Prostex

Rating: C
Company:

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. Ingredients: Prostex contains glycine, alanine and glutamic acid.

Does it 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 it 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: C. 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.