Top 7 Prostate Health Supplements You Try

Prostate health supplements swarm the market, but how do you decide on the best one? Here we break down supplements we're eyeing and why.

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Prostate Health Supplements That May Be Promising

 

Prostate Health Supplements

1. Natural Factors Prostate Health Complete Herbal Formula

Natural Factors is a company based in Canada, but also has offices, labs, and manufacturing centers in the US.

They have third party product verification and certification from Isura. This tells us that their products are non-GMO compliant, adulterant-free, contaminant-free, are authenticated and are accurately-labeled.

The Isura lab is ISO 17025 is certified for specific methods.

Unlike many supplements, the brand asks you to take only one softgel per day. Other brands may ask you to take two capsules before a meal.

It contains ingredients that are widely researched for their potential for prostate health.

• Saw palmetto 160mg
• Beta sitosterol 100mg
• Nettle 75mg
• Flower pollen 25mg
• Pygeum africanum 25mg
• Turmeric 25mg

However it's important to note that researchers don't know yet the required dosage for these ingredients to have any effect at all.

2. Life Extension Ultra Prostate Formula

Life Extension is another company that is known to conduct thorough research that they apply to their formulations.

The company is also NSF-certified (National Sanitation Foundation). They audit the company's internal processes as well as quality control of raw materials and finished products.

Like most supplements, you take two softgels a day with meals.

The ingredient lists include promising substances like:

• Saw palmetto 320mg
• Stinging and dwarf nettle extracts 240mg
• Pumpkin seed oil 200mg
• Beta-sitosterol 180mg
• Lycopene 10mg

They also formulate with their own patented substances like AprèsFlex and Graminex Flower Pollen Extract which may have anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Doctor's Best Comprehensive Prostate Formula

Doctor's Best works with cGMP-certified manufacturing facilities. CGMP are current Good Manufacturing Practices that the FDA enforce on pharmaceuticals.

They formulate with science-backed ingredients and up-to-date research.

The directions instruct you to take 4 capsules a day.

Their formula comprises of promising ingredients as well.

• Saw palmetto 640mg
• African pygeum bark 100mg
• Nettle root 300mg
• Selenium (as SelenoExcell) 200mcg
• Lycopene 15mg

4. NOW FOODS Saw Palmetto Extract Men's Health

NOW FOODS is a family-owned company. They formulate and manufacture their products in their own laboratories and GMP-certified facilities.

Unlike other supplements that add many ingredients, NOW FOODS uses only two active ingredients for overall prostate health.

• Saw palmetto 320mg
• Pumpkin seed oil 80mg

Having plenty of active ingredients may not mean that it's the best supplement as it will all depend on how it's formulated. A supplement with few ingredients may help support prostate function health just as well as other supplements that carry more than two active ingredients.

Also bear in mind that there is no conclusive evidence yet that these ingredients do have benefits towards prostate health.

Unlike other supplements, you only need to take one softgel a day.

5. NOW FOODS Prostate Support

NOW FOODS is a company with a good reputation that tests for quality and safety. On top, they also boast strict FDA compliance. So we're also adding another supplement from the brand.

In comparison to the Saw Palmetto Extract, this supplement contains more ingredients studied for their prostate benefits.

• Zinc 15mg
• Saw palmetto 160mg
• Stinging nettle root extract 300mg
• Pumpkin seed oil 1g
• Lycopene (natural tomato extract) 3mg

Unlike their Saw Palmetto extract, you take two softgels once or twice a day with meals.

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6. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate +

Garden of Life is non-GMO and NSF-certified.

Their prostate health supplement is unique as it doesn't contain the more popular ingredients. Instead they employ shelf-stable probiotics to support overall gastrointestinal in addition to prostate health. Shelf-stable probiotics mean that this doesn't need to be stored in the refrigerator unlike most probiotics.

Probiotics are widely known to strengthen your immunity. Studies show that probiotics may protect against different types of cancer. This, however, requires more research.

The supplement contains 15 probiotic strains and 50 billion total probiotic cultures. They also formulated with vitamin D3 to support prostate health. Organic Flowens are clinically studied for their urinary tract and prostate benefits.

It's also soy-, gluten-, dairy-free, and vegetarian.

It's recommended to take two capsules daily, with or without meals.

7. 21st Century Prostate Health With Beta-Sitosterol

21st Century manufactures their supplements guided by cGMP in their FDA-compliant facilities.

The manufacturer recommends to take two softgels daily, one in the morning or at night, or as advised by a doctor. The label also includes a warning not to exceed the recommended daily dosage.

The ingredient list includes vitamins and a wealth of minerals that may potentially be prostate-supporting:

• Vitamin D3 200 mcg (100% of daily value)
• Vitamin B6 10mg (588% of daily value)
• Zinc 10mg (91% of daily value)
• Lycopene 4mg
• Plant sterol esters 450mg (including Beta-sitosterol 125mg)
• Saw palmetto extract 60mg
• Pumpkin seed oil 350mg
• Boron 2mg
• Boswellia extract 100mg
• Pygeum africanum 50mg

Ingredients to Watch Out for in Prostate Health Supplements

1. Saw Palmetto

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate is common among older men. Saw palmetto (palm tree) extract is studied for its possible anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Clinical studies show that saw palmetto may promote lower urinary tract health in older men experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

One subject had a stomachache, but did not require any medication.

Another study showed that the extract may be a safe and effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

While research so far shows the potential of saw palmetto, the proper dosage and long term effects are still not clear. Because of this, study results are inconsistent and are difficult to repeat.

If you suffer from BPH, book an appointment with your doctor.

You can also find a plant sterol within Saw palmetto that is investigated for its own potential prostate-supporting abilities.

2. Beta-Sitosterols Plant Sterols

Beta-sitosterols can be found in plants (phytosterols) and are commonly sold as dietary supplements. It's known for its effectiveness in treating BPH in human trials, and may even have anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However its mechanisms are unknown.

Its long-term effects and effectiveness are also unknown.

3. Nettle Root

Nettle is a common herbal remedy, mostly known for its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It could also, with its own phytosterol contents, help relieve symptoms of BPH.

A 6-month study with 558 patients found that nettle root may help relieve lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. The patients also had improved International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS). There was even a modest decrease in the size of the prostate.

Again, while the results of the clinic trials show plenty of promise, more human trials are needed to conclude the efficacy and safety of nettle root.

4. Boron

A small study found that dietary boron may be associated with a lower risk for prostate cancer.

Another small animal study found that low doses of boric acid reduced the size of the tumors in mice by 38%.

However a different study found that boron was unable to reduce cancer risk.

With very limited literature on the topic, it's difficult to determine whether boron does have anti-cancer properties.

5. Pumpkin Seed Oil

Clinic trials show that pumpkin seed oil may be an effective alternate or complement to traditional medicine for BPH.

One trial found that the subjects' IPSS and quality of life had improved after three months of taking 320mg daily.

A small study found that pumpkin seed oil may help manage chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.

However bear in mind that current studies are small and the time frames are too short to determine efficacy and long-term effects.

If you're having difficulty with BPH, consult your doctor first.

6. Pygeum Africanum

The phytotherapeutic agent may possess anti-inflammatory properties and antiproliferative effects.

Another study also suggests that the bark may have antiproliferative and apoptotic on prostate fiberblasts with BPH.

Pygeum africanum is a popular treatment for BPH, however its active ingredients are unknown.

A review of trials cite that there aren't enough studies comparing pygeum africanum to standard medicines to determine whether it's an effective alternative. And with trials averaging 64 days only. While men that were treated with pygeum africanum were more likely to report improvements in symptoms, more high quality research is needed before any conclusions can be made.

7. Lycopene

Limited studies suggest that lycopene, a natural source of antioxidants, may also possess anti-cancer properties that could help prevent prostate cancer.

However, a systematic review found that while tomatoes may have a protective effect in Asian and Oceania regions, studies from other countries do not share the same results.

The researchers also add that there are very few high-quality studies on the topic. Because of this, it's difficult to say whether lycopene can in fact protect against prostate cancer.

8. Zinc

Zinc is a heavy metal that is naturally found within prostate tissue. In fact, Zinc loss could be considered as a marker for prostate cancer.

An animal study also found that tumor growth is reduced in cases where zinc content is high.

On the other hand, another study found that zinc may actually increase the risk of low grade or localized tumors. The same study purports that it may even increase the risk of prostate cancer in men with genetic susceptibility.

How We Chose Prostate Health Supplements

Health supplements lie in a gray area. Despite making many therapeutic claims, they do not require approval or certification from the FDA or other authorized bodies. Because of this, many brands do not share their formulation nor test their products.

So we're doing the research for you so you don't have to. We've listed some products that comply with FDA standards for manufacturing, are certified by third-party organizations, or formulate with promising ingredients.

It's important to note that there is no conclusive evidence that supplements of any kind can treat prostate-related disorders. Even though many companies may claim to prevent or treat conditions such as prostatitis or prostate cancer, there is little to no evidence that suggests it's possible with supplements.

There are, however, medical procedures and medication that may help relieve symptoms.

The Crux of Prostate Health Supplements

Keep in mind – the first line of defense can only be an appointment with a licensed medical professional.

Also important to remember that the FDA does not regulate supplements like they do pharmaceuticals, so take marketing ploys with a grain of salt.

BPH is common in older men but could be highly disruptive in daily life. There are medically recognized therapeutic interventions you may discuss with your doctor to help alleviate symptoms. There are also lifestyle changes you can apply that may help relieve symptoms.

If you do want to take supplements, discuss the ingredients and dosages with your physician. It's possible that there are ingredients you are allergic to or minerals that could react negatively with your current medication.

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