Numerous vitamins can aid in prostate health, such as saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol. However, certain supplements may interact negatively with medications or cause adverse side effects that worsen medical conditions.
Vitamin E, found in vegetable oils and nuts, has been linked with reduced risks of prostate cancer; however, results of a large trial called SELECT have been mixed.
1. Lycopene
Dietary supplements fall under the category of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM treatments can be used alongside conventional therapies or even instead. Supplements commonly used to support prostate health include saw palmetto extract, urtica dioica nettle, Lycopersicon esculentum tomato (tomato), selenium, vitamin E and zinc supplements; in some cases there may also be botanical elements present such as flower pollen extracts in them.
Studies have linked lycopene consumption with prostate cancer prevention, including reduced PSA levels among high-risk prostate cancer cases and reduced risks of non-cancerous prostatic hyperplasia. Lycopene may reduce cancer growth by blocking enzymes which promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis; additionally it may slow progression of renal cell carcinoma a malignant kidney tumor.
Lycopene is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that its absorption can be easily enhanced when consumed alongside foods rich in fats such as tomatoes with olive oil or tomato products that contain olive oil. According to studies, eating tomato products together with olive oil increases lycopene absorption 4.4 times; in turn this protects against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and atherosclerosis by protecting LDL cholesterol from being oxidized, suppressing foam cell formation, and increasing nitric oxide production.
As is true of all dietary supplements, the exact combination and quantity of prostate-supportive ingredients found in any product may differ, so it’s wise to consult your doctor before beginning any new supplements, particularly over-the-counter ones. Since dietary supplements are not subject to FDA regulation or extensive testing for safety or efficacy, whenever possible it would be prudent to choose an independently third-party tested supplement with good reviews from previous users; similarly any products advertised as cures or remedies should also be avoided.
2. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a widely used ingredient in prostate supplements, though there remains little knowledge regarding its active components or whether it improves symptoms related to BPH or hair loss. As this form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplement is usually taken along with standard treatments like medication or surgery, more research needs to be conducted into its effectiveness and side effects.
Some studies indicate that saw palmetto may help alleviate symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as slow the progression of prostate cancer, although this has yet to be verified in large-scale clinical trials. Researchers believe the effectiveness of saw palmetto for BPH comes from its ability to block testosterone absorption by the prostate gland; this may reduce testosterone levels thereby leading to reduced PSA levels and thus lessening BPH symptoms.
Another research indicates that the combination of Permixon plant extract and saw palmetto may be more effective in treating BPH than conventional drug therapies, improving sexual function while protecting libido and urine flow while potentially halting any subsequent decline in sperm count associated with BPH and LUTS. While not yet commercially available for sale, this alternative therapy was found to protect libido, increase sexual performance, improve urinary flow and help sperm count decline associated with these conditions.
Men with prostate problems should consult their doctors before taking any dietary supplement, including saw palmetto and Permixon. Some herbs such as saw palmetto may interact with certain drugs and cause serious side effects; specifically it could interact with blood-thinning drugs like Heparin. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it and it could also interfere with estrogen production so birth control pill users should refrain from taking it; additionally it could slow blood clotting rates so people taking anticoagulant drugs should steer clear.
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E, found in plant-based oils, nuts and seeds is an invaluable antioxidant, proven to prevent free radical damage and decrease oxidative stress. Furthermore, research indicates it may help lower the risk of prostate cancer by slowing PSA level increases; however evidence remains inconclusive; while some studies have linked higher blood levels of vitamin E with lower PSA levels; others do not. ATBC found higher doses of alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplements were linked with reduced PSA levels, while Physicians’ Health Study II and SELECT show no impact of either vitamin E or Vitamin C supplements on prostate cancer risk reduction or reduction respectively.
Many supplements tout themselves as helping promote prostate health, yet research on them remains limited. Some ingredients within these supplements can ease urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH); however, other ingredients could potentially harm or even be ineffective with regard to prostate wellness and need further investigation.
One popular ingredient found in prostate supplements is flower pollen extract. This supplement consists of standardized extracts of ryegrass pollen (Secal cereale), corn pollen (Zea mays) and timothy pollen (Phleum pratense). Studies have demonstrated its efficacy for improving quality of life and chronic prostatitis symptoms.
Pygeum, an herbal extract of African cherry trees (Prunus africana), has been shown to reduce PSA and improve quality of life and urination for men with chronic prostatitis. A small randomized trial revealed, however, that its impact in decreasing PSA levels wasn’t any greater than placebo.
4. Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is an essential supplement for prostate health. Its key constituent, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), may be responsible for its prostate-protective qualities and studies have demonstrated its efficacy against BPH by blocking dihydrotestosterone production – the hormone linked with increased risk for an enlarged prostate gland – while protecting it through enhanced natural antioxidant activity and reduced inflammation.
Studies have also demonstrated that green tea polyphenols may help inhibit prostate cancerous cell growth by inhibiting new blood vessel formation which nourishes cancerous cells, and by increasing heat shock protein 90’s activity to protect against DNA damage. Furthermore, polyphenols present in green tea have also been proven effective at protecting cells against mutation due to DNA damage protection mechanisms built into its DNA repair mechanisms.
University of Rochester researchers recently found that EGCG was highly effective against prostate cancer, especially later stages and metastatic disease. Their team believes this may be due to EGCG being known for promoting cellular differentiation, suppressing proliferation and preventing cell mutation.
Many natural ingredients used in prostate supplements lack enough evidence of their efficacy to support them, so when shopping for one it’s wise to select a supplement made only with high-grade ingredients and free from fillers, additives, or preservatives; opting for products featuring standardized extracts which provide guaranteed amounts of active compounds is best; dosage instructions on labels should also be adhered to and annual physical exams taken to lower risk of prostate issues including cancer.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an anti-cancer agent and helps the body absorb other antioxidants such as vitamins E and K. Supplements come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, creams or sprays – it is recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional regarding dosage and form for you personally.
Studies involving antioxidant consumption and prostate cancer risk have examined this relationship extensively. According to Physicians’ Health Study II, long-term supplement use of 500 mg/day vitamin C and 400 International Units of vitamin E failed to lower either prostate cancer rates or total cancer rates compared with placebo [35]. Additionally, an analysis conducted as part of Alpha-Tocopherol Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study demonstrated that moderate blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D status do not appear to increase prostate cancer risks or mortality [41-43].
Studies have indicated that zinc may reduce prostate enlargement and PSA levels; however, other observational studies do not support these claims. Furthermore, high doses of zinc supplements may cause nausea or diarrhea and interfere with certain medications.
Though supplements cannot treat or cure prostate-related symptoms, they may help ease their discomfort. Many prostate-health supplements contain ingredients known to support prostate health such as saw palmetto, selenium and zinc; however, as some may be ineffective or harmful you should always seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking such products.
