Why men need to consume Dietary Supplements
Men die about five years earlier than women and are more likely to develop one type of cancer or another by fifty percent. The XY chromosome is associated with higher rates of diseases except for Alzheimer's disease, which women have a higher prevalence.
Along with optimal lifestyle practices like exercise and clean eating, focused dietary supplements are critical for longevity and optimal functioning in men. There are numerous dietary supplements that are necessary to stave off prostate problems, help maintain healthy erectile function and promote longevity. A good multivitamin/mineral complex, selected antioxidants that include zinc, selenium in the form of selenized yeast, L-citrulline, Curcumin, pomegranate and broccoli extract are just a few.
Let’s review the scientific research on those nutrients:In one study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) dietary supplements reduce the risk of most cancers in men by 8% compared to those taking a placebo (1).
In a French randomized clinical trial, a supplement containing ascorbic acid 120 mg, vitamin E 30 mg, β-carotene 6 mg, selenium 100 μg, and zinc 20 mg. This supplement was associated with a 31% reduction in overall cancer incidence (P=.008) and a 37% reduction in overall mortality (P=.02) in men (ages 45–60 years), but not in women (ages 35–60 years), after a median intake of about 7.5 years. (2)
The the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) study, which was designed to test the skin cancer preventive effects of selenium, a trace mineral that is important for protection against oxidative stress. Selenium, in the form of selenized yeast did not affect skin cancer but was associated with a 63% risk reduction of prostate cancer (3).
In a small study, improvement of erection parameters were noticed in men who consumed L-citrulline (4).
In men with prostate cancer, undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy for their disease, intake of oral curcumin suppressed PSA elevation during the curcumin administration period. PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen is a biomarker used after prostate cancer treatment to determine recurrence or relapse (5).
In a study using a blend of pomegranate, green tea, broccoli, and turmeric (Curcuma longa), or placebo for six months showed a PSA significantly lower in the supplement group than in the placebo group (6).
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Dr. Geo Espinosa is a naturopathic doctor, licensed acupuncturist and certified functional medicine practitioner recognized as an authority in holistic urology and men’s health. He is a professor and holistic clinician in Urology at New York University Langone Medical Center and faculty for the Institute for Functional Medicine. As an avid researcher and writer, Dr. Geo has authored numerous scientific papers and books including co-editing the Integrative Sexual Health book, and author of the best selling prostate cancer book: Thrive, Don’t Only Survive. Dr. Geo is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and formulator at XY Wellness, LLC and lectures internationally on the application of science-based holistic treatments in urological clinics. On his free time, he enjoys writing on his popular blog, DrGeo.com, spending time with his wife and three kids and practicing the Israeli martial art, Krav Maga.