Also known as: Psi,psi-carotene, E160d
Lycopene is a potent carotenoid pigment responsible for the red color of tomatoes and other fruits. It is one of the most effective singlet oxygen quenchers among dietary carotenoids and is studied for cardiovascular and prostate health benefits.
Lycopene is a lipophilic carotenoid without provitamin A activity that is found predominantly in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava. It is one of the most potent antioxidants among dietary carotenoids, with a singlet oxygen quenching capacity roughly twice that of beta-carotene. Epidemiological evidence has consistently linked higher lycopene intake with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, likely through mechanisms involving reduction of LDL oxidation, improvement of endothelial function, and modulation of blood pressure. Several large observational studies have also associated higher tomato and lycopene consumption with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, though intervention trials have yielded more modest results. Lycopene bioavailability is enhanced by cooking and processing tomatoes, and by consuming them with dietary fat.
Meta-analyses show that higher lycopene intake is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Supplementation has been shown to reduce LDL oxidation and improve endothelial function.
A meta-analysis of prospective studies found that higher lycopene intake was associated with a significant reduction in prostate cancer risk, though the effect was modest in intervention trials.
With a fat-containing meal
Lycopene from cooked tomato products is more bioavailable than from supplements or raw tomatoes.
Standardized daily supplementation
Whole-food-based supplementation with additional tomato phytonutrients
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
No product recommendations yet.