Having a healthy prostate is something every man wants. No one wants to go through the pain and suffering that comes with an enlarged prostate, not to mention some of the more serious prostate conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasy (BPH) or prostatitis, which affect millions of men. Anything that can be done to help prevent or alleviate these problems is welcomed with open arms.
There are several prescription pharmaceutical drugs like Flomax or Proscar that are available, but many men find that either these do not work for them, or that they are afraid of the negative side-effects that have been associated with continuous use of these products.
As a result of all the publicity that natural prostate products have generated, the market has been flooded with over 400 prostate supplements which promise to help men with prostate problems. They range from the brilliant to outright scams or frauds. In this section of our guide we have taken 21 of the more well known prostate products to give you an idea of where they stand.
These ratings are based on the following criteria: product label, survey results from men taking these prostate supplements, formula design, and most importantly laboratory analysis for saw-palmetto, beta-sitosterol, quercetin, and icariin which are the active ingredients that provide relief from BPH, prostatitis, high PSA levels, and common sexual problems experienced by men with enlarged or inflammed prostates.
Since we are all familiar with letter grades, awarding an A,B,C,D or F for the most popular prostate supplements like Prostavar, Prosvent, Super Beta Prostate, and Prostalex Plus would instantly let you know what you could expect from each.
Click below to see the review for your prostate vitamin:
Prostavar Review – Out of all the products we have evaluated, this was the clear choice as the premier prostate product on the market today. Manufactured by Superbalife International, it produced laboratory results that practically made our eyes pop out! Across the board it performed at the highest level. The company attributes the success and effectiveness of what they call their newest and strongest-ever version of Prostavar to a processing technique called "Supercritical Extraction." This technique delivers a superior quality extract that is highly concentrated with incredible purity. This is very difficult to do with some of the natural compounds in Prostavar because of their "gummy" texture which makes it difficult and extremely time consuming to produce, but the results and craftmanship speak for themselves (See their attached lab report). The most impressive piece of data we found was that the total number of Sterols in each dose was 139mg. No other product came close. In our nationwide survey it was identified as the most popular prostate supplement. We were flooded with jaw-dropping stories from men and their wives praising how much Prostavar has changed their lives. This product is the Tiger Woods or Mickey Mantle of prostate supplements and we want to congratulate Superbalife International for having created Prostavar, our clear choice as 2010 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR! Click here to see the lab report and full review.
Prostavar Basics: Abundant in sterol-rich saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol and other all-natural ingredients, Prostavar claims to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), or a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It also claims to cut down on embarrassing urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, such as incontinence, urinary retention, painful or bloody urination and incomplete bladder emptying. But the real results tell you everything you need to know about Prostavar: studies show it has a 94% success rate, with real results appearing in days, not weeks. It also contains the most sterols out of of prostate supplements—a whopping 139mg—nearly three times the amount compared to other over-the-counter supplements.
Prostavar Ingredients: Prostavar mostly contains saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, pygeum extract and quercitin. It also contains vitamin E, zinc monomethionine and lycopene, a tomato-derived extract rich in antioxidants.
Does Prostavar Work?: Definitely. Prostavar contains plenty of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol, which were shown in several studies to reduce prostate inflammation, or BPH. Pygeum extract also helps reduce significant prostate enlargement. According to one European study, it decreased nearly all BPH symptoms by 40%, including frequency of nocturnal urination and poor urinary flow.
Quercitin may also treat men with chronic prostratitis, or a chronic infectious swelling of the prostate. According to a study reported in Urology, men who took a supplement containing quercitin reduced most of their symptoms by at least 25%, including pain and inflammation.
Our lab tests also show Prostavar contains nearly 159 mg of sterols per serving, indicating this is a high quality supplement. Sterols, which exist naturally in saw palmetto, improve how effective it reduces prostate inflammation and enlargement. High levels are a good thing—it indicates this is saw palmetto at its purest. Overly processed saw palmetto typically contains low levels of sterols, however, which you'll often see in cheap, over-the-counter prostate supplements. Case in point: Prostavar is extremely effective, with no known side effects.
Is Prostavar Safe? Yes. All of Prostavar's ingredients do not contain any known significant side effects, unlike other prostate health supplements. There are also no known contraindications associated with Prostavar. Meaning, it won't cause a bad reaction if used with other supplements, herbs or drugs.
Grade: A+. We've called it the Tiger Woods of prostate health supplements for a reason: it works. All of its ingredients are shown to treat an enlarged prostate and promote prostate health with overwhelming evidence, proving it also treats urinary pain and infections. Prostavar is the most effective prostate health supplement on the market, and it's definitely worth your money.
Prostavar is available direct from the manufacturer at www.prostavar.com or by calling them at 1-800-815-2398.
Grade A
VasotrexxReview - Our choice as the number two prostate supplement in the land! Dartford Kent Nutraceuticals has produced a distinctive blue tablet formula that is chock full of key ingredients necessary to shrink an enlarged prostate and reduce pain. Survey sheet comments were kind as well. While its laboratory scores were not as strong as those of the top-rated Prostavar, they are better than all others we tested. High marks for free fatty acids, quercetin, and over 100mg of total sterols! The only drawback here for some men is the high price they charge. A one-month supply of a 60-pill bottle is $89 a month. The company likes to say they are the Rolls Royce of prostate supplements. At that price they are correct. Though no one likes to put a price on health, and some would pay almost anything to be able to sleep through the night, $89 does seem to be a steep price for all those not on the Forbes 500. Despite the high price and aura of arrogance from the company, their product is excellent and can help men shrink their prostate and relieve other prostate problems as well.
Vasotrexx Basics: This all-natural prostate health supplement by Dartford Kent Nutraceuticals claims to promote prostate health through a proprietary blend of vegetarian ingredients, including pygeum extract, saw palmeto extract and antioxidant-rich vitamin E. Vasotrexx also claims to treat symptoms related to chronic prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy, two main diseases caused by poor prostate health. Better yet, studies show it promotes prostate health safely, with no known side effects.
Vasotrexx Ingredients: Vasotrexx is mainly comprised of a proprietary blend containing pygeum extract, lycopene, nettle root extract, saw palmetto extract, pumpkin seed oil, vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc and selenium.
Does Vasotrexx Work?: Most likely yes. Our lab tests show Vasotrexx contains over 100mg of sterols, a key ingredient that improves the efficacy of saw palmetto. Saw palmetto was identified as an effective prostate health aid in several studies, reducing prostate inflammation, enlargement and urinary problems. Pygeum extract is also very effective for treating prostate enlargement symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). According to them, there is significant evidence that pygeum extract helps reduce urinary frequency, problems with bladder emptying and urinary tract pain, and all problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland.
There's even better news about zinc and vitamin D. Rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants, both the Mayo Clinic and Oregon State University say they play an important role in prostate cancer prevention, shown in several studies to significantly reduce cancer cell formation. It also slows progression of prostate cancer, the second most deadliest cancer amongst American men. Zinc also has an added bonus: its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce prostate inflammation, pain and infection, factors that may lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia or chronic prostatitis.
Is Vasotrexx Safe? Yes. Although overdosing on zinc is possible, you would have to purposely overdose on Vasotrexx, which is obviously not recommended. Otherwise Vasotrexx contains no dangerous ingredients, and has no serious side effects identified by any studies.
Grade: A. Although it doesn't contain as many sterols as Prostavar, it still contains at least 50% more sterols compared to other prostate health supplements, such as Prostate Defense or Royal Forte Prostate. There is sufficient evidence it can improve prostate health, however, which may reduce your risk for prostate cancer or painful prostate inflammation
Vasotrexx is available direct from the manufacturer at www.4vasotrexx.com or by calling them at 1-800-798-9425.
Grade A-
Prost-RX Review – From the highly regarded Atlanta-based supplement manufacturer
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, comes this exceptional product. We have it rated the number
3 prostate supplement due to its exceptional formula and high level of ingredients.
While many products are essentially one-dimensional (e.g., all saw palmetto or all
beta-sitosterol) Prost-Rx got high marks across the board. Only a few steps behind
Prostavar and Vasotrexx, it is clearly the best of the rest. Many survey sheets remarked
how well Prost-Rx has worked and how it is more effective than Flomaxx
and Avadart. Super product developed by master nutraceutical formulator Jared
Wheat.
Prost-RX Basics: Rich in vitamins, minerals and vegetarian-friendly saw palmetto, Prost-RX provides nutritional support for men with a very familiar health problem—an aging and cancer-prone prostate. Though it doesn't claim to prevent prostate cancer or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), it does claim to provide the prostate with the proper tools to stay healthy and disease-free. Satisfied users also claim it's even more effective than Flomax or Avodart, the only FDA approved drugs specifically approved to treat prostate enlargement.
Prost-RX Ingredients: Prost-RX contains a rich blend of saw palmetto extract, pygeum extract, quercitin, essential amino acids, Belizian Man Vine extract, mulra puama extract and epimedium extract. Like other effective prostate health supplements, it is also rich in vitamin E, B6 and zinc.
Does Prost-RX Work?: Yes. Unlike other supplements, Prost-RX contains a variety of effective ingredients, including saw palmetto extract, pygeum extract and quercitin. All three ingredients help reduce symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, including poor bladder emptying, weak stream, bladder or prostate pain. It also helps reduce its size and prevent the development of prostatic diseases, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy. You can't go wrong with plenty of zinc either—according to a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute, participants who took up to 100mg of zinc per day significantly slowed the development of prostate cancer. It also reduced the participants' total prostate cancer risk.
Amino acids may also play an important role in prostate health. According to a study conducted by the Canadian Cancer Research Group, 94% of patients who received amino acid therapy significantly reduced their mortality rate—in fact, no patients died from prostate cancer after receiving amino acid therapy—and stayed in remission longer, improving their survivability. Amino acid therapy also improved normal prostate function in some studies, reducing numerous prostate health problems. The participants also lowered their risk for developing an enlarged prostate.
The evidence surrounding amino acid use is overwhelming. Combined with Saw Palmetto and other core ingredients, there is significant evidence Prost-RX can reduce prostate problems and promote overall prostate health—better yet, it's all-natural and vegetarian-friendly.
Is Prost-RX Safe?: Mostly. Overdosing on any minerals or vitamins, especially zinc, can cause stomach pain, fatigue or weakness, but this is unlikely to happen if you use Prost-RX correctly. There are also no significant side effects associated with Saw Palmetto, quercitin or pygeum extract, and is not known to cause any contraindications with other medications.
Grade: A-. It may significantly improve the health of your prostate, but doesn't contain as many sterols as Vastorexx or Prostavar. This doesn't mean it's worthless, though—in fact, it may still be as effective as our two leading prostate supplements. You're more likely to get a bigger benefit if you are at risk for developing prostate cancer, however, as most of its ingredients help reduce its development.
Prost-RX is available direct from the manufacturer at www.hitechpharma.comor by calling 1-888-855-7919.
Grade B+
Prosta Response Review - Source Naturals has been putting out excellent products for over 28 years having been founded in 1982 by Ira Goldberg. This formula is another well-done effort. Like number 1 rated Prostavar, this formula requires a three pill a day serving size. Great number were recorded in all four key catagories we test for. Most impressive was the 224mg per serving of quercetin, an important ingredient that many manufactures simply overlook. Not these guys, they hit it over the fence. Top notch product. Grade B+
Prosta Response Basics: Prosta Response is a natural dietary supplement that claims to improve prostate health by regulating hormonal production in the prostate, thus reducing a man's risk for prostate inflammation. Containing two vital ingredients important for maintaining prostate health, saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol, Prosta Response also claims it reduces a man's risk for abnormal cell production, which may lead to prostate cancer. Its all-natural formula is rich in naturally-derived soy, an environmentally-safe ingredient.
Does Prosta Response Work? To an extent, yes. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), numerous studies have shown saw palmetto decreases urinary difficulty caused by prostate inflammation, including incontinence, weak stream, urinary pain and frequent urges to urinate. Researchers also discovered it was more effective when it contained between 80 to 90 percent of the actual extract; however, its not clear how much of Prosta Response's saw palmetto is extract-based.
Vitamins may also play an important role in cellular health. According to WebMD, vitamins C and E are rich in a chemical called an antioxidant, which protects cells from free radical damage. Free radical damage can cause cells to become abnormal, which may lead to cancer. But this isn't necessarily based on hard science. This is just a hypothesis made by the scientific community, as antioxidants haven't been shown to be the best method for preventing cancer.
Is Prosta Response Safe? Not if you have a soy allergy. Prosta Response contains one gram of soybean powder, which can trigger allergic symptoms in soy allergy sufferers. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, tingling in the mouth or throat, and difficulty breathing.
Prosta Response Grade: B+. Prosta Response provides the proper support for reducing prostate inflammation, but there isn't enough evidence it can protect people from prostate cancer, which they claim to protect against. It also contains soy, which can cause allergic reactions in some men.
Prostanol Review– This fine “soft gel” product from VitalMax Vitamins was designed by Dr. Al Sears, an advocate for the use of natural health products for men. Dr. Sears does an excellent job designing men’s health supplements. Prostanol scored better than most of the products in lab reports. Uses an 85% extract of saw palmetto and had 20mg of beta sitosterol, and provides 266% of the RDA of Zinc. Surprised pygeum is not present in the formula. The proprietary Phytosterol blend of Campsterol, Stigmasterol, Brassicasterol and Sitostanol are effective. The regular price for a one-month supply is $57.45.
Prostanol Basics: Created by Mark Rosenberg, M.D., founder of The Institute of Healthy Aging, Prostanol features a unique, sterol-rich blend called Phytosin, which Rosenberg claims reduces prostate or urinary problems, such as frequent urination and prostate inflammation. These results may be seen in mere weeks, with lasting results seen after only one month of use. But the real kicker is its easily digestible soft gel capsules, which dissolve easily—it's considered one of the top fastest-acting supplements available today.
Prostanol Ingredients: Prostanol uses a proprietary blend called Phytosin, which contains 45mg of Campesterol, Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Sitostanol and Brassicasterol.
Does Prostanol Work?: Probably. Sterols are an important part of maintaining proper prostate health, and Prostanol contains five different types of sterols, upping its effectiveness significantly. According to eMedTV, sterols may reduce symptoms of prostate enlargement, such as urinary pain, prostate inflammation or poor bladder emptying. The American Heart Association also says it significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, which also affects aging men.
Beta-sitosterol may also prevent prostate problems, according to Drugs.com. Studies show beta-sitosterol inhibits the progression of colon and prostate cancer, along with a variety of other cancerous tumors. Other studies show it helps treat many symptoms related to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), which enlarges and irritates the prostate gland. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce inflammation caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy.
But Prostanol is missing one key ingredient—Saw Palmetto. Sterols don't work as effectively if it's missing this key ingredient, which helps treat most symptoms of prostate enlargement and inflammation. It's a key component of all effective prostate supplements, something that isn't included in Prostanol.
Is Prostanol Safe?: Yes. None of the ingredients have any significant side effects and interact safely with most medications.
Grade: B. Prostanol contains a variety of sterols that improve prostate health, but misses one key ingredient—Saw Palmetto. Its easy-to-swallow gel capsules go to work faster than other prostate supplements, however, and won't cause your body to go into a sick tail spin from too potent ingredients. This is a safe, more easily digestible alternative with a sterol-rich base medically approved to treat prostate problems.
Prostanol is available direct from the manufacturer at www.vitalmaxvitamins.com or by calling them at 1-800-815-5151.
Grade B
Prostat-Excell Review - Natural supplement powerhouse Natrol surprised our panel by performing better in the lab than expected. In the past other Natrol products have been tested, only to fall far short of expectations. Whiel the free faty acid score was basically average, the total phytosterols score was among the best. A whopping 365mg per serving. Top notch company, based in Southern California, delivers a winner.
ProstatExcell Basics: This vitamin-enhanced supplement claims to support healthy prostate function by delivering antioxidants to the prostate, improving reproductive health. They claim their nutritionally-balanced formula allows it to attack prostate problems at its source, eliminating pain, inflammation or enlargement caused by poor prostate health. Although they won't say what it helps cure, they claim it can improve prostate health within 30 days of use.
ProstatExcell Ingredients: ProstatExcell contains vitamin E, zinc, selenium, phytosterols, beta-sitosterol, saw palmetto extract, pygeum extract, tomato extract and rye extract.
Does ProstatExcell Work?: It probably won't. Most of the ingredient base is made up of vitamin E and selenium, which have been proven ineffective for improving prostate health. According to a nationwide clinical trial conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), both ingredients did not reduce a man's prostate cancer risk. This included men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. Follow up studies also indicated both ingredients did not help reduce urinary problems caused by BPH.
Zinc may reduce a man's prostate cancer risk, however. According to a study reported by Science Daily, men with high levels of zinc in their prostate had a decreased risk for prostate cancer, as compared to men who already had prostate cancer. Researchers believe zinc supplementation may prevent cell damage in the prostate, although it isn't clear why. It has not been shown to treat other common prostate problems, such as BPH or prostate inflammation.
Is ProstatExcell Safe?: Yes. None of ProstatExcell's ingredients have any significant side effects--if used properly. Overuse of ProstatExcell may lead to a zinc overdose.
Grade: B. ProstatExcell may contain all-natural ingredients, but this doesn't necessarily mean it's a more effective prostate supplement. Many of its ingredients have not been proven to improve prostate health, including selenium and vitamin E. If you're looking for proven effectiveness, ProstatExcell probably isn't the ideal prostate supplement for you. We recommend using Prostavar or Vasotrexx instead.
ProstatExcell is available direct from the manufacturer at www.natrol.com
Grade B-
Super Beta ProstateReview – This heavily advertised prostate product from New Vitality of New York is one of the better products we have tested! It made it to our prestigious Top 5, finishing at number 4, because of its extremely high levels of sterols and free fatty acids. Designed by chemist Roger Mason, Super Beta Prostate, contains 1,040mg per serving of total sterols and 46mg of free fatty acids. While these levels are both extremely high, it almost seems like over kill. It would have been better if these levels where lower and they included other important compounds as well. Many prostate survey sheets said Super Beta Prostate did not work for them. This is most likely attributed to the fact that not all men have the same prostate problems and while sterols and free fatty acids are certainly vital - other compounds are also important. Still, an excellent prostate product from a fine company.
Super Beta Prostate Basics: Like other prostate supplements, it claims to boost prostate health by putting an end to all urinary problems caused by an enlarge prostate. Utilizing the power of beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol, Super Beta Prostate is rich in prostate-boosting minerals, such as zinc, selenium and antioxidant-rich vitamin D. Roger Mason, the creator of Super Beta Prostate, claims it promotes prostate health naturally, without the use of harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients. It's even earned the respect of former World Series champion—and three year user—Phil Garner, who currently uses it.
Super Beta Prostate Ingredients: A serving of Super Beta Prostate, or two capsules, contains zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, vitamin D, beta-sitosterol, silicon, boron, vanadium and germanium. Click here to see the lab report and full review.
Does Super Beta Prostate Work?: Probably. Super Beta Prostate contains nearly 250mg of beta-sitosterol, a powerful phytosterol shown to treat a prostate condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). BPH is no laughing matter—this potentially dangerous condition causes the prostate the swell, putting pressure on the bladder and causing numerous bladder problems, including incontinence, weak stream, frequent urges to urinate and even painful urination.
So what's the science behind beta-sitosterol? Several studies show it reduces urinary symptoms caused by BPH, and may even reduce some prostate inflammation. It's definitely not a cure for BPH, but it's more effective than other natural supplements.
Zinc also helps reduce a man's risk for prostate cancer, one of the most common male cancers in the United States. Scientists aren't sure how it works, but the antioxidants in zinc may have a positive effect on the prostate, preventing cancer cell formation. It also inhibits the growth of existing cells, making it easier to treat existing prostate cancer.
Is Super Beta Prostate Safe?: Yes. None of these ingredients are known to cause any significant side effects if used properly. You probably won't experience any side effects if you use Super Beta Prostate correctly, as directed on the label.
Grade: B-. Super Beta Prostate contains several key ingredients that promote prostate health, including zinc and beta-sitosterol. Regular use may reduce your risk for prostate cancer and BPH, a leading cause of prostate and urinary problems. It's definitely not a replacement for Prostavar, however, which contains far more effective ingredients.
Super Beta Prostate is available direct from the manufacturer at www.betaprostate.com or by calling them at 1-800-711-2401.
Grade B
Maximum Prostate Review – Now under new management and with a recently improved formula, this pill has made its way into the top 10 with a rock solid grade of B. Easily the turn around story of the year, that can be attributed to their commitment to excellence and their interest in their customers. Their score improved across the board in recent lab tests. Customers reports have been positive. Good people with a very good product that can help most men.
Maximum Prostate Basics: Touting itself as "the prostate miracle" for aging men, Maximum Prostate contains 300mg of beta-sitosterol, the active component found in Saw Palmetto. They claim just two pills a day can completely reverse most prostate problems, including difficulty passing urine, frequent urges to urinate, prostate swelling and cancer of the prostate, one of the deadliest cancers affecting American men over age 40. They also claim it cures sexual dysfunction problems, such as impotence or reduced arousal response.
Maximum Prostate Ingredients: It contains extracted beta-sitosterols, derived from sugar cane pulp. It also contains 15mg of zinc citrate, a form of zinc.
Does Maximum Prostate Work?: Probably not. Although they go on and on about the benefits of beta-sitosterol derived from Saw Palmetto, it doesn't actually contain Saw Palmetto—instead, they use beta-sitosterol extracts taken from the pulp of sugar cane.
And although Maximum Prostate claims it contains plenty of zinc, it doesn't. It only contains 15mg per serving, which doesn't even meet the recommended daily amount (RDA) recommended by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Although studies show zinc can prevent prostate cancer, you'll need to take plenty of zinc, which is definitely more than 15mg per day.
Grade: B. Maximum Prostate has really improved since we last looked at their product. We're giving them a solid B .
Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto Review – Solaray began manufacturing and selling herbal products in 1973, originally as a pioneer in formulating and marketing blended herbal products that contain two or more herbs with complementary effects. This product utilizes pygeum bark extract and wild saw palmetto berry that provide the European recommended consumption levels. This formula is complemented with zinc, vitamin B-6, pumpkin seed and amino acids. In the laboratory it performed well posting a total Free Fatty Acid score of 286mg. The lab analysis is contained in the guide. Out of all the big name companies (those with a product line of more than 50 products) Solaray scored the best. While this is a good product it is still several levels away from the super elite products. While it had two good scores the product is not as comprehensive as it needs to be to provide fast relief. Great company, good product.
Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto Basics: These all-natural gel capsules claim to fight prostate problems right at its source—by treating benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), the main cause behind prostate inflammation and urinary problems. Like Avodart, Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto contains numerous ingredients that fight BPH, but the difference here is the ingredients are all-natural and non-stimulant, which safely and effectively eliminate BPH. If you need your proof, look to the east—products containing pygeum and Saw Palmetto are already gaining popularity in Europe for its ability to treat numerous prostatic diseases.
Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto Ingredients: It only contains pygeum extract and Saw Palmetto, popular prostate health extracts.
Does Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto Work?: It's likely. Both pygeum extract and Saw Palmetto have been identified as viable treatments for BPH in Europe, and are common treatment methods for stopping the spread of prostate cancer.
But they aren't recognized as effective treatments in the United States—scientists haven't even started testing both extracts on any patients. Many physicians also highly regard it as part of the alternative health industry, which most doctors do not support. Studies conducted in Europe do show both extracts significantly decrease the effects of BPH, however, despite the fact both are considered alternative health supplements.
Our lab tests also confirm Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto is rich in free fatty acids, which may improve the product's ability to reduce prostate inflammation. But these same tests also reveal it has no detectable sterols, which are commonly found in Saw Palmetto. This strongly indicates the Saw Palmetto extract was highly processed, which reduced its quality and sterol content. Case in point: it's not as effective as the product would like you to believe, and may not be able to treat BPH.
Is Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto Safe?: Yes. Pygeum extract and Saw Palmetto are highly regarded as safe, side effect-free extracts. No studies have discovered any significant side effects, and is considered safe for everyday use.
Grade: B. Our lab tests reveal their Saw Palmetto extract is of low quality, and may not effectively treat BPH. It's not dangerous, though, and won't cause any severe side effects or contraindications. But is it better than our other supplements? Not by a long shot. The lack of quality ingredients earns this prostate supplement a solid B.
Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto is available direct from the manufacturer at www.nutraceutical.com or by calling them at 1-800-669-8877.
Grade B
Prostate DefenseReview - North Star Nutritionals of Baltimore produces this well-designed prostate supplement. It’s a “soft gel” and the suggested use is four a day. Like all intelligently designed supplements, Prostate Defense contains Pygeum extract yielding 13% sterols and uses an 85% extract of Saw Palmetto. These top quality ingredients were evident in the nice laboratory score this product received. While it was off the mark with Quercetin and Icariin, it is still a better than average product. You can get a bottle of Prostate Defense direct from North Star for under $50 a bottle.
Prostate Defense Basics: Prostate Defense claims to blast through common prostate and urinary issues with its single serving blend of sterol-rich Saw Palmetto, which Prostate Defense claims goes to work within minutes to reduce painful prostate inflammation. They call it "prostate miracle food”—ingredients that act like the prostate's own private multivitamin for drastically improving prostate health. Numerous testimonials back Prostate Defense as an effective health supplement—many report experiencing less episodes of urinary frequency and incomplete emptying.
Prostate Defense Ingredients: Prostate Defense contains a blend of sterol-rich Saw Palmetto, chelated zinc, selenium and lycopene, an antioxidant-rich tomato extract also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Does Prostate Defense Work?: Probably. There is sufficient evidence Saw Palmetto may reduce symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, better known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). More specifically, scientists discovered it reduced urinary pain, frequency and incomplete emptying, and may even play an important role in prostate cancer prevention.
Our lab tests also revealed Prostate Defense contains 23.8 mg/g of total phytosterols and 13.1 mg/g of beta-sitosterols, along with a whopping 98.1 mg/g of free fatty acids. This indicates they used a high quality form of Saw Palmetto, not a processed , less effective form. This strongly indicates Prostate Defense may effectively treat urinary and prostate problems.
Zinc may also play an important role in prostate health. According to a study conducted by the ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center in 2005, adequate zinc supplementation suppressed the growth—and multiplication—of cancerous cells found in the prostate. The leader of the study, Liping Huang, also goes on to say zinc may be a natural way to prevent or stop prostate cancer naturally.
Antioxidant rich lycopene may also prevent prostate cancer by eliminating free radicals, the leading cause of all cancers. Though it won't specifically target prostate cancer, it does target all pre-cancerous cells in the body, including prostate cells. Free radical elimination does reduce a person's risk for all types of cancers, including prostate cancer.
Is Prostate Defense Safe?: Yes—but watch your zinc intake. Taking more than 40mg of zinc per day can cause nausea; taking more than 150mg may cause anemia, poor immune function or changes in good cholesterol levels. Be careful of how many zinc you consume from foods prior to taking Prostate Defense.
Grade: B. Prostate Defense contains plenty of Saw Palmetto, which may improve urinary and prostate problems, improving urinary flow and bladder emptying. Several other ingredients may also reduce a man's prostate cancer risk, although it isn't guaranteed. It still doesn't contain as many sterols as in Prostavar, however, earning it a B rating.
Prostate Relief Review – This well formulated product contains quality extract concentrations of the key ingredients saw palmetto and pygeum. Other beneficial compounds contained in the formula are Beta Carotene, Zinc, Selenium, Parsley juice powder and a variety of herbs which help to cleanse the kidneys and bladder. Prostate Relief is also recommended to be taken along with their product Intestinal Detoxifier which is a specific formula for Prostatitis and this herbal combination functions as a cleanser, detoxifier, and strengthener of the prostate. Formulated by Dino Guglemelli, founder or Natural Science Laboratories to help men experience a morning bowel movement. The theory is that a morning bowel movement assists the body in eliminating toxins being cleaned from the prostate. Nice product that is just a few steps away for being one of the super elite. Good lab scores. We just got this lab result in and havent been able to post it yet. Check back soon.
Prostate Relief Basics: This all-natural, vegetable-based supplement utilizes the power of Saw Palmetto and pygeum extract to improve prostate health. Sound familiar? Just about every prostate supplement available today claims they can do this as well—but not all supplements also claim to cleanse the kidneys and bladder, like Prostate Relief. Paired with their detoxifying supplement Intestinal Detoxifier, it also supposedly removes deadly toxins that contribute to prostatitis, a chronic infectious condition that may cause severe prostate or urinary problems. It also improves another issues most aging men face—chronic constipation.
Prostate Relief Ingredients:Prostate Relief contains Saw Palmetto and pygeum extract, used to improve prostate health. It also contains beta carotene, zinc, selenium and parsley juice powder.
Does Prostate Relief Work?: Probably.Both Saw Palmetto and pygeum extract are currently considered viable alternative treatments for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, in the European health industry. It's still awaiting approval by the FDA, but early studies show it significantly reduces urinary and prostate pain associated with BPH. It may also reduce prostate inflammation, which causes increased prostate enlargement. There's no evidence supporting its ability to treat prostatitis, however.
As for zinc, numerous studies show it inhibits the formation of prostate cancer cells, and is considered an effective alternative treatment for prostate cancer. It may also reduce a man's risk for developing prostate cancer. But studies on selenium are inconclusive, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)—their latest study revealed selenium was just as effective as placebo in preventing prostate cancer.
Is Prostate Relief Safe?: Yes. Overuse of zinc may cause anemia or affect good cholesterol levels, but you won't experience this unless you take too many Prostate Relief supplements. Saw Palmetto and pygeum extract also have no known side effects, and are generally considered safe for everyday use.
Grade: B. Prostate Relief contains a variety of disease-fighting ingredients, including Saw Palmetto and pygeum extract, that help fight urinary and prostate problems, leading to better prostate health. Adequate zinc supplementation may also fight prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths amongst American men. But Prostavar and Vasotrexx contain far more effective ingredients, including quercitin. Prostate Relief earns a B for being somewhat effective at improving prostate health.
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Grade B
Prostate RxReview – As you will come to understand by reading our guide saw palmetto has numerous clinical studies around the world documenting how helpful it is to a man's prostate. There are other natural compounds that also help but saw palmetto is the best. The problem has always been that virtually every prostate supplement claims to contain saw palmetto and you really can’t tell how much of the “active extract” is present unless you do laboratory tests – which we have done. This product is pure saw palmetto. Prostate Rx is 100% pure saw palmetto liquid extract, standardized with over 93% fatty acids in a 320 mg. The nice thing about this product is that the company that manufactures the supplement and bottle are also the producers of the actual saw palmetto. They are based in heart of “saw palmetto country”, Naples, Florida, where saw palmetto is abundant and they harvest and bottle it themselves on their 15 acre farm. Our laboratory tests confirm what they claim on the bottle is actually inside. Unfortunately, the product is one-dimensional and does not have the other important ingredients to make it a top 3 product – think of a golfer who has a great drive but can’t putt or chip, or a basketball player who can only dribble, but can’t shoot or play defense – you get the picture. Some men just want a pure saw palmetto extract and nothing else, for them we highly recommend this product. We just got this lab result in and havent been able to post it yet. Check back soon.
Prostate RX Basics: Using a specialized extraction process called supercritical CO2 extraction, Prostate RX contains one of the purest forms of Saw Palmetto ever used in a prostate supplement, even rivaling top prostate supplements such as Prostavar or Vasotrexx. For aging men, it also treats an important—and common—prostate problem, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which enlarges the prostates and puts excessive pressure on the urethra. This causes a plethora of urinary problems, including painful urination and incomplete bladder emptying. But unlike other BPH medications, Prostate RX is all-natural and free of stimulant ingredients with virtually no side effects, making it suitable for everyday use.
Prostate RX Ingredients: It truly is Saw Palmetto at its purest—it is Prostate RX's only ingredient.
Does Prostate RX Work?: Probably. Studies conducted on Saw Palmetto show it significantly reduces symptoms caused by BPH, including weak stream, frequent nocturnal urination, bladder or prostate pain and prostate inflammation. It isn't clear why it works, though, although scientists believe it may be chemically similar to the prostate medication finasteride, better known as Proscar. Its effectiveness also earned it an A rating by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a nationally-recognized division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Our lab tests also show their Saw Palmetto contains 93% of fatty acid content, improving its efficacy. But it is unlikely it will work better compared to other prostate supplements, such as Prostavar. Why? It simply contains more effective ingredients—Prostate RX only includes one. There's no question it is a potent prostate supplement—studies prove Saw Palmetto is an effective treatment for BPH—but there are plenty of other prostate supplements that contain far more effective ingredients.
Is Prostate RX Safe?: Yes. There are no significant side effects associated with Saw Palmetto, even when used with other prostate supplements or medications. There are also no contraindications associated with its use with other herbs or vitamins, making it safe for continuous use.
Grade: B. Prostate RX contains one of the purest forms of Saw Palmetto ever found in a prostate supplement, improving its ability to counteract damaging complications caused by BPH, or an enlarged prostate. It ranks lower on our list because it contains virtually no other ingredients, however.
Prostate RX is available direct from the manufacturer at www.prostaterx.net
Grade C
Best Prostate Review - With all the hype on the Best Prostate website, we had extremely high expectations that it would be one of the best formulas on the market. We were saddened by the results.
Best Prostate has a chart on their website comparing their formula to other beta-sitosterol intensive products. These comparisons’ are apparently just based upon label claims, because in the unbiased lab reports – where it really counts – Super Beta Prostate, literally destroyed Best Prostate. While Best Prostate posted a nice 230mg of phytosterols, Super Beta Prostate scored a 1,040mg! That’s five times stronger. An in the free fatty acid category Best Prostate score a very poor 0.661 – that’s less than 1mg! This lab test is a perfect example of how advertising claims and supplement facts claims don’t always tell the entire story. At the end of the day Best Prostate is still an average product because of the 230mg of phytosterols, but just not an elite or super elite formula. Grade C
Best Prostate Basics: Made famous in Vitamin Retailer Magazine, Best Prostate is a natural prostate supplement that claims to treat problems caused by an enlarged prostate, including weak urinary stream, frequent urination and decreased sexual function. To boost prostate health, it includes over 300mg of beta-sitosterol, a sterol found naturally in the leaves of the saw palmetto plant. It's also a suitable supplement for vegans who need an extra boost in prostate health--for all of its ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients: Best Prostate contains beta-sitosterol, zinc and selenium.
Does it Work? We aren't sure. Beta-sitosterol does play an important role in prostate health--it's a common European treatment for prostate enlargement--but many studies reveal it's only effective when combined with saw palmetto. Best Prostate does not contain any traces of saw palmetto, although it contains more than the recommended amount for beta-sitosterol.
But according to a national study reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, zinc may play a role in prostate health. The study, which was conducted on around 47,000 American men, showed zinc supplementation under 100 mg per day decreased their risk for prostate cancer. There is no evidence it decreased any of the problems indicated on Best Prostate's website, however, including weak urinary stream or sexual dysfunction. Further evidence on selenium's efficacy is also very limited.
Is it Safe? No. Best Prostate contains an excessive amount of beta-sitosterol, which can cause nausea, upset stomach and constipation. Ironically, overuse of beta-sitosterol also causes erectile dysfunction, a common sexual problem primarily affecting middle-aged men.
Grade: C. Best Prostate may claim to improve prostate health, but research shows its ingredients probably won't have a substantial impact on prostate or sexual health. To make matters worse, it may also cause sexual problems, such as impotence.
Better ProstateReview – This 17-ingredient product contains very low levels of important compounds. It also contains an herb called “Butchers Broom” which has no scientific studies validating it as being beneficial for prostate health. The lone bright spot in the formula is the 85% to 95% free fatty acid content of the Saw Palmetto used. Unfortunately it only contains 50mg. Manufactured by Trim International, a company more known for making women’s beauty supplements, than men’s products. Average lab results, and a $69 a month price tag don’t add up to a winner.
Better Prostate Basics: This vegetarian-friendly product claims to prevent prostate enlargement and urinary tract infections through the power of all-natural herbs and minerals, including Saw Palmetto, ginseng, milk thistle and calcium. But these aren't the only benefits—Better Prostate also touts itself as an energy and cellular health supplement.
Better Prostate Ingredients: Better Prostate's biggest ingredients include chromium, selenium, calcium, magnesium citrate, potassium, molybdenum and vanadyl sulfate. It also contains only 4mg of ginseng and 50mg of Saw Palmetto.
Does Better Prostate Work?: Maybe. Getting plenty of calcium, potassium and selenium every day is essential for maintaining total body health, but they don't specifically improve prostate health—something that Saw Palmetto can improve. But how? According to some studies, Saw Palmetto reduced prostate enlargement, improved urinary flow, reduced infections and generally improved prostate health, though it was not clear how it worked. These studies used at least twice as much Saw Palmetto compared to Better Prostate, however, suggesting it may not be as effective.
But the real problem here is chromium, which has few benefits but plenty of complications to share.
According to a study reported in Alternative and Complementary Therapies, chromium supplementation in hamsters damaged the cells' chromosomes, which are found in its DNA. This caused significant genetic damage. Because of this study—and several other controversial studies—the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) lowered its recommended daily amount for chromium to 50 to 200 mcg. Taking Better Prostate every day easily exceeds this amount by 50 mcg. This strongly suggests it can cause complications within the first day of use, and may not be safe for daily supplementation.
Is Better Prostate Safe?: Probably not. It easily exceeds the recommended daily allowance for chromium, which is known to cause severe genetic problems. It also reportedly causes liver and kidney damage, which may lead to organ failure or death.
Final Grade: C. The use of Saw Palmetto is a plus—studies show it may decrease prostate enlargement and promote prostate health. But this comes at a price, namely the use of chromium. Chromium is linked to a myriad of side effects, which include organ or genetic damage, and has been linked to organ failure and death. If you want to take Better Prostate, do it with extreme caution—it may compromise the health of your kidneys or liver.
Liquid ProstateReview - The lone liquid prostate product we have ever encountered. This company specializes in liquid formulas for both humans and pets. While the idea is good – especially for men who do not like to swallow pills, the formula and test results were average. Only 80mg of saw palmetto, and a decent 100mg of pygeum with 13% sterols. Must be refrigerated after first use. Average product but a wise choice if taking pills is a problem for you.
Liquid Prostate Basics: This drink-as-you-go prostate supplement claims to support prostate health, reduce prostate enlargement and fight internal infections, reducing the incidence of incontinence and prostate infections. According to Liquid Prostate, this is possible through their proprietary blend of herbs and nutrients, including grapefruit seed extract, kelp and cranberry concentrate. This is also the only prostate supplement available in liquid form, which can be sipped straight from the bottle or mixed into a non-caffeinated beverage.
Liquid Prostate Ingredients: Liquid Prostate's core ingredient base includes cranberry concentrate, pumpkin seed, lecithin and kelp. It contains less than 100 mg of saw palmetto extract, vitamin B6 and zinc.
Does Liquid Prostate Work?:Maybe. Although the American Academy of Family Physicians says cranberry concentrate may treat urinary tract infections, it does not specifically treat infections in the prostate. Grapefruit seed extract is not even proven to contain antibacterial properties, although it may reduce a man's colon cancer risk.
But it does contains roughly 80mg of Saw Palmetto extract, which was reported by the Department of Internal Medicine to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
Lab tests also showed it contained around 1.20 mg/g of phytosterols, which may also treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. But this is nearly the fraction of the phytosterols found in Vasotrexx or Prostavar, two of our highest rated prostate health supplements. These studies also show the participants took significant amounts of Saw Palmetto and phytosterols, nearly double the amount compared to Liquid Prostate. This strongly suggests Liquid Prostate may not even reduce prostate enlargement.
Is Liquid Prostate Safe?: Mostly. There are no side effects associated with excessive Saw Palmetto, grapefruit extract or cranberry concentrate use. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), though, excessive use of kelp reportedly causes stomach irritation, diarrhea and abnormal thyroid functioning, but it isn't common.
Final Grade: C. Although Liquid Prostate is relatively safe and stimulant-free, there's not enough evidence it may improve prostate health. The easy-to-drink formula is appealing, but probably won't reduce prostate inflammation or enlargement. Our advice: look for prostate health supplements that have plenty of phytosterols or Saw Palmetto, essential ingredients for reducing prostate enlargement (and a myriad of other prostate problems). Liquid Prostate isn't completely ineffective, but it's unlikely it will significantly improve prostate health.
Liquid Prostate is available direct from the manufacturer at www.rxliquids.com
Grade C
ProsTec Review – This company's advertising promises much more than what
the product actually delivers. This very simple 7-ingredient formula uses
ZERO extracts, and consists mostly of powders. The ideal form of these natural compounds would be “extracts” NOT powders. The lab report results for ProsTec were poor. It is distributed by Health Advantage of Carmel, NY . These hard tablets seem very over-priced for the benefits they would deliver. Men who have commented about this product in survey sheets were not very impressed. Their other prostate product T-Pros Ultra also performed poorly. These products are sold over the very “medical-sounding” website – www.healthmd.com, yet the actual benefits you would get using this pills, will be far less than you imagine.
ProsTec Basics: This all-natural—and vitamin rich—prostate health supplement claims to treat prostate inflammation, a leading cause of bladder obstruction in men over 40. It also claims to treat sexual difficulties caused by old age, although it doesn't specify what it treats. To enable this, ProsTec uses a variety of naturally-derived ingredients, including garlic, bee pollen and antioxidant-rich lycopene. Better yet, all of these ingredients are derived from vegan-friendly herbs, plants and fruits. It's likely to be safe, even for diabetics or men with pre-existing heart conditions.
ProsTec Ingredients: Prostec contains vitamins A, E, B6, folate and zinc oxide. To improve its efficacy, it also contains Saw Palmetto, pygeum extract, garlic, bee pollen and lycopene.
Does ProsTec Work?: Maybe. Some studies show Saw Palmetto may treat symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, but our lab tests reveal it contains very few sterols, weakening its ability to improve prostate health.
Its vitamin-rich complex isn't likely to improve prostate health either. Vitamins A and B6 have no proven prostate benefits—the same applies to garlic, although it may improve the immune system. As for zinc, a couple of American studies suggest zinc may reduce a man's risk for prostate cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells. It may also increase cancer remission time, improving survivability. Because of this, some doctors are currently recommending using zinc in place of other natural cancer treatment methods, such as multivitamin supplementation.
Is ProsTec Safe?: Probably. Although zinc overuse can cause anemia or nausea, it's not likely to happen if you use Prostec as directed. There are no side effects associated with Saw Palmetto, pygeum extract or garlic.
Grade: C. Although Saw Palmetto and pygeum extract are very effective treatments for prostate enlargement, our studies reveal these are low quality ingredients which contain few sterols—in other words, it's highly unlikely it will improve prostate health. ProsTec earns a C for being safe but not necessarily effective.
ProsTec is available direct from the manufacturer at www.healthmd.com
Grade C
Prosvent Review – Maybe you have seen the half-hour television infomercial for Prosvent featuring UCLA educated physician Dr. Larry May. The show and commercials do a terrific job of reviewing how important it is for men to be proactive in caring for their prostate. Dr. Larry May goes on to explain that to eliminate or at least minimize the chance of developing BPH, men should take his Prosvent pills. Talk about biased!
Prosvent contains all the key ingredients of a good prostate supplement: saw palmetto, pygeum, Vitamin D & E, zinc, selenium and pumpkin seed oil as well as lycopene. We reviewed the laboratory tests with average scores. This supplement was nowhere near the high scores of Prostavar or some of the better prostate supplements.
However, Prosvent is good enough to help some men with mild prostate enlargement or mild BPH. The only complaint about Prosvent is that it costs $79 a bottle. The high price might be necessary because of the high cost of purchasing the TV infomercial spots. Bottom line is this is a decent product. Click here to see the lab report and full review.
Prosvent Basics: Rich in antioxidants, herbs and essential vitamins, there's a lot to like about Prosvent—numerous testimonials, solid ingredients and quick-dissolving capsules make it an ideal choice for men over age 40. Like other prostate supplements, Prosvent also makes good use of Saw Palmetto, a sterol-rich extract used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. But that's not all—they also include zinc, antioxidant-rich extracts, and vitamins D and E to reduce a man's prostate cancer risk. Prosvent is a solid, safe formula that may work, and it definitely has people talking.
Prosvent Ingredients: Prosvent contains all of the usual prostate supplement ingredients: Saw Palmetto, pygeum extract, lycopene and selenium. It also contains nettle root extract, vitamin E, vitamin D and the cancer-fighting mineral zinc, which is also rich in antioxidants.
Does Prosvent Work?: Maybe. According to a study reported in the American Journal of Medicine, pygeum extract significantly lowered urological symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, including bloody or painful urination, frequent nocturnal urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Another study also showed it reduced all symptoms of prostatitis, a painful inflammation disease, in 89% of participants.
Saw Palmetto also reduced some symptoms of an enlarged prostate, including obstructed urine flow, frequent urges to go and bladder pain. This also reduced some prostate inflammation, improving prostate health.
Early (but inconclusive) studies on lycopene also suggest it may lower the risk for developing many cancers, including breast, cervix, colon and prostate cancer. Some people suggest it specifically lowers prostate cancer, but this isn't true—other studies found that lycopene was about as effective as placebo pills. It's really not clear how lycopene affects the prostate, though it won't cause any harm.
But other vitamins and minerals, including zinc, may reduce a man's risk for developing prostate cancer. Several studies show it inhibits the multiplication of cancerous prostate cells, essentially stopping the cancer from spreading. But it won't cure prostate cancer, and overuse is actually linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Is Prosvent Safe?: Yes. If used correctly, these ingredients won't cause any significant side effects, making it safe for everyday use.
Grade: C. Prosventis effective, but there is not enough evidence its ingredients are more effective than other prostate supplements, such as Prostavar or Vasotrexx. Lycopene is also not proven to reduce a man's prostate cancer risk. Play it safe—use a more effective prostate supplement instead. Prosvent earns a solid C from us.
Prosvent is available direct from the manufacturer at www.prosvent.com or by calling them at 1-800-743-9854
Grade C
Royal Forte Prostate Review – These pills finish in the middle of the pack as a result of their formulation and due to the results of the laboratory tests. Developed by Wonder Laboratories of White House, TN, these capsules do not contain the highest grade ingredients. Example: the Saw Palmetto extract yields between 44% to 55% sterols. Compare that with the 85% you find in top shelf products. The Pygeum used is a powdered bark NOT an extract. Has nice levels of vitamins D3 and E, as well as Zinc and copper. A one-month supply is under $50. At the end of the day this product is average.
Royal Forte Prostate Basics: Touting itself as the ultimate prostate formula for men over 40, Royal Forte Prostate is rich in antioxidants, nutrients and Saw Palmetto, which was shown in some studies to reduce prostate enlargement. Royal Forte Prostate also claims to protect the prostate from serious ailments, such as prostate cancer or enlargement, while using all-natural extracts to support healthy prostate function. It's sure to last long, too—one bottle contains a whopping 120 capsules, which can last up to two months.
Royal Forte Prostate Ingredients: Royal Forte Prostate mostly contains Saw Palmetto extract, pygeum extract, beta-sitosterol, which may improve prostate health. It also includes a blend of nutrients and minerals, including vitamin D3 and zinc.
Will Royal Forte Prostate Work?: Possibly. Getting enough Saw Palmetto is a must for prostate health, and Royal Forte Prostate contains a whopping 320mg—nearly triple the amount compared to other prostate supplements. Beta-sitosterol also plays an important role in prostate health, shown to successfully treat benign prostatic hypertrophy—or a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland—in some European studies.
Don't assume this means it is completely effective, though. Royal Forte Prostate only contains around 55% of these sterols, which is at least 30% lower compared to other top rated prostate supplements, such as Prostavar or Prost-RX.
But what about pygeum extract? Surprisingly, Life Extension Magazine reports pygeum extract may also treat prostate enlargement while causing gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea or constipation. Men with pre-existing gastrointestinal problems may experience more severe side effects, such as severe stomach pain or cramping. These side effects wear off once supplementation is discontinued.
Is Royal Forte Prostate Safe?: Mostly. There are no significant side effects associated with Saw Palmetto extract or beta-sitosterol—some studies actually suggest it may reduce bad cholesterol. But pygeum extract is known to cause gastrointestinal upset, with effects increased in men with pre-existing gastrointestinal issues. Studies have not been conducted on its interactions with other prostate drugs or supplements, making its true safety unknown at this time.
Grade: C. Royal Forte Prostate contains a core of effective ingredients—Saw Palmetto extract, beta-sitosterol and pygeum extract—but may increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems. It's not a completely safe product, but it's not a completely ineffective product either. There are many other prostate supplements that contain more effective ingredients, however, including Prostavar.
Royal Forte Prostate is available direct from the manufacturer at www.wonderlabs.com or by calling them at 1-800-992-1672.
Grade C
Schiff Prostate HealthReview – This is a low-priced product from one of the oldest supplement companies in the country. It is a “staple item” in virtually every drugstore in America – too bad it tested so poorly. See the lab report in our lab results section. With a one month supply selling for under $19 it is virtually impossible for their product to contain high levels of the ingredients that really work! This product is like going to McDonald’s - cheap and easy to get but not the most nutritious. For example, the product contains 42mg of free fatty acids, compare that to the 286mg of free fatty acids recorded by Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto and it’s not impressive. Click here to see the lab report and full review.
Schiff Prostate Health Basics: Some call this the multivitamin of the prostate world—its proprietary blend is rich in cancer-fighting minerals and extracts, including vitamin D, lycopene and selenium. Schiff Prostate Health also utilizes the power of Saw Palmetto, a berry extract known worldwide for its remarkable ability to treat numerous prostate diseases. Schiff Prostate Health claims all of these ingredients are important for improving prostate health, a growing concern for men over 40.
Schiff Prostate Health Ingredients: Schiff Prostate Health contains a unique proprietary blend of Saw Palmetto and other antioxidant-rich ingredients, including lycopene, selenium, zinc, vitamin D, copper and calcium.
Does Schiff Prostate Health Work?: It might. According to the University of Maryland, several studies discovered Saw Palmetto was a successful treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. It significantly reduced urinary problems caused by prostate inflammation, reducing pain, frequent urges to urinate and difficulty passing urine. Other studies also showed it reduced the prostate's size even more effectively as Proscar, a BPH prescription medication. Better yet, there are no significant side effects associated with Saw Palmetto, making it safe for everyday use.
But Schiff Prostate Health may not be using a high quality form of Saw Palmetto. According to a lab report we conducted on its chemical makeup, Schiff Prostate Health contains no detectable levels of polyphenolics or sterols, meaning it was highly processed. Highly processed forms of Saw Palmetto are less effective, and may not improve the health of your prostate.
So if Saw Palmetto won't work, that what is effective? Probably it's rich zinc content, according to a study reported in the Journal of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. According to their study, men who took daily supplements containing zinc reduced their prostate cancer risk significantly. It doesn't help reduce prostate inflammation, however.
Is Schiff Prostate Health Safe?: Most likely. There are no side effects associated with any of its ingredients. Overuse of any vitamin can cause side effects, however, so watch your vitamin intake.
Grade: C. Schiff Prostate Health probably won't improve the health of your prostate, and you're better off choosing supplements with more high quality forms of Saw Palmetto, such as Vasotrexx. But it's not all bad news Schiff Prostate Health—it may help lower your risk for prostate cancer.
Schiff Prostate Health is available direct from the manufacturer at www.schiffvitamins.com
Grade C
Prostalex PlusReview – This prostate supplement gets high marks for the 310mg of total sterols. While this is an excellent score, the lab results indicate that Prostalex is essentially one dimensional. With zero free fatty acids, Quercetin and Icariin the rest of the formula needs to be beefed-up. We gave Prostalex a grade C. Click here for the full review and writeup.
Prostalex Plus Basics: This 'As Seen on TV' product claims to reverse the effects of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), or a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, reducing pressure on the urethra. Containing Saw Palmetto, a sterol-rich plant extract, Prostalex Plus is purely all-natural, claiming to be free of stimulants and synthetic ingredients found in other prostate supplements. If you want to get your hands on this supplement fast, you're in luck—in addition to its online store, it's also available at Walgreens and GNC.
Prostalex Plus Ingredients: Prostalex Plus is rich in Saw Palmetto, zinc, vitamin A and other key minerals.
Does Prostalex Plus Work?: Maybe. Although scientific evidence supports Saw Palmetto as an effective, all-natural treatment for prostate enlargement, our lab tests show it contains no detectable traces of free fatty acids. This is a major concern—effective, high quality forms of Saw Palmetto contain some detectable trace of free fatty acids, indicating this may not be a high quality ingredient.
Although zinc may reduce the risk for prostate cancer, a potentially deadly cancer affecting men over age 40, there is no evidence it helps shrinks the prostate gland, which aids in BPH relief.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't take zinc—after all, reducing the risk for prostate cancer is a huge concern—but that it simply doesn't target the problems Prostalex Plus claims to stop.
The only ingredient proven to reduce symptoms of BPH is Saw Palmetto, but only works if it contains detectable traces of sterols and free fatty acids. It doesn't, strongly suggesting Prostalex Plus isn't effective for the treatment of BPH.
Is Prostalex Plus Safe?: Yes--but be careful how many vitamin A and zinc you consume from your diet. You can easily overdose on zinc and vitamin A if you don't adjust your dietary intake, leading to significant—and possibly deadly—side effects.
Grade: C. We all know Saw Palmetto is great for the prostate—it helps reduce symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate—but it's not going to work if it's not a high quality extract. Our lab tests show it's not, and may even be a processed form of Saw Palmetto. You're better off relying on more popular prostate supplements, such as Prostavar or Vasotrexx.
Super Prostate Formula Review -
This prostate product from Physicians Choice is a prime example of a one dimensional product; it has decent fatty acid levels but has practically no Polyphenolics and zero Icariin and Quercitin. If you feel like using a one dimensional prostate product then we recommend super beta prostate over this formula from physician's choice because at least beta prostate has a high level of total sterols. Quercitin is one of the most powerful things you can take to help your situation and while this product may provide good nutritional support for the prostate it does nothing to address the swelling and inflammation that is at the heart of prostate problems. The fact that the company uses an auto ship program also raised our eyebrows because that is normally the biggest warning sign to an ineffective product; they simply count on people forgetting about the auto ship program so they can bill you for more of a product you would never want to order again. Grade C-.
Super Prostate Formula Basics: Created by Dr. Michael Teplitsky, M.D., Super Prostate Formula is a vitamin-packed formula rich in amino acids, antioxidant-rich zinc and Saw Palmetto, a plant extract believed to promote healthy urinary function. It doesn't just help urinary function, however—according to Teplitsky, it also improves sleep by reducing episodes of "nocturnal urination", or frequent urges to urinate while trying to sleep.
"I take Super Prostate Formula myself, because for men, prostate health should not be overlooked," says Teplitsky on his website. "Virtually all known nutrients that are important to prostate health are combined in the Super Prostate Formula."
With a solid, nutritional formula and physician approval, there isn't a whole lot not to like—all except for the questionable quality of its ingredients.
Super Prostate Formula Ingredients: Super Prostate Formula contains beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, ergostanol, Saw Palmetto extract, pygeum africanum extract, several amino acids, stinging nettles, panax ginseng, pygeum africanum powder, pumpkin seed powder, zinc, PABA, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, lycopene, Bioperine and selenium.
Does Super Prostate Formula Work?: We can't say for sure. There's no doubt Super Prostate Formula contains several key ingredients that are absolutely essential for reducing urinary and prostate problems, such as Saw Palmetto, pygeum africanum extract and beta-sitosterol, but our lab tests reveal it doesn't contain high levels of prostate-boosting polyphenols, icariin or quercitin.
Polyphenol, icariin and quercitin levels are a strong indicator of the product's effectiveness—it's just not going to work as well without it. Because Super Prostate Formula contains nearly negligible levels of all three components, we don't believe it's a very effective product.
Although studies show vitamin E and zinc are effective pre-treatments for prostate cancer, it's not proven to reduce the size of the prostate, the cause of most urinary problem for men over 40. Nutritional supplementation is important for reducing your risk for prostate cancer, though—something every man needs regardless of any pre-existing prostate or urinary problems. It's not going to improve prostate symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, however.
Is Super Prostate Formula Safe?: Probably. There is little scientific evidence that suggests any of its ingredients may cause significant side effects. It's definitely a safer product compared to over-the-counter prostate drugs, though, which may lower a man's libido.
Grade: C-. Great prostate supplements don't just need effective ingredients—they also need high quality ingredients, with proven efficacy. Despite what Dr. Teplitsky says, this isn't a very solid product. We give Super Prostate Formula a C- for containing potentially ineffective, poor quality ingredients.
Super Prostate Formula is available direct from the manufacturer at www.physicianschoice.net or by calling them at 1-800-324-5257.
Grade C-
Provelex Plus Review – The suggested daily dosage is to take 3 tablets twice
a day – that’s six pills a day. They give you 180 tablets and it appears to be a marketing gimmick. One sign, right off the bat, that this product will come up short is the 50mg's of Pygeum per three tablets are from a powder NOT an extract. It came as no surprise to us when the laboratory analysis revealed below average test scores. Manufactured by Merazon Health Products of Seattle, who received a serious FDA Citation in February 2005 from Office Director Joseph R. Baca for their product Immune Guard after making false claims about its ability to cure the common cold and flu. They were also the subject of an expose on Quackwatch an organization that monitors the natural health industry. Provelex Plus seems like another over-hyped product.
Provelex Plus Basics: Numerous amino acids, extracts and vitamins make up Provelex's proprietary blend—but Provelex Plus claims the real benefits come from its sterol-rich base of beta-sitosterols, stigmasterols and campesterols. They claim sterols help improve the effects of Provelex Plus, improving urinary function, pressure on the bladder, and overall prostate health. But if you want to cash in on these benefits, be prepared to swallow up to six hard capsules per day—nearly twice as much compared to other prostate supplements.
Provelex Plus Ingredients: Provelex contains nearly 700mg of Saw Palmetto Extract, boosted with helpful sterols such as beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. It also contains 400mg of Swedish flower pollen, which they claim improves the health of the prostate gland.
Does Provelex Plus Work?: It might—but don't count on it. Our lab tests revealed Provelex Plus really doesn't contain a sterol-rich base, earning low scores in the sterol detectability category. This nearly defeats the purpose of using Saw Palmetto in the first place—sterols are what makes it effective in the first place. This strongly suggests they used low quality or highly processed Saw Palmetto, which doesn't do you any good if you want to improve the health of your prostate.
But what about Swedish flower pollen, another ingredient they claim improves prostate health? It may reduce prostate-related inflammation and bladder obstruction, according to Life Extension Magazine. Cernitin, a supplement derived from flower pollen, was shown to reduce symptoms of an enlarged prostate by inhibiting the production of excess testosterone, a leading cause of prostate enlargement. The studies did not investigate the specific properties of Swedish flower pollen, but the results are promising. It won't treat or reduce a man's risk for prostate cancer, however, a leading cause of death for men over 40.
Is Provelex Plus Safe?: Yes--if you don't have a pollen allergy. People with pollen allergies who are exposed to Provelex Plus may develop hay fever, which causes frequent sneezing, skin itchiness, watery eyes or fatigue. Untreated hay fever may also lead to sinusitis, better known as a sinus inflammation.
Grade: C-. The ingredients in Provelex Plus are not high quality, limiting its ability to treat prostate inflammation, pain and enlargement. But there is some evidence that flower pollen may reduce non-cancerous prostate enlargement, providing quick and pain-free urinary relief. Overall, Provelex Plus earns a C- for not containing enough effective ingredients.
Provelex Plus is available direct from the manufacturer at www.provelex.com or by calling them at 1-800-680-0200.
Grade D
PrulatoReview – The man who created this prostate product is currently serving 25 years in federal prison for claims he made about the product Enzyte- a supplement that – get this – is supposed to make a mans penis longer! Needless to say, it came as no surprise that Prulato does not live up to its claims and promises. While the packaging and promotions for this product might be the fanciest of any product we have seen – it is completely worthless. All that matters to us and YOU are lab reports and feedback from “real men” using the product. In the case of Prulato the lab results were poor and as for testimonials from men – we couldn’t find any! At $59.95 a month it’s too high for something of this quality. We just got this lab result in and havent been able to post it yet. Check back soon.
Prulato Basics: It claims to be the fountain of sexual youth in pill form, with all-natural ingredients such as Swedish flower pollen and Saw Palmetto utilized to improve prostate health. But there's also a lot not to like about Prulato: it also claims to increase penis length, cause stronger orgasms, and improve blood flow to the penis. These are misleading statements—the prostate isn't responsible for improving blood flow or increasing penis length, nor is it physically possible. In addition to its misleading claims, the creator of Prulato was also convicted of fraud in 2008 for conning consumers out of a whopping $100 million dollars. Among his many convictions include mail and bank fraud, started when he began selling his penis enhancement supplements.
Prulato Ingredients: Prulato contains a mysterious proprietary blend of Swedish flower powder, Ho Shou Wu root, Saw Palmetto and lycopene. It also contains some zinc.
Does Prulato Work?: Probably not. Although several studies identified Saw Palmetto as a successful treatment for an enlarged prostate, our lab tests reveal they aren't using a very potent form of Saw Palmetto, with barely any useful sterols. It's very unlikely it will reduce symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
Ho Shou Wu, which is closely related to buckwheat, has not been studied by any reputable health organizations. The only studies that exist are from supplement companies, which may be biased. But even these studies don't identify it as a viable treatment for sexual dysfunction or prostate problems—instead, they claim it reduces hair graying and increases hair fullness.
Studies conducted on flower powder do hint that it may treat prostate cancer, one of the biggest cancers affecting American men today. While they don't recommend using it to treat cancer, they do say it may reduce the risk for developing it. It also may shrink the prostate, reducing pressure on the bladder.
Is Prulato Safe?: Mostly. Prulato does contain pollen, however, and may cause hay fever in people who are allergic to pollen. The rest of the ingredients are safe for everyday use.
Grade: D. If it's too good to be true, check the facts—numerous studies show Prulato isn't as effective as it likes to pretend. It's not dangerous, but many of these ingredients are not proven to treat prostate problems or improve sexual function. Poor ingredients and outrageous claims earns Prulato a D from us.
Available direct from the manufacturer at www.viandalife.com or by calling them at 1-866-850-3170.
Grade D
Prostex Review - Not much to get excited about here, despite the fact Prostex is from the good folks at Metabolic Products in Woburn Mass. The lab report is extremely poor, with zeros in three of the four categories, and a very weak 19.4mg of free fatty acids. Grade D
Prostex Basics: Prostex is an amino-acid-rich dietary supplement that claims to reduce urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
According to Prostex's website, Prostex has been scientifically proven to alleviate the symptoms associated with BPH, including weak stream, urinary pain, difficulty emptying, and constant urinary urges.
"Prostex has been used successfully by men with symptoms of BPH for over fifty years," says their website, Prostex.com. "This special formula of amino acids is one of the most effective of natural nutritional therapies for BPH." But these so-called studies are about as old as is Prostex itself. The most recent one was conducted in 1962.
Prostex Ingredients: Prostex contains glycine, alanine and glutamic acid.
Does Prostex Work? It might. According to the A.P. John Cancer Institute, amino acid therapy may help treat prostate cancer as part of a dietary regimen. The proof? Amino acid therapy was shown to "starve" prostate cancer cells by inhibiting their development, thus preventing tumor growth.
It's not a completely solid science, though.
"It is important to realize that the patient does not need to abandon their conventional cancer treatment, (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone treatments), nor is it recommended that they do so unless it has already failed them," their website reports.
Amino acid therapy also does not target complications caused by BPH, the only benefits promoted on Prostex's website. Although Prostex claims it improves symptoms caused by BPH, scientific research doesn't support this, including the studies referenced on their own website. This prostate supplement may be ideal for treating existing prostate cancer, but probably won't have any impact on symptoms caused by BPH.
Is Prostex Safe? Yes. If you take Prostex as prescribed, you shouldn't run into any side effects. Make sure to check with your doctor before beginning any supplement regimen, however. For it may cause unpleasant side effects when used with other natural or prescription supplements.
Grade: D. There is some evidence that amino acid therapy may be beneficial for men diagnosed with prostate cancer, but doesn't help improve prostate health or symptoms associated with BPH. We recommend searching for prostate supplements that contain extracts proven to fight BPH instead, such as saw palmetto or pygeum extract.
Prostex is available direct from the manufacturer at www.prostex.com
Grade F
Flotrexx Review – A blatant attempt to confuse the consumer into thinking that this is the prescription drug Flomax. Ads for this low-grade product first appeared right as Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, got approval from the FDA to sell Flomax. Lab results actually showed the supplement had an above average level of saw palmetto, but not much else. This product is advertised through direct mail. They feature photos of a man identified as Dr. Treadwell Dubois. There is no listing for a Dr. Treadwell Dubois in ANY American Medical Association anywhere in the United States. We believe this doctor is as bogus as this product. Plus, at $79 a bottle for a one-month supply this is just not worth it. We just got this lab result in and havent been able to post it yet. Check back soon.
Flotrexx Basics: Recommended by Dr. Treadwell Dubois M.D., a prostate health expert, this direct mail prostate supplement claims to improve prostate health through the power of Saw Palmetto, a berry extract. It also claims to be all-natural, with no stimulants, additives or synthetic drugs used to up its efficacy. It doesn't specifically state what exactly it improves, though—higher quality supplements usually specify which prostate conditions they can treat, such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), but Flotrexx really isn't specific about any of their claims. Still, Flotrexx may be somewhat effective at treating some prostate issues.
Flotrexx Ingredients: It's not clear, but it appears Flotrexx only contains Saw Palmetto.
Does Flotrexx Work?: Probably not. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Saw Palmetto is an effective treatment for BPH, which causes prostate inflammation and urinary problems. It's also as effective as the prescription medication Proscar, but without its sexual side effects. This also makes it a more viable treatment for men who are at risk for erectile dysfunction (ED), a common sexual dysfunction disorder.
But what really makes Saw Palmetto effective is the amount of sterols it contains, which improves its efficacy. Top prostate supplements almost always use high quality Saw Palmetto—but this isn't the case for Flotrexx. According to our lab results, it did not contain many sterols, scoring significantly lower than our top prostate supplements, Vasotrexx and Prostavar. The quality of their Saw Palmetto isn't terrible, but it isn't the type of quality you'll see in more reputable prostate supplements.
Bottom line: It probably won't improve the health of your prostate. There is evidence it may reduce symptoms related to BPH, but it may not work as well as other prostate supplements.
Is Flotrexx Safe?: Yes. There are no contraindications or significant side effects associated with Saw Palmetto. It's relatively safe to take and does not interfere with any medications, even medications that treat BPH.
Grade: F. There is so little information available about Flotrexx or its ingredients that we cannot give it a satisfactory grade. You're better off using more reputable prostate health supplements instead, such as our leading product Prostavar.
Website not available.
Grade F
Prost-8 Review – From Hampshire Labs, the Minneapolis based company that specializes in direct mail letters that promise the moon –but deliver poor products. They also make the do-nothing products Prostend and Antiiva. Prost-8 touts itself as the number one product in the world for “optimum prostate health”. Strange, since it contains ZERO saw palmetto and ZERO Pygeum, the two absolutely essential compounds for men’s prostate health. Outlandish claims and a subpar product is not the combination you are looking for. Laboratory analysis confirms that a purchase of Prost-8 would be a waste of your money.
Prost-8 Basics: This all-natural prostate health supplement from Hampshire Laboratories claims to eliminate prostate problems with its eight core ingredients, including beta-sitosterol, zinc citrate and several inflammation-fighting sterols. They call these ingredients their “8 secret weapons”, specially formulated to target the prostate gland. But how? According to Prost-8, it supposedly improves urinary and sexual problems within weeks by reducing the size of the prostate—a leading cause of most prostate and urinary problems, including benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
Prost-8 Ingredients: Prost-8 contains a multivitamin complex of extracted beta-sitosterols, campesterols, stigmasterols and brassicasterols. It also contains zinc citrate and pumpkin seed oil. Prost-8 promises these are the best ingredients for improving your prostate health fast, without the risk of additional side effects.
Does Prost-8 Work?: Probably not. Prost-8 is missing one key ingredient that makes these sterols useful: Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto is the driving force that allows these sterols to reduce prostate inflammation in the first place. If that's not enough to surprise you, this will—extracted beto-sitosterol also increases a man's risk for erectile dysfuction (ED) and poor libido. Prost-8 may actually cause sexual problems instead of curing it, something most men don't need.
There is also no reputable evidence available that states pumpkin seed oil may improve prostate health. There's plenty of evidence from health companies trying to sell pumpkin seed oil, though, including WHFoods.org—they claim it treats BPH but doesn't explain why (or how). The lack of evidence suggests Prost-8 probably isn't telling the whole truth about their supplement.
Is Prost-8 Safe?: No. Extracted beto-sitosterol may increase a man's risk for ED or lowered libido, impairing numerous sexual functions. Other studies also show beto-sitosterol causes nausea, diarrhea and constipation.
Grade: F. They're certainly not running short on sterols, but it's useless if you don't pair it with Saw Palmetto, which enables it to shrink the prostate. Other ingredients may also worsen sexual dysfunction, doing the opposite of what Prost-8 claims it can cure. Prost-8 earns an F from us for not containing ineffective and potentially dangerous ingredients.
Prost-8 is available direct at www.hampshirelabs.com or by calling them at 1-800-279-5517.
Grade F
Prostata Review – GeroVita had sold over 4 millions of bottles of this prostate supplement which failed miserably in lab testing. In fact is looks like a classic example of "powder in a bottle" with virtually zero potency! A rip off! Priced under $40 a bottle it is a complete waste of money based on the independent laboratory analysis. Many survey sheet complained the pills did nothing for them - now we know why. Company founder and creator of this supplement Almon Glen Brasswell gained national attention a few years ago when he, along with financier Marc Rich, were pardoned by President Clinton in the final days of his presidency. Brasswell (who died last year) was a twice-convicted felon, and it looks like he is still ripping people off!
Prostata Basics: Available in a more absorbable soft gel form, this nutrient-rich prostate supplement focuses on utilizing the power of lycopene and Saw Palmetto to improve prostate and urinary health, a common problem for men over age 40. Prostata isn't your typical supplement either—it's been around for nearly 10 years, used by millions of men to improve the health of their prostate.
Unlike other prostate supplements such as Prostavar, Prostata believes utilizing the power of antioxidants and minerals is the real key to optimal prostate health, not Saw Palmetto. They claim it improves healthy urinary function, making it easier to go without having to worry about sudden accidents or urinary pain. So where's the proof? They say the proof is in the millions of men who use—and trust—their product. It's not really a comforting thought from a company that says it is clinically proven to work.
Prostata Ingredients: Prostata contains plenty of Vitamin A—you'll get nearly 10,000 IU per serving, or 200% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). It also uses 50mcg of selenium, a micronutrient. The rest of their ingredients are included in a proprietary blend, including Vegapure, Saw Palmetto oil, pumpkin seed oil, Lutemax and lycopene.
DoesProstata Work?: It's unlikely. We all know the evidence surrounding prostate-boosting Saw Palmetto, which was identified as a successful treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in several studies. But what really makes Saw Palmetto effective is the numbers of sterols and free fatty acids it contains, which significantly improves its ability to reduce prostate inflammation and urinary problems.
Our lab tests revealed Prostata contained no detectable traces of sterols or free fatty acids. This essentially means they're using a highly processed form of Saw Palmetto, which almost eliminates its prostate-boosting abilities. To state it simply, it's probably not going to help shrink your prostate.
But what about Vitamin A? Well you're not likely to find help from this vitamin either. Although it does contain antioxidants, which may lower your risk of developing numerous cancers (including prostate cancer), there's no proof it improves prostate or urinary function. There are some studies that identify it as a potent anti-aging agent for skin health, but that's not really the concern of men who desperately want to reduce their prostate cancer risk.
Is Prostata Safe?: No. Long term use of Prostata may increase your risk for chronic vitamin A toxicity, which typically occurs after 6-15 months of use. According to eMedicine, a WebMD partner, chronic toxicity can lead to osteoporosis, excessive skin peeling or breaking out, blurred vision or pain in the extremities. Acute toxicity, which is less likely to occur, may also cause anorexia, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness or seizures.
Grade: F. Prostata doesn't appear to be an effective product, and our lab tests show it doesn't use a high quality form of Saw Palmetto. You'll easily go over your daily limit of vitamin A, which may put you at a higher risk for developing chronic vitamin A toxicity. Sure, Prostata may have sold millions of their soft gel prostate supplement to men all across the United States, but popularity doesn't necessarily indicate efficacy or safety. Prostata earns an F for being potentially ineffective and unsafe to use.
Prostata is available direct at www.gvi.com or by calling them at 1-888-382-9175.
Grade F
The Prostate Formula from Real Health Laboratories Review – The laboratory analysis for this product is here in the book for you to see and the results are shockingly poor! We tested three separate batches and all three individual results concurred that the product contained ZERO active ingredients in any of the major categories. That’s ZERO. You can walk into just about any major drug store chain and find this well packaged, attractive, seemingly high quality product from this San Diego based company which boasts that it is “Doctor Developed and Trusted since 1994”. The box also has a logo that states “Laboratory Quality Tested” in big letters right on the front – you never really know until you test it. You can’t hide in the lab. The label states that it contains “powders” and not “extracts” – and the results speak for themselves. Many men have written stating that they tried this product and were very disappointed having seen virtually zero results.
The Prostate Formula Basics:Real Health Laboratories calls it the "Original Prostate Formula". the all-natural solution for improving prostate function, urinary flow and prostate enlargement, a leading cause of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). But unlike other prostate supplements, they say the real secret to prostate health can be found in its herbs, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidant-rich zinc. The Prostate Formula still contains Saw Palmetto, though—just not as much as you'll find in more popular prostate supplements, such as Vasotrexx.
The Prostate Formula Ingredients: The Prostate Formula contains over 250mg of glycine, L-Glutamic Acid, L-Lysine HCI, pygeum powder, and Saw Palmetto powder. For a nutritional boost, they also include vitamins D, E, B6 and zinc.
Does The Prostate Formula Work?: Probably not. Although both Saw Palmetto and pygeum extract have been proven as effective treatments for an enlarged prostate—several studies say it reduces prostate inflammation and bladder obstruction—our lab tests show it contains no detectable levels of sterols or free fatty acids. All-natural Saw Palmetto usually contains some trace of sterols or free fatty acids, suggesting this is a low quality form of Saw Palmetto. It's unlikely to work.
Getting plenty of vitamins won't improve prostate health either. Although vitamin E is connected to lower instances of prostate cancer, there is no proof that any of these vitamins helps reduce prostate inflammation or urinary problems caused by BPH. Its rich antioxidant content may reduce a man's risk for numerous cancers, however, including breast and prostate cancer. Don't expect complete inflammation relief, though.
IsThe Prostate Formula Safe?: No. The Prostate Formula contains nearly 2500% of the recommended daily amount (RDA) of vitamin B6, increasing the risk for vitamin B6 toxicity. Vitamin B6 toxicity is no laughing matter—according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it can cause sensory neuropathy, a condition marked by increased pain and numbness in the extremities, difficulty waking and nerve damage in the arms and legs. If left untreated, this condition can become permanent.
Grade: F. The Prostate Formula may claim to be the "original" prostate formula for men over 40, but our lab tests indicate it contains virtually no sterols or free fatty acids, which allows Saw Palmetto to reduce prostate inflammation. It also may cause vitamin toxicity, leading to nerve damage in the arms and legs. The Prostate Formula gets an F for not using high quality ingredients and being potentially unsafe to take.
The Prostate Formula is available direct at www.realhealthlabs.com or by calling 1-800-565-6656.
Grade F
Antiiva Review – This is a classic example of a prostate product that is completely worthless and tarnishes the reputation of the entire natural health industry. Sold only through mail-orders by the same group of “weasels” who sell Prosta-8 and Prostend (see sections below write ups). They try to trick you into believing this is a legitimate prostate product by using pseudo science, phony testimonials and a “pharmaceutical-sounding” name like Antiiva. It’s not. The lab reports expose this fraudulent product for what it is: a rip-off. If you were unfortunate enough to spend money on this "bottle of dirt" you would not have seen any results. Total scam. If you get a letter in the mail from these jokers throw it in the trash!
Antiiva Basics: This all-natural prostate supplement claims to naturally improve urinary and prostate problems caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a condition that swells the prostate gland. Utilizing the power of beta-sitosterol, Antiiva says it rejuvenates blood flow in the groin area, pumping fresher, younger blood into the prostate—a key component of prostate health. They also include a secret proprietary blend they claim improves the efficacy of their ingredients, dramatically reducing prostate problems. It's also fairly cheap—one 60 capsule bottle only costs $19.95.
Antiiva Ingredients: Antiiva contains numerous sterols, including beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and brassicasterol. You'll also find plenty of pumpkin seed oil, zinc citrate and cancer-fighting selenium.
Does Antiiva Work?: Probably not. Although beta-sitosterol is considered an effective treatment for BPH, studies show it isn't as effective if used without Saw Palmetto, a potent berry extract. Beta-sitosterol enhances the effects of Saw Palmetto—not the other way around. Most of the other sterols also enhance the prostate-boosting effects of Saw Palmetto; sterols are essentially useless without this key ingredient.
As for pumpkin seed oil, there is no proof it may be a viable treatment for BPH or any prostate problem. Although scientists are currently testing its for its ability to fight prostate cancer, all of it is speculation—not solid, undeniable proof it may treat prostate cancer. The same goes for zinc citrate, which is currently being studied for its ability to prevent prostate cancer.
Is Antiiva Safe?: No. Extracted beta-sitosterol—that is, beta-sitosterol not found naturally in other ingredients—may cause numerous health problems, including nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn or constipation. eMedTV.com also says it may cause erectile dysfunction, reducing a man's fertility. Some men also experience a decreased sex drive, making erectile dysfunction worse.
Grade: F. Antiiva may be cheap, but so are its ingredients, which could cause some sexual health problems if used daily. There's also not enough evidence it may reduce a man's risk for prostate cancer, although scientists believe it may be a potential solution. There's simply not not evidence proving Antiiva is an effective prostate supplement, earning it an F on our list.
Antiiva is available direct at www.hampshirelabs.com or by calling them at 1-800-279-5517.
Grade F
Urinozinc Prostate Wellness Review – This prostate formula from the Vitanery company out of Miami, is widely distributed in most major chain store pharmacies. Their box claims it to be a "patented formula" and a silver emblem proudly blares "Formulated by Doctors." Well the doctors must have been drunk when they formulated this because the laboratory report, shows that is contains Zero Free Fatty Acids, Zero Sterols, ZERO Icariin, and ZERO Quercetin and only 1mg total Pholyphenolics. (see attached lab report). This is practically criminal! Imagine if you have been spending your money on this product thinking it is helping you and now thanks to unbiased lab reports, you can see that this product is a rip-off! Compare this score to those of Prostavar, or Prost Rx or Solaray’s prostate product and it’s comical, like comparing a bicycle to a Rolls Royce. Very disappointing.
Urinozinc Prostate Wellness Basics: Rich in antioxidant-rich vitamins, minerals and all-natural extracts, Urinozinc Prostate Wellness claims to urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, better known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). It truly is all natural—all of the ingredients are sugar-free, starch-free, and contains no preservatives or artificial colors. If used correctly, Urinozinc Prostate Wellness supposedly eliminates urinary problems within weeks, providing quick and side effect-free relief from BPH.
Urinozinc Prostate Wellness Ingredients: Urinozinc Prostate Wellness contains plenty of vitamin E, B6 and B12, all exceeding the daily recommended allowance. It also contains Saw Palmetto and pygeum africanum, better known as pygeum extract.
Does Urinozinc Prostate Wellness Work?: It's very unlikely. Both Saw Palmetto and pygeum extract are considered viable treatments for BPH in Europe, and is slowly becoming popular in the United States—but not all forms of these extracts are proven effective. So what makes these good extracts? The use of sterols, namely beta-sitosterols, which help amplify its ability to treat urinary problems. Our lab tests show it contains no identifiable traces of any sterols, including beta-sitosterol, making both extracts potentially ineffective for the treatment of BPH.
Some limited studies have shown vitamin E may play an important role in prostate cancer prevention, however. According to the Harvard Medical School, people who took vitamin E supplements reduced their prostate cancer risk by 51%, working more effectively in men who smoked. This risk was slightly lower for non-smokers. Health organizations warn consumers not tot trust any health companies claiming vitamin E may prevent or treat prostate cancer, though—this was only one small study, not enough to confirm vitamin E's ability to prevent prostate cancer.
Is Urinozinc Prostate Wellness Safe?: No. Excess consumption of vitamin E, B6 or B12 may cause vitamin toxicity, leading to sensory neuropathy, an increase in blood volume or vacular thrombosis. These effects are sometimes increased with supplemental use.
Grade: F. Our lab results show Urinozinc Prostate Wellness is a low quality product, with few ingredients proven effective for the treatment of prostate enlargement. There is also an increased risk for vitamin toxicity, which may affect the nerves and veins all throughout the body. Urinozinc Prostate Wellness earns an F for not living up to its hype.
Urinozinc Prostate Wellness is available direct at www.urinozinc.com or by calling them at 1-305-441-1651.