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Lycopene and SCARB1: How Your Genes May Influence Absorption

Lycopene is a red pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon, papaya, and other red fruits and vegetables. It works as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from oxidative damage and supporting heart health. The SCARB1 gene encodes the SR-B1 transporter protein, which helps move lycopene and other carotenoids into your cells. Variations in SCARB1 can change how effectively your body absorbs lycopene, so understanding your genotype for rs1672879 can help you tailor diet and lifestyle choices to support optimal antioxidant status.

Quick overview: What affects lycopene absorption

  • Food form: Cooked tomato products increase lycopene bioavailability compared with raw tomatoes.
  • Dietary fat: Eating lycopene-containing foods with healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts) enhances absorption.
  • Food matrix: Processed tomato products like sauce and paste concentrate lycopene and make it easier to absorb.
  • Genetics: Variants in SCARB1 can reduce the efficiency of cellular uptake of lycopene.

Genetic interpretation

The section below explains how different genotypes at rs1672879 in SCARB1 relate to lycopene absorption and practical recommendations. Expand each entry to read the details.

GG genotype — two effect alleles (significantly reduced absorption)

If your genotype is GG, you carry two copies of the effect allele associated with reduced lycopene uptake. The SR-B1 transporter produced by your SCARB1 gene may be less efficient, so despite eating lycopene-rich foods you could absorb less lycopene at the cellular level.

Practical dietary strategies

  • Increase intake of cooked tomato products: tomato sauce, paste, canned tomatoes, and tomato soups. Cooking breaks down cell walls and concentrates lycopene.
  • Always pair lycopene foods with healthy fats: olive oil, avocado, olives, or a handful of nuts help dissolve lycopene and promote absorption.
  • Include a variety of lycopene sources: watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, red bell peppers and guava to spread intake across meals and nutrient matrices.
  • Prefer blended or pureed tomato preparations over whole raw tomatoes when possible to improve bioavailability.

Supplements and timing

  • Consider a lycopene supplement if dietary changes are insufficient, but only after discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • Take supplements with a meal containing fat to improve absorption.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in other antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols) to support cellular protection.
  • Discuss testing options with your provider. Some labs offer blood carotenoid panels that include lycopene to assess levels.
  • Monitor heart health with standard clinical tests as recommended by your clinician, since lycopene is one piece of cardiovascular risk management.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.

AG genotype — one effect allele (moderately reduced absorption)

With the AG genotype you carry one copy of the effect allele. This is associated with a moderate reduction in lycopene absorption compared with the AA genotype. Your SR-B1 transporter may work somewhat less efficiently, so small adjustments can help ensure adequate lycopene status.

Practical dietary strategies

  • Include cooked tomato products several times per week: sauces, stews, tomato-based dressings and salsas.
  • Always include a source of healthy fat with lycopene-rich meals: drizzle olive oil on tomato dishes, add avocado to salads, or cook with oils.
  • Rotate lycopene-containing fruits across the week: watermelon, papaya, and pink grapefruit can augment intake.

Supplements and timing

  • Supplements are optional. If considering lycopene supplements, consult your healthcare provider to determine dose and need.
  • Time supplements with meals that include fat for best absorption.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Eat a varied diet rich in other antioxidants to support overall cellular protection.
  • If you have specific health goals related to heart disease or cancer prevention, review targeted testing and monitoring with your clinician.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.

AA genotype — zero effect alleles (typical absorption)

If your genotype is AA, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with normal, efficient lycopene absorption mediated by a typical SR-B1 transporter. You generally do not need extra dietary compensation to achieve adequate lycopene levels beyond standard healthy eating.

Practical dietary strategies

  • Continue a balanced eating pattern that includes lycopene-rich foods: tomatoes, tomato-based sauces, watermelon, papaya and pink grapefruit.
  • Enhance absorption by pairing with healthy fats when possible.
  • Use cooked and processed tomato products intermittently to boost bioavailable lycopene.

Supplements and monitoring

  • Supplements are usually not necessary if you follow a varied diet, but discuss with your healthcare provider if you have concerns or medical conditions.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Maintain an antioxidant-rich diet and a heart-healthy lifestyle: regular physical activity, smoking avoidance, and maintaining healthy weight.
  • Follow routine medical screening and blood tests as advised by your healthcare provider.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.

Practical meal ideas and tips

  • Tomato and avocado toast: spread mashed avocado on whole-grain toast, top with roasted cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Tomato-based soups and stews: simmer canned crushed tomatoes with vegetables and olive oil; serve with a side salad containing avocado.
  • Pasta with tomato-paste sauce: cook tomato paste briefly in olive oil to unlock flavor and lycopene, then add vegetables and protein.
  • Watermelon and citrus salad: combine watermelon cubes with pink grapefruit segments, mint, and a splash of olive oil.

Tests and when to consult a provider

  • Ask your healthcare provider about blood carotenoid testing if you want an objective measure of lycopene status.
  • For cardiovascular risk or other concerns related to antioxidant status, discuss standard lab panels such as lipid profile and inflammation markers with your clinician.
  • Always consult your provider before starting supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have chronic health conditions.

Important disclaimer

PlexusDx provides genetic information to help you understand potential predispositions. This content is educational and not medical advice. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, starting supplements, or beginning new monitoring or treatment plans.