In addition to a healthy diet, supplements can help ensure your prostate gets the nutrients it needs for optimal function. Unfortunately, some supplement labels misrepresent what’s inside. It is, therefore, important to understand your prostate supplement label, to make sure you are getting optimal support.
Important Information to Look For
You have made the decision to add some essential support to your prostate health routine. But how can you be sure which supplement to pick? It is important to have the right information, so you can make good purchasing decisions and use your prostate supplement product effectively and safely. The label of your prostate supplement is where you will find all the information you need.
Suggested use: Supplements are regulated as food, so labels need to contain information about suggested use or servings. It is important to take only the recommended amount for effective results and optimal health.
Cautions or warnings: Any cautions regarding ingredients need to be clearly stated. This lets you know if you need to avoid or take precautions when taking certain products.
Storage: To preserve the quality ad potency of the supplement, it is essential that storage information be provided. Knowing how to properly store the supplement helps you maintain its effectiveness and freshness for optimal health results.
1MD Nutrition’s ProstateMD® features each of these on the box and right side of the bottle label.
Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take one (1) softgel once (1x) daily or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
WARNING: Consult a healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant or nursing, have a serious medical condition, or use any medications.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DO NOT USE IF SAFETY SEAL IS DAMAGED OR MISSING. STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE. COLOR MAY VARY.
Expiration date: In addition to storage info, the expiration date needs to be provided on every label, assuring you that your supplement will contain the claimed potency until the date provided.
Dietary seals: Supplements may display this information differently, but the dietary seals are important for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Quality standards: Look out for the GMP logo on your label as assurance that the supplements are made according to the current FDA good manufacturing practices (cGMPs).
Manufacturer information: A quality supplement will provide the manufacturer's information, including phone number, email, and website so that you can reach out to them with any questions or concerns about their product.
FDA compliance: Including a statement like the one below shows that the manufacturer is compliant with FDA regulations and that the company has integrity for their products and the statements that they make.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
Failure to include this statement would be a red flag that the company is not following basic regulations to ensure their product is safe and effective.
Prostate Health Supplements
Now that you know all the important general information to look out for, you can take a deeper dive into the supplement. What ingredients are included, and what can this supplement do for you?
When it comes to choosing a high-quality prostate and urinary tract health supplement, the key features you want to focus on include functional description, health category, function claims, and ingredients.
The functional description will tell you how this supplement and its ingredients support your health. This description can be short or more detailed and is often located on the outer packaging or box.
ProstateMD® is formulated with patented, USP-verified USPlus®saw palmetto extract and a potent blend of bioavailable plant sterols, vital minerals, and essential antioxidants to deliver a targeted men’s health solution for prostate, bladder, and urinary tract health support.*
The health function category and highlighted function claims will be listed clearly and on the front of all packaging. These provide a quick reference point to help you decide how this supplement will benefit your health.
When looking at ProstateMD®, you see right away the main health attribute and the key health benefits.
COMPREHENSIVE PROSTATE SUPPORT*
Promotes Prostate Health*
Supports Urinary Tract Function*
Supports Healthy Prostate Cell Function*
Prostate Health Supplement Ingredients
One of the most important components of any supplement, and the information you always look at, is ingredients. Every supplement should include a supplement facts table that includes every ingredient, the amount per serving, and the %DV (the percentage of the daily recommended value, this amount of a given ingredient is).
Don’t be alarmed if there is not a number listed in the percentage daily value column. This is normal for supplements and simply means that the FDA has not made an official recommendation for how much of this nutrient you should have. It does not mean that the ingredient is unsafe.
♦ Copper is safe when taken orally in amounts no greater than 10 milligrams daily and helps defend against common environmental threats to promote urinary tract, bladder, and prostate, health.
♦ Boron is safe when taken as recommended and helps to reduce typical oxidative stress to promote healthy prostate function.
♦ USPlus® Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract contains up to three times the beta-carotene, ten times the amount of lutein, and 30 times the zeaxanthin of typical saw palmetto extracts, and it’s the only saw palmetto extract in the United States to receive verified certification from US Pharmacopeia (USP) and Consumer Labs.
♦ Pumpkin Seed Oil promotes nitric oxide synthesis, which helps strengthen the pelvic floor to support normal urinary flow. It also contains zinc, which supports healthy prostate growth.
♦ Pygeum Bark is safe for adult consumption when taken as recommended and helps support prostate and bladder health to help with frequent bathroom breaks.
♦ Lycopene is a powerful carotenoid that helps reduce typical oxidative stress, supporting healthy prostate cell growth and function.
♦ Lutein is safe when taken daily up to 40 milligrams and helps support healthy hormone levels and prostate function.
♦ Monterey Pine Bark Extract is safe as a supplement and when applied topically. It helps in the maintenance of healthy hormone levels and supports prostate health, which can reduce common age-related urinary issues.
♦ Stinging Nettle Leaf is safe for human consumption as part of a supplement and promotes healthy hormone levels to support the quality of life in aging men.
♦ Sunflower Seed Lecithin is safe in daily doses of up to 100 milligrams and supports the activity of specific enzymes that promote the healthy growth of prostate cells.
Always choose a supplement that does not contain any unnecessary fillers or additives. You can find these additions in the ‘other ingredients’ section of your label. Some help bind the ingredients together or make up the capsule, such as beeswax, gelatin, or glycerin, but others are unnecessary and should be avoided.
Common additives to watch for and avoid include:
♦ Hydrogenated oils
♦ Artificial colors
♦ Magnesium stearate
♦ Artificial sweeteners
♦ Preservatives such as sodium benzoate
Final Thoughts
As a board-certified urologist, I have a strong appreciation for the benefit that naturally-sourced supplements have for men’s health. But, you want a supplement you can trust. 1MD Nutrition® understands the role labels play in helping you make your choice, so we make the choice easy. It’s as easy as looking at your ProstateMD® label — all the information you need and all the ingredients your prostate wants!
Dr. Daniel Brison
Dr. Daniel Brison is a board certified urologist who completed medical school at the State University of New York, and residency at the prestigious Endourology fellowship program at UCLA.
