Are Lycopene Supplements as Effective as Food for Reducing Prostate Cancer Risk? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Dr. David Samadi 

  We’ve all heard the buzz around lycopene, especially its potential to reduce prostate cancer risk. But is it really worth taking as a supplement? Let’s examine the facts to get a clearer picture.  

Can Lycopene Really Lower Cancer Risk?

  Research shows that lycopene, found in foods like tomatoes, may help lower a man’s risk of the second most common cancer diagnosed in men, in addition to other cancers. But here’s the thing—we’re not entirely sure that lycopene is the only star player here. Lycopene might be just one of many beneficial compounds in these foods, working together to protect your health. It’s best to stick with foods rich in lycopene instead of reaching for a supplement.  

Are Lycopene Supplements Just as Good as Food?

  In short, not really. Whole foods are incredibly complex, packed with thousands of plant compounds (phytochemicals) that work harmoniously. Taking a single nutrient in supplement form, like lycopene, may give you some health benefits but will not have the same effect as consuming foods that contain lycopene naturally.    Think about it like this: lycopene is just one of over 600 carotenoids found in nature. And history has shown us that isolating these nutrients in pill form doesn’t always turn out well. For example, studies on beta-carotene (another carotenoid) found that while diets high in beta-carotene from foods seemed to lower the risk of certain cancers, beta-carotene supplements did the opposite for smokers—increasing their risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.  

So, What’s the Deal with Lycopene Supplements?

  Lycopene does seem to offer some cancer protection, but it’s important to remember that this connection comes from people eating foods that naturally contain lycopene. We don’t have solid evidence that lycopene supplements provide the same benefit—or that they’re even safe in the long run. There haven’t been any large studies to prove that taking lycopene in pill form will actually lower your cancer risk.   In fact, lycopene is just part of the bigger picture. When you eat foods rich in lycopene—like tomatoes, watermelon, and red grapefruit—you’re getting a whole package of nutrients that work together to support your health. This is why diets rich in these foods have demonstrated a link to a lower risk of diseases, while isolated supplements often don’t show the same protective effects.  

The Bottom Line: Should You Take Lycopene Supplements?

  Until more research is done on the safety and effectiveness of lycopene supplements, your best bet is to get your lycopene from whole foods. Processed tomato products like tomato sauce, tomato paste, and even tomato juice are some of the best sources of lycopene, so feel free to add them to your meals!   A perfect investment in your overall health is to make it a point to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, naturally packed with lycopene and other nutrients, every day. This will always be a wiser choice than relying on supplements to do the job.   Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery, and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.