Update 3/5/23 “Chances you may already have an enlarged prostate!” At least that’s what they say on the website for Prosvent, a supplement billed as “the natural answer for prostate health.” I wanted to review Prosvent because I'm a guy and because the Prosvent infomercial intrigued me. Does Prosvent really work? Does it have any side effects? In this review, you'll learn about the research on Prosvent and its ingredients. Is it a scam or the real deal? You decide.
Prosvent Research
No clinical research on Prosvent itself could be located. Neither the supplement website (Prosvent.com) or clinical research databases reveal any clinical studies on the Prosvent supplement.
But that doesn't mean it doesn't work. Let's next look at the research on the ingredients in Prosvent.
Prosvent Ingredients
Each 1 soft-gel cap has the following ingredients:
| Vitamin D3 | 100 IU (25% DV) |
| Zinc | 5 mg (33% DV) |
| Black pepper 1 mg | N/A |
| Proprietary Blend | 355 mg |
| Nettle root extract | |
| Sterol esters | |
| Pumpkin seed oil | |
| Saw palmetto extract | |
| Pygeum extract | |
| Lycopene |
Notice the proprietary blend. Each soft-gel contains 355 mg of 6 different ingredients.
When it comes to proprietary blends, companies dont have to tell us how much of each ingredient is present. But we do know ingredients are listed in order of abundance. So stinging nettle root extract (Urtica dioica) makes up the most of the blend. Because lycopene is the last ingredient listed, it makes up the least.
Let's look at some of the prostate research on the ingredients and see what we can discover.
Saw Palmetto
Several studies have noted that saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) may offer some help at improving symptoms of Benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate / BPH). Saw palmetto does not seem to reduce PSA levels.
BPH symptoms saw palmetto might help includes:
- getting up at night to urinate
- frequent urination
- hesitant urination
- having the urge to urinate
While this is interesting, a study published in 2011 in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that saw pametto worked no better than a placebo.
Another study, published in 2006, also found saw palmetto didn’t work. This study lasted almost 3 years and the men in this study took 320 mg of saw palmetto per day.
Studies showing improvement —and no improvement—usually use 320 mg of saw palmetto.
There are a few studies showing that saw palmetto might work better if combined with stinging nettle root. Stinging nettle root is also in Prosvent. Here's a video on it:
Nettle Root Extract
Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) appears to have less evidence that it helps prostate problems than saw palmetto. Most studies appear to combine stinging nettle with saw palmetto and /other supplements. Some researchers have speculated the placebo effect may be responsible for some of the effects of stinging nettle, although to know for sure, we need better studies.
Sterol Esters
Sterol esters are likely a reference to Beta-Sitosterol.This is a compound in saw palmetto. Both saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol are very popular for helping prostate problems. Various studies over the years have found beta-sitosterol can help enlarged prostate symptoms. Dosages used range from about 30mg to 100 mg per day.
Here's a video where Dr. Oz talks about prostate cancer and treatment
Because of the research, I think beta-sitosterol may be one of the key ingredients in Prosvent.
Pygeum Africanum
Several studies have noted pygeum -also called pygeum Africanum and Prunus Africana – can help ease symptoms of BPH such as going to the bathroom at night and improving how much urine is voided when men to the bathroom. Studies often use 100-200 mg of pygeum per day to achieve positive results. Tip. Look for supplements using the bark of the pygeum tree, as this seems to be where the active ingredients are located.
Lycopene
Some studies have noted lycopene supplements may benefit prostate health and help prostate problem symptoms. This is why lycopene is often added to “men's vitamins.” Other research, however, finds lycopene supplements may not work. Lycopene supplements might not help prostate cancer either. As such, its controversial how effective lycopene supplements are for BPH.
Black Pepper Extract
The black pepper extract used in Prosvent is called BioPerine. Its a popular ingredient absorption booster. Many supplements contain Bioperine or black pepper to improve the absorption of other ingredients. This is one method supplement companies use to enhance poor absorption of some ingredients.
AstraGin is another popular nutrient absorption booster.
See this video on BioPerine for more info.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
The scientific name is Cucurbita pepo. Several studies have noted pumpkin seeds may help BPH symptoms. One study involved 2245 men and lasted 3 months. An earlier study consisted of 53 men and lasted 3 months. Studies have used pumpkin seeds alone and in conjunction with saw palmetto.
When combing it with saw palmetto, studies have used about 1500 mg spread out over the course of the day in equal dosages.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most popular vitamins in the world. Because it's an antioxidant, one role it may play is as a preservative, preventing spoilage of other ingredients.
Some research notes there may be an association between low vitamin E levels and BPH.
Vitamin D and Zinc
While there is some evidence that links lack of sun exposure to prostate cancer that doesn’t necessarily mean the two are connected.
There is research hinting vitamin D is not related to prostate growth. Vitamin D is a very important nutrient, but when it comes to helping prostate problems, more research is needed.
As for zinc, I believe this too is controversial. Conflicting studies find that zinc might reduce prostate cancer risk as well as increase the risk. The RDA for zinc is only about 13 mg per day for men. I doubt most men are deficient.
Selenium
Prosvent used to contain selenium, but this mineral is no longer listed in the supplement.
Prosvent vs. Super Beta Prostate
Here is my review of Super Beta Prostate which contains a side-by-side comparison of their ingredients. Both supplements share some ingredients in common. So far, no side-by-side clinical studies have compared the effects of Prosvent to Super Beta Prostate.
For what it's worth, several people have told me Super Beta Prostate worked. I also noticed a difference when I tried it too.
Here's Super Beta Prostate on Amazon
Can It Help Prostate Cancer?
Prosvent is a supplement marketed to help issues related to BPH /enlarged prostates only. Speak to your doctor if you have prostate cancer.
How Much Does It Cost?
A bottle of Prosvent costs 34.95 plus $9.95 for shipping and handling. There is a 30-day trial, where people pay only the $9.95 shipping and handling fee. Keep in mind if you do the 30-day trial option, you will automatically get a 30-day supply of Prosvent for $39.95 every month until you cancel.
To compare prices, here is Prosvent on Amazon.
What Is Ultimax
This is a libido-enhancing supplement sold on the Prosvent website. It contains herbal ingredients such as Horny Goat Weed, Long Jack Extract, Eucommia Bark Extract, Maca Powder, Butea Superba.
As a rule, I'm skeptical of boner pills. The loss of libido is complicated. It's not just low testosterone that can cause it. Instead of a male enhancement supplement, talk to your doctor. Sometimes low erections can even be related to heart disease.
Where To Buy Prosvent
This is a popular supplement. It can be found at Prosvent.com as well as Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens, and GNC to name a few.
Who Makes Prosvent?
Prosvent is a product by Prosvent, LLC. Another company name is Therabotanics, LLC. The Prosvent website lists this address:
P.O. Box 9169 Van Nuys, CA 91409.
This is the same address that is listed on file with the Better Business Bureau website. Another address is 4910 Longley lane 101 Reno NV 89502.
Another company address is 14724 Ventura Blvd Fl 200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-3514
This is the same address given for the sex supplement, Cyvita.
- The BBB rating for Prosvent LLC 1.6 out of 5 stars with a rating of NR (No Rating)
- The BBB rating for Therabotanics LLC is A.
Both businesses are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Contact Prosvent
- Prosvent customer service: 800-743-9854
- Therabotanics LLC customer service:800-221-6198
How To Return Prosvent
If you purchased it from the Prosvent website, the company has a “love it or return it” guarantee where you have 30 days to return the unused portion of Prosvent to get a refund (minus shipping and handling charges).
To return Prosvent, call their customer service at (800) 743-9854.
Prosvent Disputes
The Prosvent Terms and Conditions page stipulates that if people order Prosvent, and have any problems, that they waive their rights to a court trial if they keep Prosvent longer than 14 days. Instead, people must go through arbitration. Here is some of what is said on the terms and conditions page:
“THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT (“AGREEMENT”) AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES BY PROVIDING THAT DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND THE SELLER OF THIS PRODUCT (“COMPANY”) MUST BE RESOLVED THROUGH BINDING ARBITRATION, RATHER THAN IN A COURT.”
For what it's worth, legal stuff like this seems common in the supplement world. Most companies are honest and try to make quality products. This is one way they try to protect themselves against unforeseen issues.
Who is Dr. Larry May?
Dr. Larry May is listed as the creator of Prosvent. According to the website HealthGrades.com his specialty is internal medicine and he has been a physician for over 30 years, practicing in California. Here's a Prosvent commercial featuring him.
His Wikipedia page indicates that Dr. May was a former chairman of the Herbalife medical advisory board.
Who is Barbara Niven?
Barbara Niven is the woman who interviews Dr. Larry May during the Prosvent infomercial. According to the Prosvent infomercial, Barbara Niven is listed as a “Consumer Health Advocate.”
Her website (BarbaraNiven.com) lists her as an “Actress, Motivational Speaker, Presentation Coach” and that “She’s one of Hollywood’s busiest actresses, and served on the National Board of Directors for the Screen Actors Guild.” Her page on the internet movie database shows her TV and infomercial credits.
How Long Until Prosvent Works?
Dr. May has stated, “Many men will see changes within 2 weeks but most men will experience benefits within 30 days.”
Does Prosvent Shrink Prostate Size
There is no good proof Prosvent or its ingredients can reduce prostate size.
Can Prosvent Lower PSA levels?
The PSA test is a common blood test for prostate health. Elevations in PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is different than an enlarged prostate. Men need to know this.
There is no good proof Prosvent or its ingredients lower PSA levels. That said, it's wise to tell your urologist you are taking BPH supplements -Prosvent or other things. Here's a video on PSA levels.
Prosvent Side Effects
In healthy people, Prosvent is likely safe. Here are some things to consider if you are not healthy. This list is not complete, so talk to your doctor for specific insights for you:
- Start with less than recommended for the first week
- Prosvent is not recommended for women or women who are pregnant/nursing
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- Talk to your doctor if you have prostate cancer
- Some reports have associated saw palmetto with an inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). The first report occurred in 2006 in a 55-year-old man who was a reformed alcoholic. Another report occurred in 2010 in a 65-year-old man who was a diabetic with other issues. The third case occurred in 2011 in a 61-year-old man. See the saw palmetto/pancreatitis review.
- Saw palmetto can have a blood-thinning effect. This may be a problem for people who take blood thinner medications.
- Lab rat studies suggest that stinging nettle may lower blood pressure
- Some preliminary research hints that lycopene might make prostate cancer worse
- Black pepper might interact with beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease.
Does Prosvent Work?
The ingredients in Prosvent seem logical. Several ingredients are backed up by studies supporting their use for easing symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as frequent bathroom trips at night and reduced urine flow. Whether the unique blend of ingredients in Prosvent works better than pumpkin seeds, saw palmetto and pygeum is hard to say.
The good news is if Prosvent is going to work, men should start seeing a difference in about 30 days.