Who Should Avoid Taking Lycopene? A Guide to Supplement Safety

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

As one of nature's most potent antioxidants, lycopene is celebrated for its health benefits, but for certain individuals, taking it in supplemental form requires caution. Understanding who should avoid taking lycopene is crucial, as interactions and side effects can pose risks that don't apply to the lycopene obtained from food.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the individuals who should be cautious or avoid lycopene supplements entirely, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people on specific medications like blood thinners, and individuals with certain allergies or digestive issues. It distinguishes between the safety of dietary versus supplemental intake.

Key Points

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Lycopene supplements should be avoided due to potential risks, while dietary intake is considered safe.
Blood-Thinner Users: Lycopene supplements may increase the risk of bleeding for those on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication.
Pre-Surgery Patients: Due to potential effects on blood clotting, lycopene supplements should be stopped at least two weeks before any surgical procedure.
Allergy Sufferers: Individuals with allergies to tomatoes or lycopene should avoid supplements to prevent allergic reactions like rashes or GI distress.
GI Condition Patients: People with stomach ulcers or acid reflux should be cautious, as acidic tomato products can worsen symptoms.
Low Blood Pressure: Supplemental lycopene might lower blood pressure further, posing a risk for those with pre-existing low blood pressure.
Excessive Intake Risk: Very high doses, mainly from supplements, can cause a harmless but noticeable orange skin discoloration known as lycopenodermia.

Understanding Lycopene and Its Sources

Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that gives many fruits and vegetables their red color. It is a powerful antioxidant, helping to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals in the body. Foods rich in lycopene include tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, and papaya. While lycopene from food sources is generally considered safe, the concentrated doses found in dietary supplements can be problematic for specific groups of people. The key distinction is that your body's absorption of lycopene from food is self-regulating, whereas supplements bypass this mechanism, leading to potentially high and uncontrolled levels.

Groups Who Should Exercise Caution or Avoid Lycopene Supplements

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals

One of the most critical groups advised to avoid lycopene supplements are pregnant and breastfeeding women. While consuming lycopene from dietary sources is considered safe, supplemental doses may pose risks. One study found a link between a specific lycopene supplement taken during pregnancy and an increased rate of preterm births and low birth weight, although other studies did not show the same results. Due to insufficient research confirming the safety of high-dose supplements during these sensitive periods, healthcare professionals recommend avoiding them and sticking to food-based sources. Similarly, there is a lack of reliable information about the safety of lycopene supplements during breastfeeding, leading to the same advice.

Individuals Taking Blood-Thinning Medications

Lycopene has properties that can slow blood clotting. This effect is particularly important for people on anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, also known as blood thinners. Taking high-dose lycopene supplements alongside these medications can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. It is essential for patients on medications like warfarin, aspirin, or ibuprofen to consult their doctor before starting any lycopene supplement.

People Undergoing Surgery

Because of its blood-thinning effects, lycopene supplements should be discontinued well in advance of any scheduled surgery. The recommended timeframe is at least two weeks prior to the procedure to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the operation. This precaution applies to all surgeries, whether major or minor.

Those with Tomato or Lycopene Allergies

For individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to tomatoes or lycopene, supplements are a clear contraindication. Allergic reactions can range from skin rashes and hives to more severe gastrointestinal issues like nausea, cramps, and vomiting. Even if the supplement is derived from a non-tomato source, a cross-reaction could occur. It is vital to read supplement labels carefully to check for the source of lycopene and any other allergens.

Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions

Tomato-based products are acidic and can exacerbate symptoms in people with certain gastrointestinal issues. Individuals with stomach ulcers, acid reflux (GERD), or interstitial cystitis may experience increased irritation and discomfort. While this is a concern primarily with food, high concentrations in supplements can also trigger or worsen these conditions. Some reports of side effects include gas, indigestion, and diarrhea.

People with Low Blood Pressure

Lycopene has been observed to have blood pressure-lowering effects. While this can be beneficial for those with hypertension, it can be a risk for people who already have low blood pressure. Taking supplemental lycopene could cause an undesirable drop in blood pressure, leading to symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness.

Individuals with Other Health Conditions and Medication Interactions

As research continues, more nuanced interactions are being discovered. Lycopene can interfere with calcium absorption when taken with calcium-containing products. Those on certain blood pressure-lowering medications or specific cancer treatments should also seek professional advice due to potential interactions. The safest course of action is to always consult with a healthcare provider before introducing any new supplement.

Dietary Lycopene vs. Lycopene Supplements

Understanding the fundamental difference between obtaining lycopene from food versus supplements is key to making safe and informed decisions. The table below outlines some of the main distinctions.


Feature	Dietary Lycopene (from foods)	Lycopene Supplements
Concentration	Natural, variable amounts	Concentrated, isolated dose
Regulation of Intake	Self-regulating; difficult to consume excessive amounts	High-dose potential; can exceed natural body limits
Absorption	Enhanced by cooking with oils; gradual release into the system	Can be absorbed differently; may lead to very high blood levels
Risk of Side Effects	Very low; side effects like lycopenodermia are rare and require consuming very large quantities for years	Higher risk of side effects, especially with high doses and for sensitive individuals
Interactions	Minimal risk of drug interactions due to low concentration	Higher risk of interacting with certain medications

Conclusion

While lycopene is a valuable antioxidant found in a healthy diet, supplementation is not suitable for everyone. Individuals who should be particularly cautious or avoid taking lycopene supplements include those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people on blood-thinning medication, and those with allergies, specific GI conditions, or low blood pressure. The best and safest approach for the general population is to obtain lycopene through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit. For anyone considering supplementation, it is essential to have a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for your specific health needs and circumstances.

For more information on the various health aspects of lycopene, you can visit the National Institutes of Health website at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8626194/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pregnant women can safely eat tomatoes and other foods rich in lycopene. The caution against lycopene applies only to concentrated supplemental forms, not to lycopene obtained naturally through diet.

Lycopene supplements can interact with medications that slow blood clotting, such as aspirin and warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. They may also interact with some blood pressure-lowering drugs and affect calcium absorption.

Lycopenodermia is a harmless condition that causes an orange or reddish discoloration of the skin. It occurs from consuming extremely high amounts of lycopene, typically from long-term, excessive intake of supplements or lycopene-rich foods. It is reversible by reducing lycopene intake.

Yes, it is recommended to stop taking lycopene supplements at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery. This precaution helps to minimize the risk of increased bleeding during and after the procedure.

Individuals with stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or interstitial cystitis should be cautious. The high acidity of some lycopene-rich foods and supplements can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and worsen symptoms.

The safest way to get lycopene is through your diet. Excellent food sources include cooked tomatoes and tomato products, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Consuming these foods with a small amount of healthy fat can also improve absorption.

Lycopene has been observed to have blood pressure-lowering effects. While this can be beneficial for some, it can pose a risk to those who already have low blood pressure, potentially causing dizziness or other related symptoms.

There is currently no known safe or effective dose for lycopene supplements in children. As with pregnant and breastfeeding women, children should avoid supplemental forms and get their nutrients from a balanced, whole-food diet unless otherwise directed by a pediatrician.