Lycopene is a type of carotenoid, or plant-based pigment, that gives tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon their red color. Your body converts some carotenoids to retinol, a form of vitamin A. Lycopene has no vitamin A activity, but getting the recommended daily dose of this nutrient can provide antioxidant benefits that may help keep you healthy and feeling young.
When consumed in foods, lycopene is safe to eat for everyone. Eating excessive amounts of lycopene could lead to a condition called lycopenemia, which is an orange or red discoloration of the skin. The condition itself is harmless and goes away by eating a diet lower in lycopene.
Lycopene that comes from food sources has no set recommended intake amount. The average person consumes approximately 2 milligrams (mg) per day in their diet. This isn’t nearly enough to reap the antioxidant benefits, as research found those with high blood pressure consuming 12 mg per day of lycopene experienced lower blood pressure levels.
If taking lycopene for high blood pressure, 15 mg of a tomato extract daily for six to eight weeks may help. However, always be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before adding a regular supplement to your diet.