Is Lycopene safe?
Contraindications Avoid if hypersensitive to lycopene or to any of its food sources, especially tomatoes. Tomato-based products are acidic and may irritate stomach ulcers. Pregnancy/nursing Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. The amount of lycopene in foods is assumed to be safe. Tomato consumption increases lycopene concentrations in the breast milk and plasma of breast-feeding women. Interactions Lycopene interacts with some cancer chemotherapy agents, as well as with ciprofloxacin and olestra. Side Effects In general, tomato-based products and lycopene supplements are generally well tolerated. The scientific literature documents some GI complaints, such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, gas, nausea, and vomiting. One trial documented a cancer-related hemorrhage in a patient taking lycopene, although whether it was caused by lycopene was unclear. Toxicities No toxic effects were observed in rats treated with lycopene 2 g/kg/day for 28 days, an intak
