Prostate Support: A Review of Ingredients
Healthmasters’ Prostate Support product was formulated with one thing in mind: supporting a healthy prostate.
As men age, the need for maintaining and supporting healthy prostate and lower urinary tract (LUT) health and function increases.
In this article, we will be reviewing the six ingredients in Healthmasters’ Prostate Support and how each component targets and supports healthy prostate function. *
Vitamin B6
B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods and a popular dietary supplement. In Healthmasters’ Prostate Support, B6 is in the form pyridoxal 5’- phosphate, which is its higher quality, methylated form to ensure proper absorption and bioavailability [1].
Studies have found B6 to play an influential role in prostate health [2].
In a 2009 study, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health investigated whether dietary intakes of various B vitamins measures around the tome of prostate cancer diagnosis are associated with prostate cancer survival in 525 men.
Of the four B vitamins evaluated, the researchers concluded, “A high vitamin B-6 intake may improve prostate cancer survival among men with a diagnosis of localized-stage disease,” noting that high vitamin B6 intake has an inverse association with prostate-related mortality [2].
Zinc
This mineral plays several essential roles in the body, including supporting liver health and increasing fertility in men. In this product, zinc is in the form of zinc bisglycinate chelate, which is developed through a chelation process to ensure efficient absorption [3].
Studies have found zinc to help support prostate health through its antioxidant actions because zinc is highly concentrated in the prostate gland. Therefore, a lack of zinc may be associated with DNA damage and repair response rate in prostate tissue [4]. Therefore, scientists and researchers have found that an adequate zinc level is vital for optimal prostate health, especially in advancing age [5].
Cranberry Fruit Solids
Perhaps one of the more main ingredients in this product, cranberry fruit has a history of use among Native Americans for kidney and urinary health, and modern researcher acknowledges the fruit’s traditional use [6] [7] [8]. Naturally, cranberries are a rich source of beneficial oligosaccharides and phytochemicals, including proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and triterpenoids.
Healthmasters’ Prostate Support features FLOWENS® Cranberry Fruit Solids, which has been thoroughly developed and tested to produce an all-natural, full-spectrum supplement to support prostate function.
In a 2016, 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, researchers investigated the effects of FLOWENS® Cranberry Fruit Solids in 145 men over the age of 45 with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia [enlarged prostate]. The doses were with 250mg or 500mg per day.
After six months, subjects in both groups had lower international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), with the 500mg group having a lower rating, indicating a dose-response effect. Both groups’ scores also dramatically improved over the placebo group.
The researchers concluded, “Flowens™ showed a clinically relevant, dose-dependent, and a significant reduction in LUTS in men over 45” [9]. No adverse side effects were reported.
Two softgels of Healthmasters’ Prostate Support contains 500mg of FLOWENS® Cranberry Fruit Solids.
Saw Palmetto Extract (Serenoa repens)
The popularity of using saw palmetto extract to support prostate health began in Europe, and more recently, it has become a popular approach in the United States.
In a systematic review of 18 randomized, placebo-controlled trials which involved nearly 3,000 men [10] and another systematic review of 21 trials involving over 3,000 men [11], the researchers supported the safety and efficacy of saw palmetto extract preparations.
Further, numerous published animal and clinical trials continue to support a role for saw palmetto extract in prostate health [12] [13] [14] [15].
Though the action has not been thoroughly investigated, there is evidence that saw palmetto inhibits 5-alpha-reductase (5AR), which is the enzyme that reduces testosterone potency [16] [17].
Additional studies support the prostate-supporting role of saw palmetto extract [18] [19].
Pygeum Extract
The use of pygeum dates back centuries, and extracts are a well-known and often-used alternative for supporting prostate health in Europe [20].
Numerous open, placebo-controlled studies in large populations have demonstrated its efficacy for supporting healthy urine flow and volume, reducing nocturnal voiding, and improving quality of life [21] [22] [23] [24].
Studies have even found Pygeum extract to have a positive role in prostate cancer [25] [26].
Scientists believe Pygeum extract is useful because it inhibits 5AR, has estrogenic, antiandrogenic, and antiproliferative effects, and modulates cell signaling molecules, including cytokines [23].
Beta-Sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is a plant phytosterol commonly used to promote LUT function in men.
In a 1995 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 200 men, scientists investigate the effects the compound had on men with prostatic hyperplasia. The researchers found that there was “significant improvement” in urinary flow parameters in the beta-sitosterol group only [27]. The dosage in the study was 60mg a day; there is 180mg in the daily dosage of Healthmasters’ Prostate Support. In a follow-up study, the benefits were maintained for 18 months [28].
In a 1997 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers, again, investigated the effects beta-sitosterol had on the IPSS, but this time, it was using a 130mg daily dose with the 177 patients. The researchers found that the beta-sitosterol supplementation resulted in significant improvements in patients’ quality of life, urine flow rate, and residual volume when compared to the placebo group [29].
Finally, in a 1999 systematic review examining four trials and 519 men, researchers concluded, “Beta-sitosterol improves urological symptoms and flow measures” [30].
Conclusion
Based on the published studies presented, each ingredient in Healthmasters’ Prostate Support product supports and promotes healthy prostate function, through a variety of dimensions.
If you have any questions about Healthmasters’ Prostate Support, please feel free to call our office at 800.726.1834.
References:
[1] https://healthmasters.com/importance-methylated-b-vitamins
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19571228
[3] https://www.albionminerals.com/human-nutrition/products-trade/traacs/88-zinc-chelate-traacs
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18356318
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/24204440
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23890348
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26613004
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24228191
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26049866
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9820264
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12137626
[12] http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/DocServer/Saw_Palmetto.pdf?docID=167
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20944533
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26104840
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23235581
[16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11337315
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19262550
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1281103
[19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15033918
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10929430
[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9787978
[22] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11099686
[23] https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/20503393
[24] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11869585
[25] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17709901
[26] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18627423
[27] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7540705
[28] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10792163
[29] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9313662
[30] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10368239
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
