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Prostate Supplements Review (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)

Find the Best Prostate Supplement for Symptoms of BPH. See Which Prostate Supplement Passed or Failed CL's Tests of Quality

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Initially Posted: 02/23/2021

Saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements compared in this review

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Life Extension Ultra Prostate Formula

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Nature's Answer Saw Palmetto Extract

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NOW Clinical Strength Prostate Health

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ProstaGenix Multiphase Prostate Support Compound

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Pure Encapsulations Beta-sitosterol

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Puritan's Pride Saw Palmetto

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Real Health Prostate Complete

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Rexall Saw Palmetto 320 mg

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Super Beta Prostate Advanced

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Teraputics ProstatePro

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Trunature Prostate Plus Health Complex

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Summary

  • Which supplements are used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

     Two popular supplements for treating the urinary symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) are saw palmetto berry extract and beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol (or phytosterol) found in very small amounts in saw palmetto and more commonly obtained from other plant sources (see What It Is).

  • What are the health benefits of saw palmetto and what is the right dose?

     Well-controlled clinical trials report little to no benefit with saw palmetto in reducing symptoms of BPH, such a urinary frequency (see Saw Palmetto — What It Does). A typical dose is 320 mg per day of extract standardized to 85% to 95% fatty acids (see Saw Palmetto — What to Consider When Buying).

  • What are the health benefits of beta-sitosterol and what is the right dose?

     Beta-sitosterol has been found in most, but not all studies, to significantly improve perceived symptoms of BPH and urine rate flow (see Beta-Sitosterol — What It Does). Doses used in clinical studies range from 30 mg to 91 mg daily. At a much higher dosage, beta-sitosterol can also lower cholesterol levels (see Beta-Sitosterol — What to Consider When Buying).

  • What did CL's tests of prostate supplements find?

     ConsumerLab.com's tests identified a number of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements that contained the generally recommended amounts of these ingredients. However, CL discovered that one saw palmetto supplement had none of the key expected marker compound for saw palmetto (see What CL Found).

  • Which prostate supplements are the best?

     Among all of the prostate supplements approved for their quality in this Review, ConsumerLab chose a Top Pick for providing a proper dose of beta-sitosterol for treating symptoms of BPH at a reasonable price.

  • How safe are prostate supplements made with saw palmetto and/or beta-sitosterol?

     Saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol are generally well tolerated, although some individuals experience nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Be sure to check with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis before using, since symptoms of enlarged prostate may signal more serious conditions, such as prostate cancer, that require prompt medical treatment (see Concerns and Cautions).
In this comprehensive review of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements for prostate health, you'll get test results and comparisons for 16 supplements (including seven that passed our voluntary Quality Certification Program). You'll also find out about two products which are similar to one of the products we tested. You'll learn:
  • Which saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements passed or failed ConsumerLab.com's testing and review
  • What saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol can and cannot do for your health
  • Which other ingredients in prostate formulas (such as Pygeum, pumpkin seed, nettle, selenium, and zinc) may or may not be helpful
  • The dosages of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol used in treating prostate enlargement 
  • Potential side-effects of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol

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Latest Clinical Research Updates for Prostate Supplements (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)

Saw Palmetto for Prostate?

A recent clinical study is the latest to evaluate the potential benefit of saw palmetto in reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in men. Find out what this, and previous studies, have shown in the What It Does section of the Prostate Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements.

Saw Palmetto for Prostate?

Saw palmetto extract was once popular for reducing symptoms of prostate enlargement, but studies subsequently failed to find a benefit. A recent study assessed whether it could boost the effectiveness of conventional medical treatment. Get the results in the What It Does section of the Saw Palmetto Supplements Review.

Trouble Reported With Saw Palmetto

A 64 year-old man developed pancreatitis and heart block (dangerously slow heart rate) after supplementing with saw palmetto, according to a recent report. For details, see the "Cautions and Concerns" section of the Prostate Supplements Review >>

Men's Health Supplements Don't Help Prostate Cancer

While there is some evidence that certain supplements may help relieve symptoms of prostate enlargement (BPH), a recent study shows no benefit with regard to prostate cancer treatment. Details are in the Prostate Supplements Review >>

Saw Palmetto May Not Work

It's used by many men hoping to reduce urinary symptoms caused by benign growth of the prostate, or BPH, but a new, well-designed study suggests that it doesn't work. Some other recent research suggest the same. Even when doubling and tripling the standard dose, the high-quality saw palmetto extract used in the new study failed to provide benefit.

What should you do? You may want to consider a different supplement -- beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol. The evidence remains fairly good for beta-sitosterol. To find out more about saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and the supplements we have tested, see the Prostate Supplements Review. More >>

Related CL Answers (11)

What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?

Info on which supplements to avoid before surgery due to increased risk of bleeding or interference with anesthesia.

Supplements to stop before surgery - operating room

I am female and purchased a saw palmetto supplement for hair loss, but the bottle says it is only for men. Is it unsafe for women?

Learn more about the safety of saw palmetto in women with hair loss.

Is Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) helpful for prostate or breast cancer?

Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) information including its effects on cancer, such as prostate cancer, and more.

Modified Citrus Pectin for Cancer? -- close up of an orange and orange peel

I have been having dizziness for the past few months and am wondering if it could be a side effect of supplements I take. Which supplements cause dizziness?

Find out which supplements that may cause dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, including garlic, melatonin, saw palmetto, and red yeast rice.

Is quercetin helpful for a specific condition? I see it as an ingredient in several different types of supplements.

Learn more about quercetin, including the benefits of quercetin and other evidence from clinical studies on prostatitis and memory.

Quercetin Benefits -- quercetin powder and capsules

Are there supplements that can reduce prostate size?

How to reduce prostate size using supplements for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto.

Is Super Beta Prostate better than other prostate supplements?

Find out if Super Beta Prostate is effective, including clinical evidence and price.

Is Super Beta Prostate better than other prostate supplements? -- a bottle of Super Beta Prostate pills

I use beta-sitosterol for my prostate. Should it be taken with or without food?

How should you take the prostate supplement beta-sitosterol to maximize absorption? Learn more at ConsumerLab.com.

How to Take Beta-Sitosterol -- man holding beta-sitosterol capsules

Which supplements can help treat constipation?

Find out which supplements can help for constipation, including fiber, flaxseed, probiotics, and magnesium.

Which supplements can cause diarrhea?

Can supplements like magnesium cause diarrhea? Find out which supplements may cause diarrhea, such as vitamin B12, curcumin, magnesium, vitamin C and fish oil.

Which supplements can cause diarrhea? -- Woman with gastrointestinal pain

Can beta-sitosterol cause erectile dysfunction or low libido? Are there any other side effects?

Does beta-sitosterol, found in prostate and cholesterol-lowering supplements, cause erectile dysfunction, or other side effects? ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

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