Benign prostate hyperplasia and nutrition.

Background: and aims: Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an important public health problem. Roughly half of all men will suffer from BPH related symptoms later in life. The prostate gland, a hormone dependent part of the male reproductive system, is susceptible to internal and external disruptions of regulatory systems. We attempt in this paper to collect available evidence on influence of lifestyle modifications, and naturally occurring substances, plants, micronutrients and supplements on BPH symptoms.

Methods: Systematic review was performed within the MEDLINE database and Cochrane Library Central Search using a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords.

Results: Moderate exercise and the type and amount of protein intake have a considerable influence on BPH symptoms. The intake of zinc and vitamin D also positively influence BPH symptoms, and so do certain supplements, such as saw palmetto, cemilton and pygeum extracts.

Conclusions: Lifestyle changes, diet modification and certain nutritional supplements can favorably influence BPH symptoms.