Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, is a very common urological disorder that occurs in men, starting at middle age. BPH becomes more prevalent as men age, with 90 percent of men in their 80s affected, according to an April 2006 study published in "The American Journal of Managed Care." BPH and zinc are closely associated with one another, as zinc deficiency may be one possible cause for the development of the condition. Zinc is also being tested as a possible treatment option. Zinc can interact with certain conditions and medications so it's important to speak to your physician before taking it.
About BPH
BPH is a condition in which the prostate starts to grow bigger. The prostate sits close to the urethra so, as it enlarges, you can experience urinary problems. These include difficulty completely emptying the bladder, incontinence, dysuria and an increase in urinary frequency. Treatment typically depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you have mild symptoms, you can make certain lifestyle changes, such as going to the bathroom often, limiting fluid intake around bedtime and practicing pelvic strengthening exercises, to manage your symptoms. More problematic cases usually require medications -- like alpha 1-blockers -- or surgery to relieve symptoms. Alpha 1-blockers are a type of medication that causes your veins and arteries to dilate by blocking constricted chemicals, like norepinephrine, from getting to the receptors. They are used to treat the urinary obstruction that BPH often causes.
BPH and Zinc Deficiency
Although the cause of BPH is not yet fully known or understood, it is believed to be associated with a zinc deficiency. According to a study published in 2011 by researchers at the Christian Medical College in India, men with BPH exhibited a 63 percent decrease in zinc within the tissues and an 18 percent decrease in the amount of zinc found in blood plasma when compared to men without the condition. Zinc is an important regulator of cell growth in hyperplasia cells, as it induces programmed cell death, which prevents cells from growing out of control and enlarging the prostate. You lose zinc naturally as you age, which is why the risk of developing BPH increases with age.
Zinc Treatment for BPH
Because supplementation with zinc reduces the risk of developing BPH, some medical professionals have started running trials to see whether zinc is a viable treatment option for those who already have benign prostatic hypertrophy. So far, the results are mixed. Older studies done in the 1970s found that zinc taken in excess of 100 mg a day reduced prostate enlargement in a significant number of men. A large study published in a 2008 issue of the "American Journal of Epidemiology," on the other hand, found that zinc was only mildly helpful in treating BPH.
Zinc Risks and Side Effects
Taking in a large amount of zinc, over 30 mg a day, can result in a copper deficiency. If you take zinc as an adjunct BPH treatment, you'll probably need to take a copper supplement as well. In some people, zinc causes fever, chills, nausea and fatigue. The higher the dosage of zinc you are taking, the more likely you are to develop adverse effects. It is possible to poison yourself by taking too much zinc. Symptoms of overdose include chest pain, shortness of breath, syncope and signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes and vomiting. Consult your doctor before starting supplementation with zinc to avoid problems such as these, and any element in your medical history or current medications that could interact with the mineral.
References
- "The American Journal of Managed Care"; BPH: Epidemiology and Comorbidities; Kevin T. McVary, MD, FAC; April, 2006
- PubMed Health: Enlarged Prostate
- "Indian Journal of Urology"; Zinc Status of Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Carcinoma; Pamela Christudoss, et al.; March, 2011
- "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry"; Differential Response to Zinc-Induced Apoptosis in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer Cells; Michelle Yana, et al.; August, 2010
- Cox College: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Dietary Patterns, Supplement Use, and the Risk of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial; Alan R. Kristal, et al.; April, 2008
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