Men's Guide To
Prostate Pills and Supplements
What Every Man Needs to Know About Prostate Health

Lycozyme

Rating: D
Company:

LycoZyme Basics: Like the name suggests, LycoZymecontains only one key ingredient: lycopene, a tomato-derived extract. According to LycoZyme, lycopene--not saw palmetto--is the key to maintaining prostate health because of its rich, antioxidant base. To prove its efficacy, they cite a unnamed study showing men who consumed a high amount of tomato-based products had the lowest rates of prostate cancer. LycoZyme's manufacturer, Olympian Labs, also guarantees it will work within 30 days--or you get your money back.

Ingredients: LycoZyme contains lycopene extract (5% standardized extract yielding 15mg of pure lycopene) and vegetable enzymes (amylase, cellulase, lipase and protease).

Does it Work?: It's very unlikely. Although some companies claim lycopene can prevent--and sometimes cure--prostate cancer, no national or worldwide studies confirm this is true. According to a study reported in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers were unable to find a link between lycopene and prostate cancer prevention. Additional studies also confirmed lycopene had little impact on prostate cancer prevention.

The same study also revealed it may actually promote cancer cell production. Study data, which involved surveying over 28,000 men with no previous history of prostate cancer, revealed lycopene increased their risk for aggressive prostate cancer, a deadly form of prostate cancer. They believe the beta-carotene found in lycopene, a type of antioxidant, may promote cancer cell production, although it isn't clear why.

This impact is magnified by the fact lycopene is LycoZyme's only key ingredient. With no other ingredients used to balance out its impact on the prostate, its effects may be increased.

Is it Safe?: No. Lycopene can increase a man's risk for aggressive prostate cancer, or prostate cancer that spreads outside of the prostate. Men with a family history of prostate cancer should seek medical advice before using this supplement.

Grade: D. LycoZyme only contains one ingredient for the treatment of prostate cancer, but one study actually reveals it can increase the risk for prostate cancer, not prevent it. It also doesn't contain other ingredients proven to treat common prostate problems, such as saw palmetto or pygeum extract. LycoZyme doesn't earn a D based on its limited formula, however--it earns this D because it is potentially unsafe.