Supplement
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and a carotenoid antioxidant that the body stores in tissues such as the prostate and skin. Most people look at it for urinary symptoms tied to the prostate, and the evidence for that use is limited. Studies on its other uses, from skin and sperm to blood vessels, were mostly small, and blood-vessel function improved in people with heart disease but not in healthy volunteers.
- Updated
- How we grade
- Best evidence
- Grade C
- Conditions studied
- 5
- Outcomes
- 5
- Graded outcomes
- 0041
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer Markers Positive effects on cancer markers in 93% of clinical trials (25/27) | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1,500 people |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endothelial Function Restored endothelial dysfunction in CVD patients (not healthy volunteers) | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 100 people |
Skin Health
- UV Protection: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV Protection Protects skin from UV radiation damage; accumulates in skin tissue | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 150 people |
Male Fertility
- Sperm Parameters: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sperm Parameters May increase sperm count and motility | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 120 people |
Prostate Health
- PSA Levels
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA Levels Meta-analysis shows no significant PSA reduction vs control | Small effect | 300 people |
Key findings
- Cancer MarkersImproves (the measure goes down)
- Endothelial FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)
- UV ProtectionImproves (the measure goes up)
Shop Lycopene
Third-party tested Lycopene products. The evidence above is limited, so read it before you buy.
- Grade C
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