gluten, dairy, nuts)
To explore supplements by ingredient or health goal, try our AI Supplement Advisor.
Research Highlights: Lycopene
Published research on lycopene spans 2020 to 2025 and includes 4 meta-analysiss, 1 clinical trial, 1 systematic review. The selected summaries below provide an overview of what these studies examined and found. Evidence quality varies across studies, and findings should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Association of Lycopene and Male Reproductive Health: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Published in Int J Mol Sci. Study from 2025. Comprehensive analysis combining multiple studies.
Source: View full study on PubMed
Effect of tomato, tomato-derived products and lycopene on metabolic inflammation: from epidemiological data to molecular mechanisms
Published in Nutr Res Rev. Study from 2025.
Source: View full study on PubMed
The effect of tomato and lycopene on clinical characteristics and molecular markers of UV-induced skin deterioration: A systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials
Published in Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Study from 2024. Comprehensive analysis combining multiple studies.
Source: View full study on PubMed
The Anti-Cancer Activity of Lycopene: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Studies
Published in Nutrients. Study from 2022. Comprehensive analysis combining multiple studies.
Source: View full study on PubMed
The effect of lycopene supplement from different sources on prostate specific antigen (PSA): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Published in Complement Ther Med. Study from 2022. Comprehensive analysis combining multiple studies.
Source: View full study on PubMed
Effect of Dietary and Supplemental Lycopene on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Published in Adv Nutr. Study from 2020. Comprehensive analysis combining multiple studies.
Source: View full study on PubMed
The research summaries above are based on published peer-reviewed studies and are provided for informational purposes only. Study findings may not apply to all individuals, and the presence of a study summary does not constitute an endorsement of lycopene for any specific health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions based on research findings.
Important Information
This Is Not Medical Advice
All content on ZYNAVA, including supplement information pages, research summaries, dosage ranges, and health tool results, is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. Nothing on this website should be interpreted as a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or substitute for professional medical advice. Supplement research is complex and evolving — study results may not apply to every individual, and what works in a clinical trial may not produce the same results in real-world use.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or managing a chronic health condition. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you evaluate whether a specific supplement is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Having a Productive Conversation with Your Healthcare Provider
One of the most valuable steps you can take before starting a supplement is to discuss it with your doctor, pharmacist, or registered dietitian. Healthcare providers can help you determine whether supplementation is appropriate based on your complete medical history, current medications, and lab results. Blood tests can identify specific nutrient deficiencies that supplementation could address, while also revealing levels that are already adequate and do not require additional supplementation.
When discussing supplements with your provider, bring a list of everything you currently take — including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and any over-the-counter medications. Ask about potential interactions, appropriate dosing for your situation, and how long you should take a supplement before expecting to see results. ZYNAVA's research summaries and evidence grades can serve as a useful reference during these conversations, giving both you and your provider a shared starting point based on the published scientific literature.
This content is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement. Individual results may vary. See our full disclaimer and affiliate disclosure.