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Nettle extract ( Urtica dioica ) is mainly obtained from the roots of the nettle plant and has been used for centuries because of its versatile effects.

Nettle extract is often added to prostate pills because scientific research has shown that it supports prostate health and contributes to the normal functioning of the urinary tract. * (5)

Dosage

• Effective - 200-300 mg/day
• Safe - 600 mg/day (6)
• Possible Side Effects - Nettle extract is generally well tolerated, but some side effects may occur, such as mild gastrointestinal upset: Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. (7)

Pumpkin seed extract ( Cucurbita pepo ) has been an important ingredient in traditional medicine for centuries.

The action of pumpkin seed extract is similar to that of saw palmetto.

It contains phytosterols, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds that may play a role in supporting prostate and urinary tract health. (8)

Dosage

• Effective - 500-1000 mg/day
• Safe - up to 2000 mg/day
• Possible side effects - Pumpkin seed extract is generally well tolerated. In rare cases, mild side effects such as stomach upset or diarrhea may occur. (9)

Many prostate pills contain herbal extracts containing beta-sitosterols, such as saw palmetto, pygeum (African plum tree), and nettle.

But sometimes beta-sitosterol is added separately for a higher and more targeted dose. This can be helpful for people who want additional support for their prostate.

Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol, a plant-based substance that you also get from seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and grains (about 200-400 mg per day with a healthy diet). There are over 100 types of phytosterols, of which beta-sitosterol is one of the most common. (10)

Dosage

• Effective - From 60-200 mg/day
• Safe - 2000-3000 mg/day
  The acceptable daily intake (ADI) of beta-sitosterol has been established at approximately 40 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For an adult weighing 70 kg, this equates to a maximum intake of 2,800 mg per day. (11)
• Possible side effects - Several studies show that beta-sitosterol is well tolerated. (11) (12) At higher doses, side effects such as stomach upset or diarrhea may occur.

Zinc is a mineral that plays an important role in prostate health and is therefore often added to prostate supplements. (13)

Zinc naturally occurs in higher concentrations in the prostate tissue itself (compared to other tissues). This points to its importance for the prostate.

In addition, zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood. And a balanced testosterone level, supported by adequate zinc, can contribute to healthy prostate function.

Dosage

• Effective - 9 mg per/day for adult males 18 years and older (Recommended Daily Allowance).
• Safe - Maximum 25 mg/day (Tolerable Upper Limit, EFSA)
• Possible side effects - When taking more than 40 mg per day for a long period of time, the following side effects may occur: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and headache.

The prostate is a vital organ in the male reproductive system. It's about the size of a chestnut and the shape of a walnut. It's located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, an enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra, which can cause difficulty urinating.

The weight and size of the prostate vary depending on a man's age and health. In younger men, the prostate is usually small (about 10-15 grams), but as men age, it can become enlarged, sometimes leading to problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The prostate is directly involved in two important functions: producing seminal fluid and regulating urine flow.

1. Seminal fluid production - The prostate produces seminal fluid, an important component of semen. This fluid protects and helps sperm move effectively during ejaculation.
2. Regulation of urine flow - Because the urethra passes through the prostate, the prostate influences urine flow. Changes in prostate size can therefore also affect how easily you urinate.

Prostate problems are common in men, especially as they age.

There are several conditions that can affect the prostate, from benign enlargement to serious diseases like prostate cancer. These are the most common prostate complaints:

1. Benign prostatic enlargement (or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)) - This is most common in older men. In the Netherlands, approximately 25% of men over 50 suffer from an enlarged prostate.
   The prostate enlarges and can pinch the urethra, causing problems with urination, such as a weak stream or frequent urge to urinate.
2. Prostatitis - This is an inflammation of the prostate, often caused by an infection. Prostatitis can range from an acute infection to a chronic inflammation, and while less common than other prostate problems, it can cause significant discomfort, including painful urination or ejaculation, and sometimes fever.
3. Prostate cancer - This is the most common cancer in men. An average of 13,000 men in the Netherlands are diagnosed with prostate cancer for the first time each year, making it the most common form of cancer in men. (14)
   Often, there are no obvious symptoms initially. Therefore, it's important to have regular checkups, especially if there's a family history of prostate cancer.

Dietary supplements are not a cure for prostate problems or conditions. However, a supplement can support the functioning of a healthy prostate.

Prostate complaints can have various causes, which are often interrelated.

Why some men experience this and others do not is not yet fully understood, but scientists already know that the following factors have an influence:

• Hormonal changes - Changes in hormone levels, such as increased levels of the hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can affect the prostate. Testosterone is the primary male hormone, influencing male characteristics (such as muscle mass and energy). However, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, has a stronger effect on the prostate.
• Getting older - Partly due to the influence of changing hormones, getting older has an effect on the prostate, especially on its enlargement.
• Genetics - Heredity plays an important role, especially in prostate cancer.
• Infections - Urinary tract infections or bacteria can lead to inflammation of the prostate. As the prostate enlarges, it can partially block the urinary tract, making it more difficult to completely empty the bladder. This can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
• Lifestyle - An unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, being overweight, or not exercising enough, can contribute to the risk of prostate problems. (15)

Prostate problems can manifest themselves in the following symptoms:

• Frequent or excessive urination
• Urinating in small amounts
• Frequent urination at night
• Difficulty urinating
• Slow urine stream
• Problems with retaining urine
• Feeling that the bladder is not empty properly
• A weak stream of urine
• Dripping after urination