Submitted by: Neil I.
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
Dr. Chad Larson
Other supplements which should not be overlooked:
