Prostate Health and Supplements: Know the Facts
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men worldwide (1Trusted Source).
However, not all prostate problems are life threatening. In fact, as the prostate gland tends to grow larger with age, it’s not uncommon for men over 50 years old to experience some type of prostate issue (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).
Still, even the symptoms of noncancerous prostate issues, such as painful urination and ejaculation, can greatly affect quality of life (2Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
Supplements are often advertised to support prostate health or help reduce symptoms that are associated with prostate conditions, but you may wonder whether these products are effective.
This article reviews the safety and efficacy of several common ingredients found in prostate supplements.
Prostate health
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that is located below the bladder and wraps around the upper part of the urethra. Its primary function is to produce most of the fluid that comprises semen (1Trusted Source).
Three main conditions can occur in the prostate, including (1Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source):
Acute or chronic prostatitis. This is characterized by inflammation of the prostate. In some cases, prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, while other times the cause is unknown.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate often leads to lower urinary tract symptoms. It’s one of the most common conditions in older men.
Prostate cancer. This form of cancer develops in the prostate. It’s the fourth leading cause of death in men worldwide.
While the early stages of prostate cancer may be asymptomatic, prostate problems are often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms, such as (1Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source):
painful urination
the frequent urge to urinate
waking up in the middle of the night to urinate
erectile dysfunction
pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvic area
Supplements cannot cure or treat prostate-related issues. However, many claim to help prevent or lessen the symptoms associated with prostate problems, generally by reducing inflammation.
Summary
The prostate gland wraps around the urethra and helps produce fluid in semen. Prostatitis, BPH, and prostate cancer are the most common prostate issues and often lead to lower urinary tract symptoms.
Common supplement ingredients
Overall, evidence supporting the effectiveness of supplements for prostate health is weak.
However, limited studies suggest that some ingredients may help lessen some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with prostate issues.
Still, while some ingredients may help make you more comfortable, others may be ineffective or possibly harmful to prostate health. As such, it’s important to always consult a medical provider before taking prostate supplements.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is one of the most common ingredients in prostate health supplements. It’s a type of palm that’s native to the Southeastern United States (8Trusted Source).
Specifically, saw palmetto berries and extracts are used to help treat urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. While the exact mechanism is unknown, it’s thought that saw palmetto’s anti-inflammatory effects likely play a role (8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source).
One study in 165 men with BPH found that taking 160 mg of saw palmetto extract capsules 4 times per day for 12 weeks significantly improved prostate symptom scores, urinary flow rate, and quality of life scores (11Trusted Source).
Similarly, two older studies found improvements in urinary tract symptoms in men after taking saw palmetto supplements daily for 3–6 months (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
While promising, the research on the effectiveness of saw palmetto for symptoms of BPH in humans is limited. Additionally, study findings on its effectiveness for BPH symptoms have been mixed.
In one review of 17 studies that lasted 4–72 weeks, saw palmetto was found to be no more effective at reducing urinary tract symptoms than a placebo (14Trusted Source).
Furthermore, given that doses vary greatly between studies, the optimal effective dose in individuals with BPH is unclear (9Trusted Source).
Also, keep in mind that most studies only include individuals with diagnosed BPH or other prostate issues, so it’s unclear whether supplements would help prevent prostate-related urinary tract symptoms in healthy adults.
Saw palmetto extract has also been claimed to help protect against prostate cancer. Some evidence from test-tube and animal research suggests that treatment with saw palmetto may help block the spread and growth of prostate cancer cells (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).
However, these protective effects have not been demonstrated in humans.
Overall, more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits and appropriate dosage of saw palmetto extract on prostate health.
Finally, while it’s generally considered to be safe, saw palmetto may not be well tolerated by some individuals. The most commonly reported side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and allergic reaction (8Trusted Source).
Beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is a commonly occurring plant compound that belongs to a larger group of substances called phytosterols. Produced by plants, phytosterols are natural steroids that have been linked to several health benefits, including lower cholesterol (18Trusted Source).
Beta-sitosterol, in particular, has been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
Also present in saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation associated with urinary tract symptoms of BPH and possibly protect against prostate cancer (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
While limited test-tube and animal studies have shown beta-sitosterol to have potential anticancer effects, more research is needed in humans (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
One review study on the dietary intake of phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, and cancer risk found that overall phytosterol intake was linked to a reduced risk of cancer (21Trusted Source).
However, it’s uncertain whether phytosterol supplements would have the same protective effect.
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 (22Trusted Source).
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 (22Trusted Source).
Again, despite promising results, much more research is needed on the effectiveness and optimal dosage of beta-sitosterol for prostate health.
Flower pollen extracts
Chronic prostatitis is a painful condition that involves inflammation of the prostate. Common in men under the age of 50, the condition is often characterized by pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and painful urination and ejaculation (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).
While anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen are often used to help reduce inflammation and pain, there has been an increased interest in using flower pollen extracts as a natural alternative to these medications (23Trusted Source).
One study in 65 people with chronic prostatitis found that the daily intake of capsules containing 1 gram of pollen extract and several B vitamins for 3 months significantly improved chronic prostatitis symptoms scores (24Trusted Source).
Additionally, the pollen extract group was found to have significantly lower levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8), a marker of inflammation that has been found to be higher in people with chronic prostatitis (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
Similarly, a review of 10 studies observed that flower pollen extracts significantly improved quality of life and symptom scores in individuals with diagnosed chronic prostatitis (23Trusted Source).
In particular, the most common pollen extract blend used in these clinical trials was Graminex, a mixture of standardized extracts of ryegrass pollen (Secal cereal), corn pollen (Zea mays), and timothy pollen (Phleum pratense) (23Trusted Source).
The review also found flower pollen extracts to be safe without any serious reported side effects (23Trusted Source).
Pygeum
An herbal extract from the bark of the African cherry tree (Prunus africana), pygeum is another common ingredient found in prostate supplements.
Limited test-tube and human studies have shown that pygeum extract may reduce inflammation associated with prostatitis and protect against the growth of cancerous cells (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).
An older review of 18 studies looked at the benefits of pygeum supplements on improving symptoms associated with BPH, compared with a placebo (28Trusted Source).
The review found that pygeum supplements significantly improved urinary flow measures. Additionally, men taking pygeum were more than twice as likely to report an improvement in overall symptoms (28Trusted Source).
However, it’s worth noting that the studies included in the review were small and short. They also only compared pygeum with a placebo, so it’s unclear how its effectiveness compares with standard medical interventions for BPH.
While research on the effectiveness of pygeum supplements is limited, so far it appears to be safe with minimal reported side effects (28Trusted Source).
Nettle root
Nettle (Urtica dioica) root is a flowering plant that’s commonly used in alternative medicine to help reduce pain and inflammation (29Trusted Source).
It has been shown to contain several plant compounds with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. It’s commonly found in supplements used for urinary tract and bladder infections (29Trusted Source).
Limited animal and human studies have noted that it may also help reduce lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH (30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
One older, 6-month study in 558 adult men with symptomatic BPH found that taking 120 mg of nettle root extract three times per day significantly improved lower urinary tract symptoms, compared with a placebo (30Trusted Source).
Additionally, test-tube and animal studies have suggested that nettle root may have anticancer effects. However, no research currently exists to support its ability to help prevent prostate cancer in humans (34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source).
Despite promising results, the majority of research on nettle root extract for prostate health is limited and dated. More large-scale studies are needed to assess its ability to reduce symptoms associated with BPH, as well as its role in prostate cancer.
Pumpkin seed oil
Due to its high concentrations of anti-inflammatory compounds, pumpkin seed oil is another common ingredient in prostate supplements (36Trusted Source).
By reducing inflammation, pumpkin seed oil is thought to help improve urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH and chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (37Trusted Source, 38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source).
In one study of 60 men with BPH, consuming 500 mg of an oil-free hydroethanolic pumpkin seed extract — corresponding to 350 mg of native pumpkin seed oil extract and equivalent to 10 grams of pumpkin seeds — significantly reduced symptoms over 12 weeks (39Trusted Source).
Specifically, taking the pumpkin seed extract supplement was found to reduce International Prostate Symptom Scores by an average of 30% (39Trusted Source).
Still, research on the effectiveness and optimal dosage of pumpkin seed oil for prostate issues is generally limited.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that’s needed for several vital processes in your body, including immune function and bone health (40Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source).
Several observational studies have also suggested a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of prostate cancer (42Trusted Source, 43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source).
Still, the research on whether supplementing with vitamin D can protect against prostate cancer is inconclusive. In fact, one review even found an increased risk of prostate cancer in individuals with high circulating levels of vitamin D (45Trusted Source, 46Trusted Source, 47Trusted Source).
While taking vitamin D supplements may benefit men who are deficient in vitamin D or have low levels of it, supplementing with high doses is not currently recommended for prostate health.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in cell growth and DNA repair. It has also been found to be present in high amounts in prostate tissue (48Trusted Source).
Interestingly, research has found that zinc concentration in the prostate is significantly reduced in people with prostate cancer. Consequently, there’s ongoing research into zinc’s potential role in preventing or slowing the growth of prostate cancer (48Trusted Source).
While some studies have shown high zinc intake to be associated with a reduced risk of advanced prostate cancer, others have found it to be linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer (49Trusted Source, 50Trusted Source, 51Trusted Source, 52Trusted Source).
Overall, the research on zinc and the risk of prostate cancer is inconclusive. Therefore, unless zinc supplements are prescribed by a healthcare provider, they’re not recommended for prostate health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another essential nutrient that’s commonly found in prostate supplements.
Some older studies have suggested that the antioxidant properties of vitamin E may protect against prostate cancer. However, more recent studies have linked vitamin E supplements to an increased risk of prostate cancer (53Trusted Source, 54Trusted Source, 55Trusted Source, 56Trusted Source).
The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) was a large study in which 35,533 men were randomized to one of 4 treatments —200 mcg of selenium per day, 400 IU of vitamin E per day, 400 IU of vitamin E plus 200 mcg of selenium per day, or a placebo (55Trusted Source).
At the end of the study, men taking the vitamin-E-only supplement had a significant, 17% greater risk of developing prostate cancer over 7 years (55Trusted Source).
While research on the potential link between vitamin E and prostate cancer is ongoing, vitamin E supplements are not currently recommended to decrease prostate cancer risk.
Men should avoid supplementing with vitamin E unless advised to do so by their healthcare provider.
Selenium
Selenium is another essential mineral that has attracted some controversy regarding its safety and effectiveness for prostate health.
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 (57Trusted Source, 58Trusted Source).
Yet, one study in 4,459 men found that selenium supplementation after being diagnosed with prostate cancer was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer mortality (59Trusted Source).
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 (60Trusted Source).
However, it’s worth noting that selenium supplements were not found to have a significant effect — positive or negative — on prostate cancer risk in those with low baseline selenium levels (60Trusted Source).
Overall, more research is needed on the safety and efficacy of selenium supplements, especially in populations with high baseline selenium levels and those already diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Other common ingredients
In addition to the ones listed above, many other ingredients commonly found in prostate supplements include:
Lycopene. Studies have found a weak link between high dietary lycopene intake from tomato products and a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Still, more research is needed to confirm this effect for lycopene supplements (61Trusted Source, 62Trusted Source, 63Trusted Source, 64Trusted Source).
Pomegranate extract. Test-tube and animal studies show that pomegranate extract may slow the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. Yet, studies in humans have not found a significant improvement in cancer progression (65Trusted Source, 66Trusted Source, 67Trusted Source).
Green tea extract. A high intake of green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Additionally, compounds in green tea may have anticancer properties. Yet, more conclusive research is needed (68Trusted Source).
Soy isoflavones. Limited animal and observational human studies have found soy isoflavones to be protective against prostate cancer, while others have found no significant effect. More high quality studies in humans are needed (69Trusted Source, 70Trusted Source)
While it’s safe to obtain these ingredients through whole foods in your diet, more research is needed to confirm whether consuming them in supplement form will have a beneficial and meaningful effect on your prostate health.
Summary
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. Overall, more research is needed.
The bottom line
Numerous prostate supplements on the market claim to help support prostate health.
While some ingredients may relieve urinary tract symptoms that are associated with prostate issues, the research on their effectiveness is generally limited.
Furthermore, as some supplements may contain ingredients like vitamin E or zinc, which could be potentially harmful to prostate health, it’s important to pay close attention to what’s in the product you’re buying.
When purchasing supplements, always be sure to choose products from a reputable company. To ensure quality and accuracy, look for products that have been third-party certified by organizations like NSF International or United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Finally, as supplements cannot treat or cure prostate issues, it’s important to discuss any concerns that you have about your prostate health with a medical provider. In particular, any signs of prostate cancer should be addressed with your doctor as soon as possible.
