MULTIVITAMINS
The contents of multis can differ
dramatically, from a handful of ingredients
to a few dozen, with a variety of dosages.
Consequently, it’s difficult to study multi-
vitamin effects, and research results have
not been consistent. But large, longer-
term trials that compared specific
supplement formulations with placebos
have found less incidence of cancer,
heart disease, and early death, and
overall healthier aging, among men
who supplement with a multi.
A French study of more than 13,000
men and women compared the effects of a
placebo and a daily supplement containing
a combination of antioxidants typically
found in multis. After 7 years, researchers
found that the supplement reduced
risk of cancer and all causes of death in
men, but not in women. The antioxidant
supplements contained 120 mg of vitamin
C; 30 mg of vitamin E (equivalent to 45 IU
natural vitamin E or 67 IU of a synthetic
form); 6 mg (10,000 IU) of beta carotene;
100 mcg of selenium; and 20 mg of zinc.
In another 11-year study, male
physicians who were age 50 or older at
the outset were given either a placebo
or a once-daily multi with relatively low
doses of essential vitamins and minerals.
Researchers also estimated nutrient
intakes from food. They concluded that
the multivitamin lowered risk of cancer
and, among men who consumed higher
amounts of vitamins B 6 , B 12 , and D from
food, risk of heart disease and death.VITAMIN D
In addition to being essential for overall
and bone health, vitamin D is necessary
for maintaining testosterone levels. The
hormone responsible for manly traits,
testosterone is essential for healthy
aging, and when levels drop, the aging
process speeds up. Higher levels of
body fat are a sign.
Several studies have found that low
levels of vitamin D correlate with low
levels of testosterone, and that taking
vitamin D supplements can raise levels
of the hormone. Vitamin D also supports
a healthy, brain, heart, and prostate. Menwho are overweight need extra vitamin D
because they use it less efficiently.
Recommendations for vitamin D
supplement doses range from 1,000
to 5,000 IU daily, but individual needs
should be assessed with blood tests,
which are usually covered by health
insurance. Optimum blood levels of the
vitamin fall between 30 and 50 ng/mL.SAW PALMETTO
A traditional herbal remedy for an enlarged
prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia,
or BPH), saw palmetto supplements are
extracts from berries of the tree of the
same name. Although some studies have
not shown benefits, others have found
that 160 mg, twice daily, was as effective
as a drug (finasteride, brand names
Proscar and Propecia) in relieving night-
time urination and other BPH symptoms.
Saw palmetto also helps to balance
hormones and control inflammation.COQ
Short for coenzyme Q10, CoQ10 is a
vitamin-like substance that every
cell uses to generate energy, especially
in the heart and other muscles. Statins
deplete CoQ10, and this is one reason
why they cause side effects such as
muscle weakness and aches. Studies
have found that taking between
30 and 200 mg of CoQ10 daily can
relieve statin-related muscle pain.
In both healthy people and those with
angina or heart failure, research shows
that CoQ10 improves heart function and
energy. In addition, it can increase the
density and quality of sperm, and has been
used as a treatment for infertility. Effective
doses range from 30 to 300 mg daily.MACA
A native of the Peruvian Andes, maca
has been consumed for over 2,000 years
for energy and fertility. In recent years,
studies of maca supplements support
these benefits while finding that it also
enhances sexual function, stamina, and
physical performance in men.
One recent study at Nova Southeastern
University in Davie, Fla., tested a patented
form of maca (Lepidamax) and found
improved sexual function, enhanced
energy, and stronger hand grip among
men who took 2,100 mg of the supplement
daily for 28 days. Women did not experience
the same benefits. Other studies have
found that between 1,500 and 3,000 mg
of dried maca root, or maca extract
supplements, enhanced sexual function.PUMPKIN SEED OIL
In several studies, pumpkin seed oil
reduced symptoms of BPH, improved
urinary function in men with overactive
bladders, and improved quality of life.
Studies also suggest that pumpkin seeds
can slow the growth of prostate cancer
cells. Other research shows this healing
fat may also help support heart health,
blood sugar balance, and hair growth.
The dosage for BPH is 1,000–2,000 mg
daily. In research on male baldness, the
dosage used was 400 mg daily.TURMERIC OR CURCUMIN
Both the herb turmeric and its active
component curcumin can relieve
prostatitis, a painful infection of the
prostate, and help prevent and stop the
growth of prostate cancer. The herb is
anti-inflammatory and fights bacteria
and viruses. A study of chronic bacterial(^30) • JUNE
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