A potent tomato-derived carotenoid antioxidant supporting prostate, cardiovascular, and cellular health.
What it is
Lycopene is a lipophilic, non-provitamin A acyclic carotenoid responsible for the characteristic red pigmentation of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and other red fruits. In dietary supplements, it is derived from concentrated tomato extract or yeast fermentation in oil suspensions or microencapsulated powders. Possessing 11 conjugated double bonds, lycopene exhibits one of the highest singlet-oxygen quenching capacities among natural dietary carotenoids.
Also known as: Tomato extract lycopene
What it does
- Provides potent systemic antioxidant protection against singlet oxygen and lipid membrane oxidation.
- Supports cardiovascular wellness by helping maintain normal endothelial function and LDL oxidation resistance.
- Supports prostate tissue health and cellular integrity in aging men.
Amplified by probiotics
Lycopene absorption requires extensive lipid emulsification and micelle formation in the small intestine. Probiotic bacteria possessing active bile-salt hydrolase (BSH) enzymes hydrolyze conjugated bile acids, influencing micellar structure and carotenoid transfer to mucosal enterocytes. Concurrently, probiotic fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that nourish the colonic epithelium, suppress mucosal oxidative stress, and upregulate tight junction integrity. Maintaining intestinal lining health prevents inflammatory downregulation of enterocyte carotenoid transporters (SR-BI), thereby optimizing the chylomicron packaging and lymphatic uptake of lycopene for distribution to prostate and vascular tissues.
Typical dose
5–15 mg/day
The evidence
Evidence: strongClinical trials and observational cohort studies demonstrate that higher plasma lycopene levels correlate with enhanced cardiovascular endothelial function and reduced LDL susceptibility to oxidation (Agarwal 2000, CMAJ). Systematic reviews confirm its efficacy in supporting healthy prostate cellular biomarkers and systemic antioxidant capacity (Story 2010, Annu Rev Food Sci Technol).
Safety & who should check first
Highly safe and non-toxic; daily intakes up to 75 mg show no adverse effects in human clinical studies. Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding from dietary and standard supplement sources.