ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY, has released the results of its latest product review on prostate supplements. According to the testing company, saw palmetto remains one of the most popular herbal supplements due to its ability to improve urinary symptoms in men with prostate enlargement. ConsumerLab.com’s testing found 19 supplements to provide the proper amount and quality of saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol known to improve symptoms; three saw palmetto products did not, including two major brands.
    The products selected by ConsumerLab.com for testing were ProstaPro (PhytoPharmica), Prostate 5LX (New Chapter), Saw Palmetto Complete (Designs for Health), and Ultimate Prostate Formula (Herbalife), as well as products from Berkley & Jensen (BJ Wholesale Club), NOW, Physiologics, Premier Value, Source Naturals, TerraVita, The Vitamin Shoppe, TruNature, VITASMART (K-mart), and Walgreens. Among the three products that failed to pass the Review, one claimed significantly more saw palmetto than it actually contained, despite declaring “Extra Strength,” “Quality Assured,” and “Guaranteed for Potency.” The weight of the contents of each pill was less than half the promised amount of saw palmetto. Another product suggested a dose known to be effective for extracts standardized to contain 85% fatty acids, yet it was standardized to contain only 45% fatty acids—indicating that it might be sub-potent. The third product met its claim for “total fatty acids” but fell short on two specific fatty acids expected from saw palmetto extract. This product claimed to be “tested to guarantee its potency.” It met its total fatty acid claim due to the presence of fatty acids from olive oil in the product. Three beta-sitosterol supplements passed testing. Beta-sitosterol is a compound found in saw palmetto and, as a single ingredient, can reduce symptoms of BPH. Beta-sitosterol is best known for lowering cholesterol when taken at a higher dose.