For many urologic/urogynecologic conditions, dietary changes are often first-line treatments. Today, we're discussing an appropriate topic for Men's Health Month: lycopene and prostate health.
Lycopene is a naturally occurring antioxidant from the carotenoid family. Lycopene gives many fruits and vegetables their red, pink, orange, and yellow coloring.
Examples include tomatoes, red peppers, watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, asparagus, and yellow parsley. Most Americans get most of their lycopene intake from processed tomato products such as ketchup and pasta sauce. Currently, there is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for lycopene intake.
Foods that are rich in lycopene are also rich in other antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
It has not been definitively proven that lycopene reduces risk of cancer, including prostate cancer. However, low intake of lycopene has been associated with prostate cancer as well as other cancers. Plus, in-vitro studies have found that lycopene may reduce risk of prostate cancer by impedance of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and reduction in damage to DNA.[1]
There is not a conclusive yes or no to this question. Many in-vitro, human, and animal studies suggest that lycopene can decrease production of prostate cancer cells. In 27 clinical trials reviewed by M. Mirahmadi, et al. in 2020, supplementation of lycopene had positive effects on cancer markers in 25 (93%) of the studies.[2]
There are many lycopene supplements available; however, their safety, purity, and efficacy are unknown. There are more benefits to consuming lycopene from whole foods than from a supplement. However, if you are unable to consume these foods for reasons other than their lycopene content, a lycopene supplement should be considered. Always discuss the addition of supplements with your doctor.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be advised not to take lycopene supplements. There are also reports of allergic reactions to lycopene, such as skin rashes. If you have a condition such as overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, or reflux, consuming acidic foods, such as tomato products, may increase symptoms.
Fresh tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, and papaya contain the largest amount of lycopene per 100 grams (2.99-3.58mg). Colorful vegetable salads and fruit salads are a nutritious way to increase your lycopene intake. Including a source of dietary fat with lycopene-containing foods may increase lycopene absorption. The highest concentration of lycopene is found in ketchup and tomato sauces. Tomato-based sauces can be used in place of higher-fat condiments, such as mayonnaise, ranch dressings, and alfredos. Be mindful of the sodium content when purchasing or making your tomato sauces.
Additional possible benefits of lycopene include reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, increased sperm count and motility, and protection of skin from UV radiation.[3]
[1] Mirahmadi, M., Azimi-Hashemi, S., Saburi, E., Kamali, H., Pishbin, M. and Hadizadeh, F., 2020. Potential inhibitory effect of lycopene on prostate cancer. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 129, p.110459.
[2] Ibid
[3] Doyle, L., 2020. Lycopene: Implications for Human Health–A Review. Advances in Food Technology and Nutrition Sciences – Open Journal, 6(1), pp.1-12.