Lycopene for fertility

On this page

1. What is lycopene?
2. Function and how it works
3. Fertility benefits
4. Recommended daily dose
5. Food sources
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. My Fertility Guide
8. Related pages

1. What is lycopene?

Lycopene is the red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and other red fruits. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants in human nutrition — even more potent than beta-carotene. Unlike beta-carotene, lycopene cannot be converted to vitamin A, so it has no risk of vitamin A toxicity.

Reference ranges and recommended intakes vary from country to country — always interpret guidance against the recommendations of your own healthcare authority.

2. Function and how it works

Lycopene supports fertility through:

1. Powerful antioxidant. Lycopene neutralises free radicals at a higher rate than most other carotenoids, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
2. Sperm DNA protection. Lycopene concentrates in the prostate and testes, where it protects sperm DNA from oxidative damage.
3. Sperm parameters. Research has shown that lycopene supplementation increases sperm count, motility and morphology.
4. Reduces inflammation. Lycopene has anti-inflammatory effects relevant to conditions such as endometriosis.

3. Fertility benefits

Lycopene is one of the most useful supplements for male fertility — particularly for men with poor sperm count, motility, morphology or DNA fragmentation. It is widely recommended as part of a comprehensive male fertility supplement plan.

4. Recommended daily dose

I recommend a daily dose of 5–10 mg of lycopene for fertility support. This can be obtained from approximately 1–2 servings of cooked tomato products per day, or from a supplement.

5. Food sources

Lycopene is found in:

1. Tomatoes (cooked tomatoes contain 5× more bioavailable lycopene than raw)
2. Tomato paste, sauce and juice
3. Watermelon
4. Pink grapefruit
5. Guava
6. Papaya
7. Red peppers (smaller amounts)

Lycopene is fat-soluble, so adding olive oil to cooked tomatoes increases absorption three-fold. A simple tomato sauce with olive oil is one of the most lycopene-rich foods.

6. Cautions and contraindications

1. Lycopene is very safe at dietary and supplemental doses.
2. Very high intake can occasionally cause harmless skin discolouration (lycopenodermia).
3. Lycopene may have mild blood-thinning effects — discuss with your doctor if you take anticoagulants.
4. Always consult with a fertility specialist or your doctor before starting any new supplement regime.

7. My Fertility Guide

8. Related pages

• Fertility supplements directory
• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Coenzyme Q10
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Male infertility
• Low sperm count
• Sperm DNA fragmentation