Tomato Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Tomato is the fruit of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, a member of the nightshade family. Although usually treated as a vegetable in cooking, it is botanically a fruit. Tomatoes are grown all over the world and are a major part of many diets, eaten fresh or as juice, sauce, paste, and other products.

Tomatoes are valued mainly as a nutritious food. They provide vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, folate, and fiber. They are also one of the richest dietary sources of lycopene, a natural pigment and antioxidant that gives ripe tomatoes their red color. Because of lycopene, tomato extracts and lycopene supplements are sold as dietary supplements for heart and prostate health.

The most studied compound in tomato is lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals, which can damage cells over time. Lab and animal research suggests lycopene may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, but human results are less clear.

Interestingly, cooking tomatoes and eating them with a little fat (like olive oil) may help the body absorb lycopene better. Tomatoes also supply potassium, which supports normal blood pressure, and vitamins that play roles in immune and skin health. Many proposed benefits are based on laboratory or population studies rather than strong clinical trials.

Tomato is a common, well-tolerated food for most people. Concentrated tomato extracts and lycopene supplements are generally considered low risk, but they have not been studied as thoroughly.

Some people are allergic to tomatoes or sensitive to nightshade foods and may have reactions. Tomatoes are acidic, so they can worsen heartburn or acid reflux in some people. Eating very large amounts of lycopene-rich foods can occasionally cause a harmless orange tint to the skin.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, eating tomatoes as food is generally considered fine. However, high-dose lycopene or tomato extract supplements have not been well studied during these times, so it is best to avoid them unless your doctor or pharmacist recommends otherwise. If you have a medical condition or take medications, check with a healthcare professional before using supplements.

As a food, tomatoes rarely cause problems. Possible issues include:

• Heartburn or acid reflux due to acidity
• Allergic reactions in sensitive people, ranging from mouth itching to, rarely, more serious reactions
• Digestive upset with very large amounts
• Skin discoloration (a harmless orange tone) from very high lycopene intake

Concentrated supplements may cause stomach upset in some people. Serious side effects are uncommon, but stop use and seek care if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling or trouble breathing.

There is no official standardized dose of tomato or lycopene supplements, and a proven effective amount has not been established. Tomatoes are best enjoyed simply as part of a balanced diet.

If you choose to use a tomato extract or lycopene supplement, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because product strengths vary widely, it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health condition.