A registered dietitian nutritionist evaluates the research
Theprostateis a small gland in men that helps makesemen.
It is normal for the prostate to grow with age.
However, age also increases the risk of developing specific prostate issues.
MoMo Productions / Getty Images
Common prostate conditions include the following:
Certain supplements may support prostate health.
This article reviews the evidence behind supplements for prostate health.
It also covers possible side effects of these supplements, interactions, and dosage information.
MoMo Productions / Getty Images
What Supplements Are Used for Prostate Health?
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States.
Age, race, and genetics affect the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Age, race, and medications, among other factors, influence the development of BPH.
Many vitamins, minerals, and herbs may support prostate health and influence the risk of prostate cancer.
Supplements provide a nutrient boost but may not always be warranted.
On some occasions, supplements may even do more harm than good.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Selenium
Seleniumis essential for DNA stability and cell health.
It also acts as an antioxidant to reduce cellular damage.
Large population studies show a link between low selenium levels and a higher risk of prostate cancer.
Thesupplement formmay also influence the effectiveness of selenium.
Selenium may interact with some medications.
Cisplatin, a bang out ofchemotherapyfor certain cancers, can reduce selenium levels.
Conversely, selenium may ease the side effects of cisplatin.
Zinc
Zincis an essential nutrient in tissues with high cell turnover rates, such as prostate tissue.
Additionally, zinc is required for semen production and health.
Health issues occur when prostate cells can no longer store zinc.
Conflicting data limit the use of zinc supplementation for prostate health.
Moreover, the specificsupplement formmay influence the effect of zinc.
The RDA for zinc for males 14 and older is 11 milligrams (mg) daily.
Excessive zinc intake reduces the absorption of other vital nutrients like iron and copper.
Lycopene
Lycopeneis a plant chemical (carotenoid) that gives fruits and vegetables a red color.
Tomatoes are a potent source of lycopene.
Lycopene supports prostate health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect cells from damage.
Lycopene from food or tomato-based products may support prostate health.
However, taking lycopene supplements does not seem to have the same beneficial effect.
The amount of lycopene in a tomato depends on the pop in and ripeness of the fruit.
Lycopene may slow blood clotting.
Green Tea
Certain plant compounds ingreen tea(catechins) contribute to the beverages health-promoting effects.
Catechins fightfree radicals(unstable molecules) to provideantioxidantand anti-inflammatory benefits.
Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), a throw in of catechin, may prevent cancer cell development.
EGCG participates in cell pathways that inhibit cell growth and the release of inflammatory molecules.
Evidence is mixed on the benefits of green tea for prostate health.
Consuming 400 mg daily of EGCG is well-tolerated and safe.
Pectins are an indigestible,soluble fiberin plant cell walls.
Few studies exist on MCP for prostate health, but research is promising.
Long-term supplementation of MCP may slow the progression of prostate cancer.
MCP blocks the activity of a specific molecule (galectin-3 protein) that contributes to cancer development.
Still, additional research is necessary to determine the optimal dosage for prostate health.
Vitamin D
Vitamin Dis a fat-soluble vitamin essential for countless body processes.
There is mixed evidence supporting vitamin D supplementation for prostate health.
Some research suggestssupplementing with vitaminD improves PSA levels.
Consuming more vitamin D may be linked to a lower rate of BPH.
Vitamin D may reduce inflammation and prevent prostate growth, two attributes of BPH.
For men older than 70, the RDA is 20 mcg or 800 IU.
Excessive vitamin D supplementation istoxic.
In particular,isoflavones(a bang out of phytochemical) found in soy foods support prostate health.
Research yields mixed results for the use of soyisoflavonesupplements.
Adverse effects may occur with the use of isoflavone supplements.
Additionally, evidence for isoflavone supplements for prostate health is minimal and unsupported.
Additionally, saw palmetto may improve prostate inflammation.
Saw palmetto is generally well-tolerated with only mild side effects of digestion issues or headaches.
There are no apparent interactions between medications and saw palmetto.
The most common dosage for African cherry is 100 to 200 mg daily for one to two months.
Rye Grass Pollen Extract
Limited research exists for rye grass pollen extract (Cernilton).
However, existing research shows its benefit on prostate health is multifaceted.
Rye grass pollen extract relaxes muscles in the urethra, reduces inflammation, and inhibits cell growth.
Research suggests 750 mg of rye grass pollen daily alleviates BPH symptoms.
Still, the exact dosage to support prostate health is unclear.
In the United States, the FDA does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Other Considerations for Prostate Health
Besides supplements, lifestyle can support prostate health.
Incorporating movement and plant-based foods into everyday life helps maintain prostate health.
Movement / Exercise
Movement preserves prostate health by lowering inflammation andsympathetic nervous systemactivity.
Pelvic floor exercisemay alleviate symptoms of anenlarged prostate, such as trouble with urination.
However, exercise should not be used in place of medical treatment for lower urinary tract issues or BPH.
Nutrition
A vegetarian orvegan dietmay lower the risk of death from prostate cancer.
One large meta-analysis observed a 10% reduced risk of death from prostate cancer among vegetarians compared to omnivores.
A plant-based diet is also linked to lower PSA levels.
PSA is used to help screen for prostate issues, including infection, inflammation, and prostate cancer.
Screening
Routine appointments with healthcare providers support prostate health.
Issues affecting the ability to urinate could be a sign of prostate problems.
Consult your healthcare provider if you experience trouble urinating, pelvic pressure, or frequent urination at night.
However, it is not recommended as a screening tool for prostate cancer.
Summary
Supplements may support prostate health.
But more robust data is needed before supplements can be fully recommended.
In some cases, supplements can do more harm than good.
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a supplement.
However, the evidence is mixed.
There is no single supplement for prostate health.
Depending on your health history and symptoms, a supplement may benefit your prostate health.
But always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Supplements may not be necessary for prostate health.
Instead, it may help to focus on plant foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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