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Health effect

Prostate Health

Urinary symptoms and prostate cancer prevention: two separate questions for supplement research.

Organ Function

Why am I getting up at night?

An enlarged prostate can cause frequent urination, a weaker stream and incomplete emptying. Other causes are possible, so symptoms need assessment. 1

Does enlargement mean cancer?

Benign prostate enlargement is not prostate cancer. Treatment depends on how troublesome symptoms are and whether complications develop. 1

Nutrients with the strongest ratings

Sorted by the largest rated effect. Bars show effect size, the letter is the evidence grade.

PygeumModerateA
LycopeneModerateA
Pumpkin Seed ExtractModerateB
SoyModerateB
Saw PalmettoModerateB
Stinging NettleModerateB
DIMSmallC
Every ratingEvery nutrient rated for prostate health, with search

Does saw palmetto help urinary symptoms?

NCCIH summarizes a 2023 review of 27 studies in men with benign prostate enlargement. 2

Saw palmettoNot supported

Used alone, it produced little or no symptom benefit. Findings for combinations with other herbs remain uncertain. 2

Can supplements prevent prostate cancer?

SELECT enrolled over 35,000 men aged 50 or older. Selenium and vitamin E, alone or together, did not prevent prostate cancer. 3

What harm did SELECT find?

With 400 IU vitamin E daily, prostate cancer diagnoses were higher: 76 versus 65 per 1,000 men over about seven years. This was a supplement trial, not a test of vitamin E in ordinary foods. 3

Is saw palmetto harmless?

Reported side effects include digestive symptoms, dizziness and headache. Discuss herbal products with a clinician if you take medicines. 2

Questions people ask

When is it urgent?

Sudden inability to pass urine is an emergency requiring prompt treatment. 1

Does a higher saw palmetto dose work?

A trial testing up to three times the usual dose did not find symptom improvement. 2

Can I just monitor mild symptoms?

After assessment, monitoring may be appropriate when symptoms are mild and there are no complications. 1

Does selenium protect against prostate cancer?

SELECT did not demonstrate prevention with selenium supplements. 3

Sources