Are there any prostate supplements I should be taking?
The prostate gland plays a crucial role in male reproductive health. As men age, concerns grow regarding prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Many men start to look to dietary supplements to delay or prevent disease or as an alternative to conventional medical treatments – a more “natural” way to manage symptoms, if you will.
Let’s look at some commonly cited prostate supplements and see what the scientific evidence suggests.
Calcium
Calcium is a vital mineral for building and maintaining strong bones, but its role as a prostate supplement is controversial. Some studies have shown that men with a diet high in calcium may have a lower risk of prostate cancer, and others have suggested it increases the risk.
For example, a case-control study available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website concludes that calcium from food is associated with a lower risk for prostate cancer.
But there are also studies noted on the National Library of Medicine’s Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements summary that have found an association between high intakes of calcium supplements, dairy foods, or both, and an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
The National Cancer Institute documents a long list of studies available for review that also provide conflicting information.
The bottom line: Be mindful of your calcium intake and aim to meet your primary needs through food sources, particularly plant-based ones like almonds, tofu, and leafy greens, rather than relying heavily on supplements. A doctor may specifically advise you to take supplements for conditions like osteoporosis or if you undergo specific treatments that put you at risk for bone loss.
Green Tea
Green tea and its extracts have been marketed as dietary supplements for the prevention of a wide variety of diseases, including prostate cancer.
In Asian countries, where green tea is regularly consumed, prostate cancer mortality rates are among the lowest in the world. And there have been studies that have identified green tea catechins like EGCG to act as a male hormone antagonist, helping to suppress prostate cancer cell growth.
However, in a 2019 analysis of currently published data from in vitro studies, animal experiments, and clinical trials, researchers concluded that no established evidence conclusively showing that green tea could prevent or treat prostate cancer. Another study published in 2021 also showed no evidence that green tea had any significant impact on PSA levels.
The bottom line: No safety concerns have been reported for green tea consumed as a beverage. However, green tea does have caffeine. So, if you suffer from symptoms of BPH, like urinary frequency, you may want to avoid green tea in large quantities.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a naturally occurring pigment that gives certain fruits and vegetables their red coloring. Tomatoes, watermelon, red oranges, pink grapefruit, apricots, rose hips, and guava all contain lycopene.
Numerous studies have linked higher dietary intake of lycopene, particularly from tomatoes and tomato-based products, with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. One comprehensive meta-analysis of more than 100 studies found that high dietary intakes or blood levels of lycopene were associated with a five-to-11 percent reduction in overall cancer risk.
However, the evidence regarding lycopene supplements is far less convincing. An analysis published in 2011found no statistically significant difference in PSA levels between men receiving lycopene supplements and control groups.
Similar results have been found when evaluating lycopene in the treatment of enlarged prostate symptoms – consumption of tomato-based products may offer some relief, but taking lycopene supplements does not appear to confer the same benefits.
The bottom line: Lycopene, whether from food or supplements in dosages ranging from 15 mg to 45 mg daily, appears safe for most individuals. Lycopene may slow blood clotting, so caution is advised for patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications or NSAIDs.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Saw palmetto is marketed to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. The saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. The plant makes fruit, about the size of a berry, and the dried ripe fruit is the part of the plant used for dietary supplements.
Scientific data on the efficacy of saw palmetto in relieving BPH symptoms is mixed. Some studies have indicated that it can improve symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty initiating or maintaining urination, and nocturia. However, other trials have found it to be no more effective than a placebo in relieving BPH symptoms. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health concludes that saw palmetto is “probably not helpful” for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
Saw palmetto is generally considered well-tolerated when used appropriately. The most common side effects are digestive symptoms (nausea, stomach pain), dizziness, and headaches.
The bottom line: Don’t try to self-treat BPH symptoms with saw palmetto. Please see a doctor to make sure your symptoms aren’t from something more serious, like prostate cancer. Saw palmetto also has some possible interactions with other drugs, including finasteride and blood thinners.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral, meaning the body only needs a small amount. It is found naturally in foods like Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, and poultry. It is also available as a dietary supplement.
The evidence regarding selenium and prostate cancer risk has been contradictory and complex over the years. The landmark Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) initially found that selenium supplementation resulted in no statistically significant difference in the rate of prostate cancer. Then, some secondary analyses suggested that selenium supplementation in men who already had sufficient selenium levels might increase the risk of developing more aggressive prostate cancer.
But another systematic review and meta-analysis of selenium in 2018 concluded that selenium most probably has a protective role against the development of prostate cancer and its progression to advanced stages.
The bottom line: If men benefit from selenium supplementation, and what dosage may be correct, is still up in the air. Don’t supplement with selenium without talking to a physician. While selenium is an essential nutrient, high doses or prolonged supplementation can lead to toxicity (selenosis). Common side effects include hair loss, nail brittleness, skin rash, fatigue, irritability, nausea, vomiting, and a garlic-like breath odor. More serious side effects can include neurological damage, liver cirrhosis, and in extreme cases, organ failure or death.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral for normal prostate function and semen production. Normal prostate tissue has one of the highest concentrations of zinc in the body, and these high levels are often significantly reduced in cancerous prostate cells.
A 2024 meta-analysis of published studies and trials about zinc and prostate cancer again concluded that high zinc levels might have a protective role in prostate cancer, but more studies need to be done.
There have also been studies that have linked high zinc consumption, particularly from supplements, to an increased risk of prostate cancer. One study concluded that zinc supplementation of more than 75 mg per day or over 15 years may increase the risk of lethal and aggressive prostate cancer.
The bottom line: There is no conclusive evidence that supplementation will benefit prostate health. Look to your diet for healthy sources of zinc, such as seafood, poultry, grains, and legumes.
Recommendations for men considering prostate supplements
A healthy lifestyle, including prioritizing a balanced, plant-rich diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking, is foundational to overall health and prostate health. Don’t turn to supplements as a substitute for these fundamental health practices.
The landscape of dietary supplements is complex. It’s full of unsubstantiated claims and marketing that often outpace rigorous scientific validation. Ownership is on patients and their healthcare providers to work together to evaluate the benefits and risks of prostate supplements based on a patient’s individual health and medical history.
If you are concerned about your prostate health, visit our website to learn more about the conditions we treat. Or find a location near you and make an appointment to talk to a urologist.
