June is the month we take to honor Dad, and part of that celebration is considering ways to keep dad healthy. Some recent studies have looked at nutrients that may improve sexual function, as well as support prostate health.

Fenugreek and sexual function

India and North Africa have traditionally used fenugreek to treat sexual dysfunction in men. Fenugreek may improve sexual function in part by increasing testosterone levels, which decline with age. In this study, 120 healthy men, age 43 to 70, took a placebo or 600 mg of fenugreek seed extract per day.

After 12 weeks, compared to placebo, men in the fenugreek group had higher levels of serum and free testosterone. Men taking fenugreek also reported more morning erections and more frequent sexual activity compared to the start of the study.

Discussing the findings, doctors said this is the first published study of fenugreek seed extract and male hormone deficiency, and that fenugreek may help improve sexual function in aging men.

Reference: The Aging Male, Taylor & Francis; January, 2016, Published Online

Vitamin D and prostate cancer

Recent studies have been inconsistent in showing a benefit for vitamin D in prostate cancer, but doctors said that few studies have measured the most clinically relevant outcome, prostate cancer survival.

In this study, doctors analyzed vitamin D levels in 1,000 men before a diagnosis of prostate cancer. During 23 years of follow up, after adjusting for age, physical activity, smoking, and family health history, men with higher vitamin D levels prior to being diagnosed with prostate cancer were 28 percent less likely to have died by the end of the study compared to men with lower vitamin D levels.

Doctors said the findings may have important public health implications, and that supplementing with vitamin D to ensure sufficient levels in men may increase survival.

Reference: Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; January, 2016, Published Online

Betsy’s Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a supplement, especially if you take medications or have a medical condition. For example, fenugreek thins blood and may affect blood sugar.

Article copyright 2016 by Natural Insights for Well Being. All rights reserved. Used with permission.