The "best" prostate supplement depends on individual needs, but top ingredients often include Saw Palmetto, Beta-Sitosterol, Zinc, and Stinging Nettle Root, which research suggests help with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms like frequent urination, though results vary. For overall health, nutrients like Selenium and Lycopene (from food) are also studied. Look for third-party tested brands like Life Extension PalmettoGuard or NOW Beta-Sitosterol, but always consult a doctor before starting any supplement.
Best Prostate Health Products
Prostate supplements offer mixed results; some ingredients like saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and nettle root might provide modest symptom relief for an enlarged prostate (BPH) for some men, but large studies often find them no better than a placebo, and strong evidence for cancer prevention is lacking, with experts recommending diet, exercise, and consulting a doctor over relying on supplements. Supplements aren't regulated like drugs, so quality varies, and they can interact with medications, making a healthcare provider consultation crucial before starting any new supplement, especially vitamin E, which has been linked to increased cancer risk.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
These medicines shrink the prostate. They do this by preventing hormone changes that cause the prostate to grow. Examples include finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart). They might take up to six months to work well and can cause sexual side effects.
Medications for BPH
Tamsulosin and alfuzosin are common alpha blockers often used as the first line of defense against BPH symptoms. They can provide relief for many individuals. 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: These medications target the hormones (dihydrotestosterone) that cause the prostate to grow.
Ejaculation may protect the prostate by flushing out harmful chemicals that build up in semen. It is also possible ejaculation does not actually protect against prostate cancer. Men who ejaculate more may have healthier lifestyle habits that decrease their odds of being diagnosed with the disease.
Supplements That Show Promise
Pumpkin seeds: These and pumpkin seed oil extract seem to help with BPH symptoms and may shrink the size of the prostate. It may also be helpful when used along with other supplements such as saw palmetto.
The outlook for people with BPH is very good. BPH doesn't have a cure, but treatments can help alleviate your symptoms. Mild symptoms may not require treatment. Medications, surgery and minimally invasive treatments can treat more severe cases.
Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy treats the source of BPH — your enlarged prostate. This short, in-office procedure uses the natural energy stored in a few drops of water to shrink the prostate. So urine can flow freely.
In Australia, Swisse is frequently cited as the most trusted vitamin and supplement brand, consistently winning the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands award, while Blackmores is another long-standing, highly trusted name with deep naturopathic roots, and brands like BioCeuticals and Nutra Organics are also recognized for quality and specific niches. The "most trusted" title often depends on consumer perception and specific product needs, with Swisse leading in general consumer trust and others leading in practitioner or specialty areas.
BioCeuticals are practitioner-only because they offer more potent, specialized formulas with higher doses and unique ingredients that require guidance from a qualified healthcare professional (like a naturopath, nutritionist, or doctor) for safe and effective use, ensuring they complement a tailored treatment plan rather than being a one-size-fits-all solution. This model ensures consumers get expert advice to match the right high-quality supplement to their specific health needs, avoiding potential misuse or ineffectiveness, says BioCeuticals and Back to Basics Chiropractic.
Neither Swisse nor Blackmores is definitively "better"; they are both leading Australian brands with strong reputations, but Swisse recently won "Most Trusted Vitamin Brand" in 2024, while Blackmores is known for rigorous testing, making the choice depend on personal preference for brand trust or quality assurance, as both offer similar, scientifically-backed products.
Choosing a prostate wellness supplement is best when one focuses on quality products and ingredients that are effective. Supplements of zinc, saw palmetto, and beta-sitosterol seem to show the most benefit for urinary and prostate wellness.
The "Big 3" supplements vary slightly by expert, but commonly recommended foundational supplements include Omega-3s, Vitamin D, and Protein Powder, with some lists swapping protein for Probiotics or Creatine, all aimed at filling common nutritional gaps for overall health, brain, heart, and muscle support.
Nature Made® │ #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin & Supplement Brand.
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.
The cooling effect of Vicks may give the impression that it reduces swelling or inflammation. Unfortunately, there's no scientific evidence to support Vicks VapoRub for prostate enlargement, prostatitis, or prostate cancer.
Because the average patient with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or LUTS/BPH, has a remaining life expectancy of 15 to 20 years, both short-term and long-term outcomes matter in the management of LUTS/BPH.
Prostate supplements offer mixed results; some ingredients like saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and nettle root might provide modest symptom relief for an enlarged prostate (BPH) for some men, but large studies often find them no better than a placebo, and strong evidence for cancer prevention is lacking, with experts recommending diet, exercise, and consulting a doctor over relying on supplements. Supplements aren't regulated like drugs, so quality varies, and they can interact with medications, making a healthcare provider consultation crucial before starting any new supplement, especially vitamin E, which has been linked to increased cancer risk.
In one preliminary study, 19 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia took 150 mg of zinc daily for two months, and then 50 to 100 mg daily. In 74% of the men, the prostate became smaller.
After 7 days of not ejaculating, unreleased sperm are reabsorbed by the body, and it's generally considered harmless, though some studies suggest longer abstinence might slightly decrease sperm quality for fertility, while temporary testosterone levels might rise; it's fine unless it's due to a medical issue or causes distress, in which case seeing a doctor is recommended.
Prostate massage is a way to empty fluids from your prostate ducts. This therapy might offer some health benefits, or your doctor might use it to diagnose a problem. But it's not something doctors usually recommend or use for testing or treatment.
Other research found men needed to ejaculate more than four times per month to have their chances of prostate cancer lowered. Why might ejaculation help prostate health? Experts aren't sure. Some believe that it can flush out harmful chemicals that might build up in semen.