The antioxidant lycopene naturally exists in food such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit, guava and watermelon. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes population studies suggest diets high in this nutrient might reduce the risk of several types of cancer, especially of the lung, stomach, prostate and breast. Its antioxidant activity might also offer benefits for a number of other conditions, but a lack of research makes it difficult to firmly establish therapeutic benefits. Ideally, you should aim to get your lycopene from foods, but supplementing might also help, as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center notes your body appears to absorb synthetic versions of this nutrient as well as lycopene naturally found in food. Some dosage guidelines exist, but they appear to vary widely, making it prudent to talk to your doctor about a suggested amount to take and other issues regarding safe and proper use.
Dosage Guidelines
No clear-cut dosing recommendations exist for lycopene supplements. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center states that some studies have found lycopene provides therapeutic benefit in doses as small as 4 mg to 8 mg daily. Drugs.com reports some studies have used up to 75 mg daily and that manufacturers of lycopene supplements recommend anywhere from 10 mg to 30 mg twice a day. Ultimately, your doctor can determine the most appropriate dose for your needs.
General Safety
Supplementing with lycopene in doses up to 75 mg daily for the long-term does not seem to pose any health risks. Drugs.com states that animal studies which gave rats the human equivalent of 200 mg of lycopene per kilogram of body weight found this herb appears non-toxic; this does not mean, however, that you should take this much lycopene. Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, it is probably prudent not to exceed the highest safe dose used in research, 75 mg.
Dosage Considerations for Particular Individuals
Lycopene supplements appear safe for pregnant women, and some studies have tested its effects specifically on this population at doses of 2 mg daily, but you should never use any supplement without talking to your doctor first. The same applies if you are breastfeeding. If you have liver or kidney disease, always clear the use of supplements with your doctor; if he does approve their use, he might recommend a different dose than normally recommended. This would be due to the particular vulnerability these organs have to what you put in your body, especially when operating at less than their optimal capacity.
Other Considerations for Use
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reports that analyses of lycopene supplements found that the actual content of lycopene was anywhere from 62 percent to 143 percent of what was stated on the label, which means the actual dose of lycopene you take can be much less or much more than the dose you think you are taking. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for their recommendations on a reputable brand. You can also look for supplements with the United States Pharmacopeia, or USP, designation. This seal indicates the company underwent testing that verifies accuracy in labeling, purity and other aspects of quality.
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