Prostate Health Supplements
Studies have long indicated that prostate cancer and diet are closely related. The reduced-fat, ample fruits and vegetables, high-grain diet outlined by the American Heart Association not only will reduce the risk of heart disease, but may be prostate-healthy as well. As the body's needs for vitamins and nutrients goes way up when it is fighting disease, supplements may be necessary for men suffering from prostate problems.
Vitamin D
African-American men with dark skin have the world's highest rates of prostate cancer. Researchers believe that this might be due to the fact that their skin absorbs less sunlight--and therefore less vitamin D--than men with light skin. Age also leads to an increased vitamin D deficiency, and with it a higher risk of prostate cancer. In addition, evidence indicates that vitamin D slows the growth of advanced prostate cancer. Supplemental vitamin D dosage is 800 to 1,000 IU daily in the fall and winter, and 400 to 800 IU a day in the spring and summer.
Vitamin E
While vitamin E found in foods is absorbed by the body more efficiently than supplements, both have been found to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. A large Finnish study conducted by the Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Medical Technology, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, found that male smokers who took 50 IU of vitamin E daily were less likely to suffer from prostate cancer and less likely to die of the cancers which did arise. Though the vitamin appears to be most effective for current or recent smokers, all males with prostate problems should take the recommended dosage of 50 to 100 IU of synthetic or natural vitamin E a day.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral and antioxidant that works closely with vitamin E to prevent prostate cancer and to reduce the growth of tumors. The two supplements together may repair damaged cells or cause abnormal cells to die off. A dose of 100 to 200 micrograms a day is associated with a decrease in both localized and advanced prostate cancers. Doses over 100 micrograms should be taken under medical supervision.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement that has received much study over the years. Research indicates that it may be beneficial in the treatment of urinary symptoms caused by benign prostate-gland enlargement. It has no proven effect, however, on prostate cancer.
IP6 Phytate
IP6 (phytate) is found in a variety of foods including beans, corn and wheat. As a supplement it has been shown to inhibit a number of cancer cell lines, including prostate cancer.
Zinc
There is a high amount of zinc in the prostate gland, which may help it to fight infection. No large studies have been done to offer conclusive evidence, but zinc deficiency may lead to benign prostastic hyperplasia, or BPH, otherwise referred to as an enlarged prostate. According to two limited studies by the University of Edinburgh Medical School in Scotland, shrinkage of prostate overgrowth may be attributed to a daily dose of 50mg to 100mg of zinc. It is recommended that zinc levels should not exceed 15mg daily.
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