supplement

Lycopene

Also known as: Tomato carotenoid

Evidence: High · 100%
Chemical structure of Lycopene (PubChem CID 446925)
Structure via PubChem
Half-life
Typical timing
any
Food rule
with food
Default unit

Studied for

Overview

Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in red fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, watermelons, grapefruits, and papayas. As a carotenoid, lycopene is fat-soluble and known for its potent antioxidant properties. It is not synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Structurally, lycopene is an acyclic open-chain hydrocarbon with eleven conjugated double bonds, which are responsible for its characteristic color and antioxidant capacity. In plants, lycopene plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and protection against photo-oxidative damage. In humans, it is one of the most abundant carotenoids found in plasma and tissues, particularly accumulating in the testes, adrenal glands, and prostate. Dietary intake of lycopene has been associated with various health benefits, predominantly linked to its ability to neutralize free radicals and modulate cellular processes. (NIH ODS, PubChem)

Deep dive

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Known interactions

  • Category rule: glp1 × supplement
    Note

    GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.

    Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider.

  • Category rule: supplement × medication
    Note

    Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.

Frequently asked

Sources referenced

["NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)", "MedlinePlus", "PubChem", "Examine.com", "DrugBank", "Cochrane Library"]

DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.

Cite this page

Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:

DoseRoutine. (2026). Lycopene — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/lycopene
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