Best Prostate Supplements

Introduction

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It’s located around the urethra (the tube that leads out of the bladder). The prostate produces seminal fluid, and when functioning properly, allows the body to switch between urinating and sexual function. It tends to grow in size later in life and may press on the urethra, making urination difficult. If the problem is severe, it may require prescription medicine or even an operation. However, there are also over-the-counter prostate supplements that can relieve some of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. We’ll look at the characteristics of some of the best prostate supplements, what they contain, and how to identify them.

What Forms of Prostate Supplements are There?

Among the MSN list of the top prostate supplements, you’ll see prostate supplements in both softgel and in liquid form:

• Softgels: These are popular because they are small and relatively easy to swallow than pills. They also have a long shelf life. An example is the NOW Prostate Health Supplements, containing saw palmetto extract, beta-sitosterol, and lycopene, as well as zinc, selenium, and Vitamin D3.

NOW Prostate Health Supplements

• In liquid form: Some prefer taking a supplement in liquid form. It is easier to swallow and ensures quicker and more efficient absorption in the body. An example is the Prostavec Prostate Support, which allows you to absorb 45% of the active ingredients within only 30 seconds!

Prostavec Prostate Support

• Animal-derived: One item in the MSN list of the best prostate supplements is particularly interesting, due to the source of the supplement. The Ancestral Supplements Grassfed Prostate Supplement is based on the “paleo diet” and "like heals like": the idea that consuming animal organ meats and glands can assist in the health of these organs in humans. It contains animal liver and prostate, and is rich in Vitamins A, B12, D, K, iron, iodine, and magnesium.

Ancestral Supplements Grassfed Prostate Supplement

What Other Benefits do Prostate Supplements Provide?

Prostate supplements may have added benefits besides relieving symptoms such as difficulty with urination:

• Improving testosterone levels: Saw palmetto extract is also used in testosterone supplements.

• May reduce hair loss: Saw palmetto extract may block the enzyme that converts testosterone to a hormone linked to hair loss. Thus, saw palmetto extract may also have the added benefit of slowing hair loss.

• Lowering cholesterol levels: Plant sterols such as beta-sitosterol may also reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. This is another plus for supplements containing beta-sitosterol.

What Possible Problems Can There Be With Prostate Supplements?

As we mentioned, almost half of all men over age 50 will suffer some problem with their prostate. There is therefore a high demand for over-the-counter relief or preventive medication, to avoid medical examinations or even surgery in the future.

But you have to be cautious about purchasing a supplement. There are some telltale signs that a particular supplement will not be effective:

• Exaggerated claims: Some prostate supplements make exaggerated claims about their effectiveness, such as promising that you’ll be able to urinate like you did when you were 20 years old!

• Lack of transparency: Prostate supplements that advertise being a “proprietary blend” don’t display all of the ingredients on the label. There have been cases in which these “proprietary blends” have been laboratory tested, and the concentration of the active ingredients was less than advertised.

• Not clinically tested: Many supplements rely on the findings of studies on the individual ingredients (saw palmetto extract, lycopene, or beta-sitosterol), without the supplement itself having actually been tested. Try to purchase compounds that have been tested and certified by physicians.

• Allergic reactions: Supplements that use herbal ingredients may trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. Be aware of any possible allergens in the supplement, and don’t exceed the recommended dosage.

• Getting a doctor’s approval: If you have any urinary problems, it’s best to consult a physician before taking a prostate supplement. This is to make sure that there will not be any adverse reactions to medications that you may already be taking.

Wrap Up

As we’ve seen, there is a wide selection of prostate supplements on the market. We spoke about the ingredients that have shown success when taken alone, as well as ingredients that may only be effective in tandem with other nutrients. You should have enough information to make an educated decision as to which supplement is best for you.