Submitted by: Neil I.

Q: I heard that eating tomatoes is good for prostate health. Is this true? Also, what else can I include in my diet and are there any research studies that confirm your recommendations?

A: Thank you Neil for your question. Fortunately, there are several dietary and nutritional products that have been shown to be very effective for prostate conditions and for the prevention of prostate conditions.

Serenoa Repens commonly known as Saw Palmetto has proven to be much more effective than even one of the most prescribed medications for the prostate called finesteride (Proscar). Less than 50 percent of patients on Proscar will experience clinical improvement after taking the drug for one year. In contrast, numerous studies on the saw palmetto extract have shown it to be effective in nearly 90 percent of patients, usually in a period of four to six weeks, and without any side-effects.

The following are a few research studies showing the effectiveness of several nutrients in various prostate conditions:

High consumption of dairy products was associated with a 50% increased for prostate cancer.
Cancer Causes Control 1998; 9:559-566

Flaxseed supplementation at 30 grams per day for 3-4 weeks reduced free and total testosterone levels, and reduced cell proliferation in prostate cancer patients.
Family Practice News 1999; 29(22): 24

Lycopene at 25 mg, 2 times daily, for 3 weeks helped confine prostate cancer to the prostate and resulted in smaller tumors.
Medical Tribune 1999:8

A reduced rate of prostate cancer was associated with a high erythrocyte phosphatidylcholine level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - from fish oil.
Br J Cancer 1999; 81(7): 1238-1242

Data suggests that a high consumption of vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels' sprouts), is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.(Indole 3 Carbinol)
J Natl Cancer Inst 2000; 92(1): 61-68

Data from the Physicians' Health Study indicate that men who consume 2.5 servings a day of dairy products had a 42% increased risk of developing prostate cancer compared with those who consumed less than one-half serving per day. And Men who took calcium supplements increased their risk of prostate cancer 3-fold. These findings were reported at the annual meeting (2000) of the American Association for Cancer Research

Beta-Carotene supplementation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer among those with low baseline levels.
Cancer 1999; 86((): 1783-1792

The intake of tomato products is inversely related to prostate cancer risk.(See Lycopene)
Phytochemistry 2000; 54: 233-236

The risk of prostate cancer for men receiving a daily supplement of 200 micrograms per day of Selenium was one-third that of those receiving placebo.
J Natl Cancer Inst 1998; 90(16): 1219-1224

Low Vitamin E levels in smokers were related to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate 1999; 38: 189-198

There is an increased risk of prostate cancer with a higher intake of red meat or animal fat.
J Natl Cancer Inst 1993; 85: 1571-1579

Isoflavones (from soy: See GCP) can inhibit the growth of androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines.
Nutr Review 1999; 57(4): 95-103

. AHCC
. Prostate Elements
. Inflacain
. Modified Citrus Pectin

We live in bodies where all the systems are very interrelated in a web-like balance of interactions. We cannot just listen to one instrument when addressing the human body but rather have to respect and consider the entire symphony. As usual, I would recommend a consultation for an individualized, comprehensive assessment.