A large analysis of 34 studies found that eating tomatoes or taking lycopene supplements does not cause any meaningful changes in blood cholesterol levels (total, LDL, HDL, or triglycerides) in adults.
See the scientific wording
Lycopene and tomato consumption does not significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides in adults, as demonstrated by a meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials.
Backed by science
One low-scoring study supports this claim, so treat this as an early signal rather than settled science.
What the research says
1 study reviewedSupporting (1)
Systematic Review With Meta-AnalysisMeta-analysis2023
This study looked at 34 experiments and found that eating tomatoes or taking lycopene doesn't change cholesterol levels, which matches what the claim says.
Contradicting (0)
No contradicting studies found yet
That doesn't mean it's settled — it just means no study has tested the opposite.
Quality-weighted scoring: we follow the GRADE framework — each study is rated High, Moderate, Low, or Very Low based on study design, methodology rigor, and risk of bias. A single high-quality RCT can outweigh several weaker observational studies.
Scores reflect study quality, not just count.
There is no scientific evidence showing that lycopene or tomatoes change cholesterol through any specific biological steps. The lack of effect on cholesterol levels suggests that lycopene does not interfere with cholesterol production, absorption, or removal in the body.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting study
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A large analysis of 34 studies found that eating tomatoes or taking lycopene supplements does not cause any meaningful changes in blood cholesterol levels (total, LDL, HDL, or triglycerides) in adults.
Mechanism
1 studyNo studies looked at how lycopene might work inside the body to change cholesterol. Since eating tomatoes did not change cholesterol levels, it is likely that lycopene does not affect the body's cholesterol machinery.
There is no scientific evidence showing that lycopene or tomatoes change cholesterol through any specific biological steps. The lack of effect on cholesterol levels suggests that lycopene does not interfere with cholesterol production, absorption, or removal in the body.
No biological mechanism has been directly investigated or demonstrated in the available studies.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Community contributions welcome
The effects of lycopene and tomato consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: a Grade assessment systematic review and meta-analysis.
This study looked at 34 experiments and found that eating tomatoes or taking lycopene doesn't change cholesterol levels, which matches what the claim says.
Contradicting (0)
Community contributions welcome
Score Breakdown
No multi-axis breakdown available yet. The overall Pro / Against score above is the best signal.
- No clinical evidence is available; the score reflects mechanistic plausibility only.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on Lycopene and Blood Lipids
A systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs examining lycopene supplementation (any dose, duration at least 4 weeks) on fasting lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) in adults aged 18-65 without lipid-lowering medication.
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled RCT of Lycopene Supplementation on Lipid Profile
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm RCT with 200 adults (100 per group), randomized to lycopene (30 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks, measuring fasting lipid panel at baseline and endpoint.
Prospective Cohort Study on Dietary Tomato Intake and Incident Dyslipidemia
A prospective cohort study of 10,000 adults followed for 10 years, with dietary lycopene intake assessed via food frequency questionnaires, and annual lipid measurements, controlling for confounders like age, sex, BMI, and statin use.