The prostate can be found just below a man's bladder, surrounding the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis and out of the body. The prostate is important for making the fluid that contains sperm, called semen. In a young man the prostate is approximately the size of a walnut but it grows slowly larger with age. Some supplements may be important for a healthy prostate, although a doctor should be consulted before taking any supplements.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis, occurs when an infection causes inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms of prostatitis include, pain in the area between the testicles and the anus called the perineum, inability to get an erection, frequent urination, lower back pain and painful urination. According to the University of Maryland, quercetin is a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antioxidant properties.
In a study published in a 1999 issue of "Urology," researchers studied the affect of quercetin on prostatitis. The team comment that prostatitis is a common disorder with few effective therapies. The researchers found that 500 mg of quercetin twice daily for one month significantly improved the symptoms of prostatitis. Prostatitis sufferers should consult a health care professional before taking any quercetin supplements.
Benign Prostate Hypertrophy
Benign prostate hypertrophy occurs when the prostate becomes enlarged. According to the Mayoclinic.com, if left untreated, the flow of urine can become blocked leading to kidney, bladder and urinary tract problems. Symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy include, blood in the urine, not being able to completely empty the bladder, frequent urination at night and a weak flow of urine.
Beta sitosterols are plant sterols, similar to cholesterol, they can be found in many plants including, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and rice bran. In a study published in a 1995 issue of the "Lancet," researchers studied the affect of beta-sitosterol on benign prostate hypertrophy. The team found that 20 mg of beta sitosterol, three times a day significantly improved the symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy. Patients with benign prostate hypertrophy should consult a doctor before taking any beta sitosterol supplements.
Lycopene
According to the University of Maryland, prostate cancer, a cancerous tumor in the prostate gland, is the third most common cause of death in men. Symptoms of prostate cancer can include, frequent, painful and difficult urination, blood in the urine, hip pain and decreased force of the urine stream.
According to the American Cancer Society, lycopene gives certain fruits including tomatoes their colour and has antioxidant properties. In a study published in a 2005 issue of the " Urologic Oncology," researchers studied the affect of lycopene on preventing the progression to prostate cancer in men with high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. The team comment in the background to their study that high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia, an abnormality of prostate glands, is a precursor of prostate cancer. The team found that 4 mg lycopene twice a day for one year, is effective to help delay high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia developing into prostate cancer. Prostate cancer and high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia patients should consult a doctor before taking any lycopene supplements.
References
- University of Maryland: Quercetin
- "Urology": Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: A preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; Shoskes DA, Zeitlin SI, Shahed A, Rajfer J: 1999
- Mayo Clinic: Prostate gland enlargement
- "Lancet": Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Beta-sitosterol Study Group: Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, et al: 1995
- University of Maryland: Prostrate Cancer
- American Cancer Society: Lycopene
