Vitamins for Prostate Health

The male prostate usually goes unnoticed and unappreciated, yet it is essential for sexual health. An unhealthy prostate affects sexual performance, urination and can even lead to cancer. Three illnesses common with the prostate include an infection called prostatitis, enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. Including or increasing certain vitamins and minerals can help maintain the prostate's health and size, and reduce the risk of cancer.

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C can help prevent and lessen the effects of many bacterial infections, and, in large doses, also can shorten the time of an infection. High doses may lead to diarrhea, however, so use caution when increasing dosages. In addition to foods high in vitamin C, such as leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits, supplements may be used. Vitamin C also is a weak diuretic, making urination easier for men with an enlarged prostate.

Zinc

• Zinc is used by the prostate in semen production, and higher zinc levels can produce larger semen volume. In men with prostatitis, zinc levels are normally 1/10 the levels of a healthy prostate. Zinc also has been found to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth. Shellfish, nutritional yeast and pumpkin seeds are naturally high in zinc.

Other Vitamins

• The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in 2009 showing that vitamin E and selenium, both claimed by some to inhibit prostate cancer growth, did not lower the risk for prostate cancer in men taking the supplements for an average of five years. Though vitamin E should be a part of everyone's diet in healthy amounts, excessive doses may be dangerous. Some studies do indicate that lycopenes, found in red tomatoes, for example, do reduce prostate cancer risks.