Can You Take Beta-Carotene and Lycopene Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Beta-carotene and lycopene share carotenoid transport pathways. High-dose beta-carotene supplementation may reduce lycopene serum levels by competing for intestinal absorption proteins and lipoprotein incorporation.

How to arrange timing

If supplementing both, use moderate doses and consider taking them at different meals.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Johnson EJ et al. Beta-carotene isomers, lycopene, and lutein in the elderly. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;66(5):1092-1098

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.