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Lycopene
Recommended Daily Intake
Food Sources
Tomatoes
Tomato-based products (ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato paste and tomato juice)
Watermelon
Pink Grapefruit
Guava
Problems Associated with Deficiencies
None
Functions/Potential Benefits at Recommended Levels
Studies suggest a diet rich in lycopene may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer
Lycopene is associated with the maintenance of cardiovascular health
May reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
May help reduce high cholesterol levels
Potential Benefits Under Investigation
Ongoing preliminary research suggests that lycopene is associated with reduced risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix and skin.
Special Considerations/Possible Adverse Effects with Excess Intake
No known reports of adverse effects for lycopene
Although supplemental lycopene is likely to be safe during pregnancy and lactation, pregnant and nursing mothers should be encouraged to get almost all of their lycopene from diet
* Information in this chart is not intended to provide a complete review on any topic.
** The information in this chart is in reference to healthy adults only, not to children or pregnant and lactating women. |
