What are the side effects of lycopene? A Comprehensive Nutrition Diet Guide

November 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research published in The Journal of Nutrition, dietary lycopene intake is generally safe for healthy individuals, but consuming excessively high doses, particularly through supplements, can lead to adverse effects. This guide explores what are the side effects of lycopene, detailing the risks associated with overconsumption and interactions with medication.

Quick Summary

This article examines the potential side effects of lycopene, from mild gastrointestinal issues and skin discoloration to more serious bleeding risks and drug interactions, particularly with blood-thinning medications. It differentiates risks from food sources versus supplements and offers guidance on safe consumption.

Key Points

Gastrointestinal Issues: High doses of lycopene, especially from supplements, can cause nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Lycopenemia Risk: Excessive intake can lead to a harmless orange discoloration of the skin, a condition known as lycopenemia, which resolves when intake is reduced.
Drug Interactions: Lycopene may slow blood clotting, posing a bleeding risk for individuals on anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or NSAIDs.
Avoid Before Surgery: Due to its blood-thinning effect, lycopene supplements should be discontinued at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Dietary vs. Supplemental Safety: Lycopene from food is very safe, while high-dose supplements carry a higher risk of side effects.
Special Population Warnings: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid high-dose supplements due to a lack of safety data and potential risks.

What is Lycopene?

Lycopene is a powerful carotenoid and antioxidant that gives red and pink fruits and vegetables their vibrant color. It is not produced by the human body and must be obtained through the diet. Rich sources include tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and papaya, with processed tomato products offering higher bioavailability than raw produce.

Lycopene side effects: A detailed breakdown

While generally considered non-toxic, excessive intake of lycopene can result in several side effects. These are most commonly associated with very high doses from supplements or consuming an extreme amount of lycopene-rich foods over a long period. For the average, healthy person consuming a balanced diet, adverse effects are rare.

Gastrointestinal issues

For some individuals, especially those with pre-existing digestive sensitivities or those who consume large amounts of lycopene, mild gastrointestinal distress can occur. This can include:

Nausea and vomiting
Indigestion or upset stomach
Gas, cramps, or bloating
Diarrhea

Skin discoloration (Lycopenemia)

Lycopenemia is a harmless but noticeable side effect of consuming too much lycopene. This condition causes an orange or reddish discoloration of the skin due to the accumulation of the pigment. A case report cited a 61-year-old woman who developed this condition after consuming two liters of tomato juice daily for several years. Fortunately, the discoloration is benign and fades once the high intake of lycopene is reduced.

Drug interactions and bleeding risks

Lycopene can have a blood-thinning effect, which can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with certain medications. Individuals taking the following should be cautious with high-dose lycopene supplements:

Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Medications like warfarin.
Antiplatelet drugs: Medications such as aspirin.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen or naproxen.

Those on blood pressure medications should also be aware, as lycopene can potentially lower blood pressure. It is critical to consult a doctor before starting lycopene supplements, especially before surgery, as they may need to be discontinued at least two weeks beforehand to minimize bleeding risk.

Allergic reactions

Although rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to lycopene or its food sources, like tomatoes. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin rashes, itching, or swelling. Severe allergic reactions involving facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulties require immediate medical attention.

Potential risks for special populations

For certain groups, lycopene supplements are not recommended due to insufficient safety data. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, in particular, should avoid supplemental forms and stick to food sources. Some studies have raised concerns about preterm birth and low birth weight associated with specific lycopene supplements in pregnant women, highlighting the need for caution.

Comparing risks: Dietary vs. Supplemental Lycopene


Feature	Dietary Lycopene (from foods)	Supplemental Lycopene (capsules, softgels)
Toxicity Risk	Very low to none. Adverse effects primarily seen with extremely high, long-term intake.	Higher risk of side effects, especially with high doses or prolonged use.
Overconsumption	Naturally regulated by food volume; hard to over-consume enough to cause issues.	Easier to ingest excessively high doses, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Bioavailability	Bioavailability is affected by preparation (e.g., cooking with fat enhances absorption).	Often formulated for high absorption, potentially leading to higher body concentrations than from diet alone.
Drug Interactions	Generally not an issue with typical food consumption.	Higher risk of interactions with blood thinners and other medications due to concentrated doses.
Side Effects	Mild gastrointestinal upset possible with large intake, or lycopenemia.	Increased likelihood of GI upset, bleeding risks, and allergic reactions.

Conclusion: Navigating lycopene intake safely

Lycopene is a valuable antioxidant found in many healthy foods, primarily tomatoes. For most people, a balanced diet rich in lycopene is safe and beneficial, with minimal to no risk of adverse effects. Side effects are overwhelmingly associated with the excessive consumption of high-dose supplements, which can lead to issues like mild digestive discomfort, skin discoloration (lycopenemia), and, more seriously, an increased risk of bleeding. Those on blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or who are pregnant should be particularly cautious with supplemental forms and consult a healthcare provider. By prioritizing whole food sources, you can safely enjoy the benefits of lycopene without the added risks of overconsumption.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen or if you have concerns about your health.

For further reading on the broader benefits of lycopene in a nutrition diet, refer to this comprehensive review.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is extremely difficult to consume a toxic amount of lycopene from natural food sources alone. Any discoloration of the skin (lycopenemia) from high intake of lycopene-rich foods is temporary and benign.

Individuals on blood-thinning medications like warfarin, those with a history of bleeding disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with a known allergy to tomatoes or lycopene should avoid supplements.

Yes, lycopene may have blood pressure-lowering effects. Individuals already on blood pressure medication should consult their doctor before taking high-dose supplements to avoid dangerously low blood pressure.

No, lycopenemia is a reversible condition. The orange discoloration of the skin fades over several weeks once the excessive intake of lycopene is stopped.

Studies suggest no known adverse effects from dietary or synthetic lycopene in a healthy population at normal intake levels. However, concentrated supplement forms, regardless of source, pose a higher risk of adverse effects due to the potential for excessive dosage.

Lycopene supplements are generally not recommended for children under 12 unless specifically advised by a pediatrician, due to a lack of sufficient safety data.

Cooking lycopene-rich foods, such as tomatoes, with a small amount of healthy fat, like olive oil, significantly increases the bioavailability and absorption of lycopene.