Lycopene for Heart Health

Lycopene has been linked to cardiovascular benefits and promoting healthy cholesterol levels.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) per Day
  •  Although no RDA is established, several studies suggested that 6‑12 mg is an
     optimal intake.

Food sources
  •  Tomato
  •  Tomato‑based products, such as ketchup, tomato paste and tomato juice
  •  Watermelon
  •  Pink grapefruit
  •  Guava

Problems associated with deficiency
  •  None

Potential benefits at recommended levels
  •  A diet rich in Lycopene may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer
  •  May reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
  •  May help reduce high cholesterol levels

Potential benefits under investigation
  •  Ongoing early studies suggest that Lycopene is associated with reduced risk of
     macular degeneration disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancers of the lung,
     bladder, cervix and skin

Tolerability and special considerations
  •  No known reports of side effects for Lycopene
  •  Although supplemental Lycopene is likely to be safe during pregnancy and
     lactation, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should be encouraged to get
     almost all of their Lycopene from their diet

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