Prostate supplements are dietary supplements marketed to promote prostate health and reduce the risk of prostate-related conditions like prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (also known as an enlarged prostate).\u00a0The evidence supporting the use of supplements like lycopene, selenium, and saw palmetto is generally weak, but there are some exceptions.\n<\/p>\n
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1. Selenium <\/p>\n
Selenium is an essential mineral<\/a> with antioxidant properties<\/a>, meaning that it fights unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA in cells. The damage can cause cells to age faster, increasing the risk of aging-related diseases like cancer.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n The evidence supporting the use of selenium supplements for prostate health is mixed:\n<\/p>\n The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of selenium for adult males is 55 mcg. Taking excessive doses (900 mcg and over) can cause nausea, diarrhea, hair loss, garlic breath, and nerve pain.\n<\/p>\n 2. Zinc <\/p>\n Zinc is an essential mineral involved with cell turnover, meaning the replacement of old cells with new cells. Zinc is also required for semen production<\/a>, in which the prostate gland plays a role. Health problems arise when prostate cells can no longer store zinc.\n<\/p>\n As with selenium, the benefits of zinc supplements are uncertain:\n<\/p>\n The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc for males is 11 mg. Taking more than this reduces the absorption of other nutrients like iron and copper.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n 3. Lycopene <\/p>\n Lycopene<\/a> is a plant-based compound called a carotenoid<\/a> that gives fruits and vegetables (like tomatoes and beets) their red color. Lycopene is thought to support prostate health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n The evidence supporting the use of lycopene is also uncertain:\n<\/p>\n Lycopene has\u00a0no RDA or upper unsafe limit. However, the excessive consumption of lycopene can cause stomach upset and skin color changes.\n<\/p>\n 4. Green Tea <\/p>\n Compounds in green tea called catechins have potent antioxidant effects. Chief among these is epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG)<\/a>, a type of catechin that may prevent certain cancers by inhibiting the growth of mutated cells.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Evidence is mixed on the benefits of green tea catechins for prostate health:\n<\/p>\n Consuming 400 mg daily of EGCG is considered well-tolerated and safe. However, taking them on an empty stomach can cause stomach upset.\n<\/p>\n 5. Modified Citrus Pectin <\/p>\n Modified citrus pectin (MCP) has long been noted for its anticancer effects, specifically its ability to slow tumor development. It appears to block the activity of a specific molecule called galectin-3 that contributes to cancer growth.\n<\/p>\n Although few studies exist on MCP for prostate health, some of the research is promising:\n<\/p>\n MCP is generally regarded as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is well-tolerated by most individuals with few side effects.\n<\/p>\n 6. Vitamin D <\/p>\n Vitamin D<\/a> is a fat-soluble vitamin that may help reduce circulating male sex hormones (androgens) that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer.\n<\/p>\n There is mixed evidence supporting vitamin D supplementation for prostate health:\n<\/p>\n The RDA for vitamin D for males 18 to 70 years\u00a0is 15 mcg or 600 international units (IU). Taking excess amounts can cause diarrhea and interact with diuretics (“water pills”), anticoagulants (“blood thinners”), and other drugs.\n<\/p>\n 7. Soy <\/p>\n Soy found in tofu, miso, soy milk, and other foods<\/a> contain plant-based compounds called isoflavones<\/a> that may support prostate health. One type known as genistein has been shown in lab studies to impair the growth of prostate tissues in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.\n<\/p>\n Even so, studies to date have yielded mixed results:\n<\/p>\n Soy is generally well-tolerated in non-allergic individuals but may cause bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea in some, particularly with fermented soy.<\/p>\n 8. Saw Palmetto <\/p>\n Saw palmetto<\/a> is a shrub-like palm plant whose berries are commonly used in herbal medicine to treat urinary problems like overactive bladder or incontinence. There is also evidence, albeit weak, that it may help with conditions like BPH and prostatitis (prostate inflammation)<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Saw palmetto is generally safe and well-tolerated with only mild side effects, like upset stomach and headaches.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n 9. African Cherry Bark <\/p>\n Alternative practitioners commonly cite African cherry bark as an effective natural treatment for BPH. African cherry bark contains steroid-like compounds called phytosterols<\/a> that may help lower prostate inflammation.\n<\/p>\n Among the research currently available:\n<\/p>\n Studies have safely used African cherry bark at doses between 100 and 200 mg daily for one to two months.\n<\/p>\n 10. Rye Grass Pollen Extract <\/p>\n\n
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