Background: Ultraviolet radiation has been proven to result in unwarranted effects on the skin through reactive oxygen species (ROS) and direct DNA damage. Lycopene, a naturally occurring substance, acts as an antioxidant by neutralizing ROS. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of oral lycopene supplementation for photoprotection in adult Filipino patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Makati City. Design: The study design involves single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-six Filipino patients aged 18 years old and above with Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype (FSP) III–V were divided into two groups using a computer-generated randomization. Group A received lycopene 500 mg/ soft gel capsule two capsules per orem once daily for 12 weeks, while Group B received no intervention during the entire observation period. Minimal erythema dose (MED) of patients from both groups was assessed by a single treatment-blinded reader at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Results: Group A showed a significant increase in MED across periods, with a 20.83% increase from baseline at week 6 and a 43.06% increase at week 12. Group B MED remained constant from baseline to week 6 and to week 12. These results show that there is a significant effect in the increase in MED as compared to the control group. Conclusion Oral lycopene is effective in increasing the MED of patients and may be used for photoprotection among patients with FSP III–V.
Lycopene