From prostate problems to getting a ‘rockstar libido in seven days’: Doctors’ warning to ignore quack ads on social media promising ‘miracle cures’

Prostate problems? Follow this 'daily hack' and they will soon be 'a thing of the past'. You no longer have to get up at night to urinate. Plus, get a rockstar libido in just seven days.

These astonishing claims – and many more – were all made in dozens of adverts The Mail on Sunday circulated on social media by companies selling 'powerful and natural' remedies for prostate problems.

The 'drugs' they promote are in fact all multivitamin pills or liquid drops – nutritional supplements that contain a range of nutrients such as zinc, selenium, iodine and lycopene from tomatoes.

And if the claims were true, they would outweigh anything modern medicine has yet been able to achieve.

Unsurprisingly, health experts have urged caution about the ads, saying there is no good scientific evidence that the products work.

Consultant urological surgeon Neil Barber points out that most supplements are unregulated and their potency can vary. Some can also interfere with the medication

Consultant urological surgeon Neil Barber says: 'Many of these supplements or suggestions are based on minerals or antioxidants which are theoretically thought to be good for you. But there is no high-quality data to suggest that any form of supplementation has any impact on prostate health.

'I was involved in the research into lycopene, but we found no clinically relevant benefit.'

In one ad, a man claims his urine flow is “stronger and easier” after taking a supplement, and he gets up less often to go to the bathroom during the night. An ad for another supplement claims it's “unlike anything you've ever tried” and is “clinically proven” to support prostate and urinary tract health.

It contains kelp, a palm extract called saw palmetto and a mineral from sedimentary rock.

And an advertisement for a product that says it provides relief from symptoms of an enlarged prostate claims achievable results in days.

The products all feature glowing testimonials from grateful men who claim to have restored their libido or are no longer 'tied' to the toilet. But on independent review sites, some men claim the products 'haven't given any relief' and warn 'don't waste your money'.

It's not just product advertisements, self-proclaimed experts on Instagram also attract thousands of likes with their prostate advice. One claims that eating tomatoes just twice a week could reduce an enlarged prostate by 20 percent, an effect “more than any other food.” He also claims that a handful of pumpkin seeds can shrink the prostate and eliminate the need to get up at night to go to the toilet. Another, a “holistic lifestyle and wellness specialist” on Instagram, recommends ejaculating less and taking herbal supplements to protect prostate health. Meanwhile, a 'sexologist' advocates having a monthly 'prostate massage'.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) takes questionable health claims very seriously and in September banned two prostate-related advertisements from vitamin supplement company Biolifix that appeared on the websites of local newspapers.

The ads claimed 'a simple trick for prostate problems' and a 'genius revelation' to help enlarged prostate – seeming to suggest the vitamins could treat the condition. But the ASA ruled that Biolifix had no evidence to support its claims.

The official NHS advice is that doctors should not offer herbal treatments to relieve urinary symptoms because there is 'not enough reliable evidence about how well they work or how safe they are'.

Mr. Barber says only one supplement, Saw Palmetto, has shown any promise in prostate health. 'It is more commonly prescribed in mainland Europe and although it is not magic, it may have some effect in reducing prostate growth,' he says. 'But research is limited and the optimal dose is unclear.'

Another plant extract, beta-sitosterol, may relieve symptoms compared to a placebo, some studies suggest, but cannot shrink the prostate.

Mr. Barber also points out that most supplements are unregulated and their strength can vary. Some can also interfere with the medication. Additionally, some supplements can be risky. Some studies have found that vitamin E increases the risk of prostate cancer in men. A study in which people used it every day for five years found that the number of diagnoses increased by 17 percent.

“Men can try supplements to see if they work for them,” says Mr. Barber, “but buy them from a reputable retail supplier and check with your doctor first to make sure they won't interfere with the medications you're taking.” already taking.”