Lycopene
Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment responsible for the red colour of tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and several other fruits.
Unlike beta-carotene, lycopene is not converted into vitamin A. Its main nutritional interest comes from its antioxidant activity and its accumulation within tissues including the prostate, adrenal glands and liver.
Lycopene and Antioxidant Protection
Normal metabolism produces reactive molecules known as free radicals.
The body has its own antioxidant systems for managing these compounds, while nutrients and plant pigments from food can provide additional support.
Lycopene contributes to this wider antioxidant network and helps protect lipids and other cellular structures from excessive oxidative stress.
This has made it a common ingredient in healthy-ageing and cardiovascular formulas.
Lycopene and Prostate Health
Lycopene has received particular attention in men's health because relatively high concentrations are found within prostate tissue.
Population studies have explored whether higher tomato or lycopene intake is associated with prostate health, while supplemental lycopene has also been investigated.
Research results remain mixed.
Current evidence is not strong enough to conclude that lycopene prevents or treats prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. Its more appropriate role is as a carotenoid antioxidant within a broader prostate-health strategy.
Lycopene and Cardiovascular Health
Lycopene has also been studied in relation to cardiovascular health.
Its antioxidant activity may help protect circulating lipids from oxidative stress, while diets rich in tomatoes and other colourful plant foods are associated with broader cardiovascular benefits.
However, these foods also contain fibre, potassium, vitamin C and many other plant compounds, so the effects of a healthy diet cannot be attributed to lycopene alone.
Tomatoes and Lycopene
Tomatoes are one of the richest dietary sources of lycopene.
Interestingly, cooking can make lycopene more available by breaking down plant cell structures.
Lycopene is also fat-soluble, so consuming cooked tomato products alongside some dietary fat can improve absorption.
Useful food sources include:
- Cooked tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Tomato sauces
- Watermelon
- Pink grapefruit
- Guava
Lycopene and Healthy Ageing
Oxidative stress is involved in many of the cellular changes associated with ageing.
A diet containing a wide range of carotenoids and polyphenols therefore provides broader nutritional support than relying on one antioxidant alone.
Lycopene can complement nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and other carotenoids within this wider approach.
Using Lycopene Supplements
Lycopene supplements are generally well tolerated.
Because it is fat-soluble, taking supplemental lycopene with food containing some fat may help absorption.
People using high-dose supplements alongside prescription medication should discuss their supplement routine with a healthcare professional, particularly where blood pressure or blood-thinning medicines are involved.
Lycopene in O2B Products
At O2B Healthy, lycopene is included in O2B Prostate Manager, providing 50 mg per capsule alongside saw palmetto, pygeum, pumpkin seed, zinc, stinging nettle, boron and selenium. It is also included in O2B Multi Vitamin+, providing 10 mg per capsule as part of a broader vitamin, mineral and antioxidant formula. Across these products, lycopene contributes carotenoid antioxidant support for cellular, cardiovascular and prostate wellbeing.