So palmetto nutritional supplements are a common supplement used by men over 40 to help alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. It’s also used as a general genitourinary tonic and is believed to stimulate testosterone production, reduce cholesterol, treat and prevent prostate cancer, promote sexual function and increase libido in men, and fight oxidative stress. Saw palmetto is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, dried fruit, teas and tinctures (extracts made with aqueous ethanol as the solvent).
Lowered testosterone levels cause a number of conditions, most commonly enlargement of the prostate gland. This is a common condition in men over the age of 60. It can lead to urinary problems and erectile dysfunction, and it is thought that saw palmetto stabilizes these hormone levels by preventing testosterone from being broken down.
The fatty acids and phytosterols found in saw palmetto are thought to have antiandrogenic properties, meaning they inhibit the enzyme 5-a-reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. These compounds are thought to be the reason why many men notice an increased libido and improved erectile function with saw palmetto use.
Other uses of saw palmetto are believed to include the treatment of male pattern baldness, female urinary tract issues and breast health. However, scientific evidence to support most of these claims is lacking. A recent study published in European Urology Focus found that patients who took a high-concentrate saw palmetto extract experienced improvements in their enlarged prostate-related urinary symptoms, such as frequency and urgency of urination. The same results were observed in those who took a placebo.
In the same article, researchers concluded that saw palmetto’s fatty acids and phytosterols inhibit a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, and this is believed to be the reason why it helps with libido and sexual function in men. In addition, saw palmetto is considered a mild diuretic and can therefore help with fluid balance.
Most multivitamins marketed to men over 40 will contain saw palmetto. This is because it is a good source of nutrients that many men need, such as vitamin D, which enhances cardiovascular and bone health, and vitamin B6, which plays an important role in normal cell growth and function. It is also an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage and may play a role in the normal aging process. Selenium is another nutrient that’s often found in multivitamins for men over 40. It’s an essential mineral that is thought to enhance the immune system and protect against oxidative stress. It’s found in Brazil nuts, organ meat and protein and is a natural scavenger of the free radicals that are produced during cellular metabolism. It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory. Lastly, many multivitamins for men over 40 will have electrolytes, which are minerals that regulate fluid balance and muscle movement. They’re especially important for aging adults and those living in hot, humid climates.