Still, research on the effectiveness and optimal dosage of pumpkin seed oil for prostate issues is generally limited. Together, these studies show the lack of clear evidence supporting certain supplements for prostate health. As for its role in BPH, one study in 91 men with symptomatic BPH compared the effect of saw palmetto oil enriched with beta-sitosterol to saw palmetto oil on its own (22). Each product in this article: General price ranges with dollar signs ($$$$) are indicated below. Understanding the risks of supplements and herbal remedies for prostate Myth 4 - Vitamins and dietary supplements can prevent prostate cancer. Additionally, men taking pygeum were more than twice as likely to report an improvement in overall symptoms (28). And theres at least some scientific research to back them up. Benign prostate hyperplasia and nutrition. In general, three main problems can occur in the prostate (1, 2, 3): While supplements cannot treat or cure these conditions, limited research suggests that some may help ease symptoms associated with prostate inflammation (4, 5, 6, 7). The study observed that the enriched oil was significantly more effective at reducing the severity of urinary tract symptoms over 12 weeks, compared with saw palmetto oil on its own or a placebo (22). As you can see, it is particularly important to keep estrogen from harming prostate health. Zinc This mineral is excellent for the health of the prostate as low levels of zinc have been seen to increase the likelihood of developing BPH. Another study also raised concerns around selenium supplementation, as taking a daily supplement of 200 mcg of selenium was found to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer in men with high baseline selenium levels prior to taking the supplements (60). Researchers believe its not just one nutrient, but the combinations found in a healthful diet and lifestyle that are beneficial. It may also help prevent cancer cell growth in the prostate (4, 11, 12, 13). That leaves an unknown as to what effect a supplement may have, says Dr. Gill. as higher amounts have been associated with increased risks of death and prostate cancer for reasons that are not . Foods that can help, and harm, your prostate. So, if you take an over-the-counter supplement, youre not always entirely sure whats in it, warns Dr. Gill. According to urological surgeon Brad Gill, MD, MS, whilenutritional studiescan be informative, the data is much harder to prove than othertypes of scientific or medicalstudies, as there are a number of factors that can impact results. However, limited studies suggest that some ingredients may help lessen some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with prostate issues. antioxidants possibly ineffective Reviews. The maybe explanation for zinc works for many supplements touted as being good for prostate health. Check out these two articles to help make supplement shopping a breeze: To learn more about prostate health and supplements specifically, check out: Issues with prostate health can negatively affect several aspects of your life by causing urinary and sexual pain or dysfunction. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc is only 11 mg, but most men do not get even this amount. As such, its important to always consult a medical provider before taking prostate supplements. Medication and surgical treatments. Can supplements improve your prostate health? - Harvard Health Life Extension is a supplement company known for producing high quality supplements in an NSF-registered CGMP facility. Protects brain function and memory; may fight Alzheimer's. Vitamin D has also been linked to prostate health and male fertility. Vitamin D. Vitamin E. While many of these vitamins and dietary supplements aim to support prostate health, African cherry and beta-sitosterol are . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Similarly, two older studies found improvements in urinary tract symptoms in men after taking saw palmetto supplements daily for 36 months (12, 13). The Prostate (Human Anatomy): Prostate Picture, Definition, Function, Conditions, Tests, and Treatments, Prostate Cancer and the Digital Rectal Exam. But some men with BPH have found success with supplements. Many men experience improved urine flow, more complete bladder emptying, and less sleep disruption from nighttime bathroom visits. Overall, evidence supporting the effectiveness of supplements for prostate health is weak. Several ingredients commonly found in prostate supplements may help ease urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate issues, while others may be ineffective or possibly harmful. For men whove had success with saw palmetto, it can takeabout 4 to 6 weeks to see results. Lower levels of testosterone or a faster decline over time are important factors that trigger BPH. 1 There is also evidence to suggest that zinc could help calm symptoms that already exist. Vitamin D Vitamin C Pygeum Saw Palmetto Zinc Lycopene Conclusion The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that wraps around the urethra and that plays an important role in male reproductive health. Probiotics are beneficial gut bacteria that have been linked to several health benefits, including supporting the immune system and boosting digestive health (24). Saw palmetto: This is a short tree that grows in North America. This article tells you. Elevated levels of estrogen in men can lead to problems like a loss in muscle strength and mass, excessive body fat, hair loss, and an enlarged prostate. In two large reviews, higher levels of selenium in the body were associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, particularly in current and former smokers (57, 58). Tumeric is linked toseveral benefitsthat include anti-inflammatory properties, an element that could be key in suppressing the development of prostate cancer. Saw palmetto extract has also been claimed to help protect against prostate cancer. If you decide to supplement with zinc, take 30 mg one to two times daily with food. When we talk about having a healthy, balanced diet, we often think aboutweight control,general fitness or keeping cholesterol down. Most people get enough vitamin E from a balanced diet. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The same study that reviewed the effects of vitamin E on prostate health also looked at selenium and found no real benefit. If you've been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease . Additionally, although these results seem promising, more research in humans is needed to find out more about the long-term effectiveness and optimal dose of saw palmetto (11). the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Health warnings on exercise equipment: Should you worry? What Supplements Are Good for the Prostate, and How Effective - RxList All rights reserved. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in cell growth and DNA repair. Learn about the symptoms of BPH and how to ease them, complications from long-term BPH, and medical and surgical treatment options. The 7 Best Prostate Health Supplements Flax seed is known for supporting healthy hormone metabolism, an important aspect of prostate health. Before taking any supplements, consult a healthcare professional to get personalized recommendations on the type and dose of prostate supplements to take. ), Its very important to talk to your doctor before starting a supplement to make sure its safe, reiterates Dr. Gill. Pumpkin seeds: These and pumpkin seed oil extract seem to help with BPH symptoms and may shrink the size of the prostate. Men, meanwhile, have to focus on their prostate health and various other physical changes that may occur later in life, requiring prostate supplements and other forms of medication.. Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed . Saw palmetto is a species of palm used to produce a supplement packed with health benefits. Ask your doctor for advice before taking supplements. Flax seed lignans can be converted into enterolactone, a phytoestrogen that supports both hormone metabolism and healthy prostate cell division. Selenium is a trace element that plays an important role as an antioxidant defense mechanism in the body. 7 Foods to Prevent an Enlarged Prostate - Healthline Imagine a normal walnut-sized prostate that can grow to the size of a lemon while clamping on the urethra, and Im sure you can picture the problem. Nature Reviews|Disease Primers. The bottom line? Its primary function is to produce most of the fluid that comprises semen (1). Methylselenocysteine was found to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth, and was synergistic with potent chemotherapy drugs. Before supplementing, talk with a healthcare professional first, if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Its about the size of a walnut, wraps around the upper part of the urethra, and is responsible for making most of the fluid in semen (1). It should be pointed out that BPH, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), and prostate cancer often produce similar symptoms in their early stages, making it difficult to differentiate between them. Best Prostate Health Supplements Of 2023 - Forbes Health Could zinc help your prostate? Who Should and Shouldnt Take Them. And its a condition that, if detected on routine screening, can often be treated and cured. Each capsule contains an extra-strength 500-mg dose of saw palmetto. Last medically reviewed on July 21, 2022. Thanks for visiting. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Research showed that saw palmetto in combination with lycopene and selenium helped to reverse lower urinary tract symptoms and shrink the size of the prostate in men with BPH. Zinc helps to block the conversion of testosterone by the enzyme aromatase to estradiol, the main type of estrogen. Studies on dietary supplements and herbal therapies such as saw palmetto, lycopene and beta-sitosterol and BPH have had mixed results. by DailyHealthPost EditorialNovember 21, 2022. Finally, while its generally considered to be safe, saw palmetto may not be well tolerated by some individuals. Pygeum is an herbal extract from the bark of the African cherry tree (Prunus africana). In one 6-month study of 42 men with elevated PSA levels, half the participants took 1,500 mg of cranberry extract daily, and the other half received no treatment (26). Some may even have negative effects on prostate health. Menopause and other age-related changes are common concerns for women. Therefore, unless zinc supplements are prescribed by a healthcare provider, theyre not recommended for prostate health. One study in 60 men with BPH found that taking 450 mg per day of Urtica dioica root extract for 12 weeks significantly improved reported BPH symptoms compared with a placebo (8).