Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is derived from the pith of citrus fruit peels. Previous studies suggest that MCP contains potent galactosyl polysaccharides that bind to cancer cells. Now research reports that MCP may help treat and prevent prostate cancer by blocking cancer cell proliferation. This discovery may help create future MCP therapies to prevent and treat prostate cancer.

The study, published in Integrative Cancer Therapies, iinvestigated the effect of MCP on cultured human and mouse prostate cancer cells. Researchers at the Columbia University in New York, treated androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer cells with Pectasol (a brand of MCP). The scientists also administered Pectasol to mouse prostate cancer lines. 

The researchers found that MCP binds to androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer cell receptors. MCP blocked androgen-dependent and -independent cancer cell proliferation and caused programmed cell death (apoptosis). This is significant since androgen-independent prostate cancer is the more aggressive cancer that can lead to death.

"PectaSol MCP and PectaSol-C MCP can inhibit cell proliferation and apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines. Our data suggested that 1.0% PectaSol-C can be used for further chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic analysis in vivo," the study authors conclude.

Avistate Supports Prostate Health

Progressive Health's Avistate is a prostate support supplement featuring clinically evaluated nutrients including soy isoflavones (genistein), saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), lycopene and selenium. Avistate helps improve the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), control the natural occurrence of prostate growth and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to promote prostate health? Please share with us below.

The study, published in FASEB Journal, investigated the effect of green tea and red wine polyphenols on prostate cancer cells. French researchers administered green tea and red wine polyphenols to mice implanted with human prostate cancer cells. In another experiment, mice implanted with human prostate cancer cells were given either drinking water, water with green tea antioxidant EGCG or water with green tea antioxidant polyphenon E.

The researchers found that the combination treatment with green tea and wine polyphenols synergistically inhibited the SphK1/S1P pathway and decreased cancer tumor growth. Findings also revealed that the mice drinking EGCG or polyphenon E had significantly deceased tumor size.

"These results provide the first demonstration that the prosurvival, antiapoptotic SphK1/S1P pathway represents a target of dietary green tea and wine polyphenols in cancer," the study authors conclude.

Avistate Promotes Prostate Health

Each year about 200,000 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Supplementing with natural nutrients can support prostate health and lower the risk of prostate cancer. 

Progressive Health's Avistate is a prostate support remedy featuring clinically evaluated nutrients including soy isoflavones (genistein), saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), lycopene and selenium. Avistate helps improve the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), control the natural occurrence of prostate growth and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to promote prostate health? Please share with us below.

Research suggests that indole-3-carbinol (i3C), a phytochemical derived from broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, has anticancer effects. Now a new study reports the mechanism in which I3C combats human breast cancer tumors. This discovery may help provide a future I3C dietary supplement for cancer prevention and treatment.

The study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, investigated I3C's effects on human breast cancer cells. Researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center treated cultured human breast cancer cells with I3C. Researchers also administered I3C supplements to lab mice implanted with beast cancer cells.

The researchers found a significant decrease in mice breast tumor size. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in cancer stem cells in the cultured human breast cancer cells. Findings also revealed that I3C destroys Cdc25A, a molecule required for cancer cell division. Cdc25A is present in abnormally high levels in various cancers and diseases.

Progressive Health's Balance Point for Women is a comprehensive multivitamin and nutrient formula specially designed to promote women's health. It features 40 nutrients including vitamins, minerals, hormone helpers, antioxidant protectors, bone protectors, skin, hair and nail builders, and vision helpers.

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to promote breast health? Tell us about it.

About 75 percent of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage with a low cure rate. At an early stage, ovarian cancer is treatable and curable. Previous studies found that elevated blood levels of CA-125 (cancer antigen-125) are increased in women with advanced ovarian cancer. However, CA-125 is not a predictable marker for early-stage ovarian cancer. Now research reports that screening CA-125 blood levels over time can detect early stages of ovarian cancer. 

The study, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, examined the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) in postmenopausal women. ROCA is a mathematical model based on participant's age and CA-125 scores. Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston analyzed the data of 3,238 postmenopausal women with no family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The participants were followed for up to nine years.

The researchers found that based on the participant's CA-125 blood levels over time, 2.6 percent of women (85 participants) were determined to be at high risk for ovarian cancer and referred to a gynecological oncologist. Eight women underwent surgery, revealing that five women had early stage ovarian cancer and three had benign tumors.  

"As a clinician treating women with this disease for more than ten years, I've become an admitted skeptic of ovarian cancer screening," says lead researcher Karen Lu, M.D., professor in MD Anderson's Department of Gynecologic Oncology, in a news release. "Now, with these findings, I'm cautiously optimistic that in the not too distant future, we may be able to offer a screening method that can detect the disease in its earliest, curable stages and make a difference in the lives of women with this now-devastating disease."

Promote Women's Health with Balance Point 

Progressive Health's Balance Point for Women is a comprehensive multivitamin and nutrient formula specially designed to support women's health. It features 40 nutrients including vitamins, minerals, hormone helpers, antioxidant protectors, bone protectors, skin, hair and nail builders, and vision helpers.

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to lower your risk of cancer? Please share with us below.

Previous studies suggest an association between the number of children fathered and a man's risk for aggressive prostate cancer. Now research reports that infertile men have an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study authors suggest that infertile men should be considered for early prostate cancer screening. The common metabolic pathways linking infertility and prostate cancer require further research.

The study, published in Cancer, investigated the association of male infertility and prostate cancer risk. Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle analyzed the data of 22,563 men evaluated for infertility in 15 California infertility centers from 1967 to 1988.

The researchers found that 168 participants subsequently developed prostate cancer. Men with infertility had a 2.6 times higher risk for developing high-grade prostate cancer, compared to men who were not infertile. However, men evaluated for infertility but not necessarily infertile did not have an increased risk of cancer, compared with the general population.  

"Men with male factor infertility were found to have an increased risk of subsequently developing high-grade prostate cancer," the study authors conclude. "Male infertility may be an early and identifiable risk factor for the development of clinically significant prostate cancer."

Promote Prostate Health with Avistate

Progressive Health's Avistate has been specifically designed to combat enlarged prostate (BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia) and promote prostate health. Avistate features clinically evaluated nutrients including soy isoflavones (genistein), saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), lycopene and selenium. Avistate helps improve the symptoms of BPH and control the natural occurrence of prostate growth, while improving quality of life.

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to support prostate health? Tell us about it.

Previous studies suggest that sulforaphane, derived from broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, has anticancer and antioxidant effects.  Now research reports that sulforaphane derived from broccoli extract destroyed the growth of breast cancer stem cells. Breast cancer malignancies originate with cancer stem (unspecialized) cells.

The study, published in Clinical Cancer Research, investigated sulforaphane's effects on breast cancer stem cells. Researchers at the University of Michigan injected various concentrations of sulforaphane extracted from broccoli into mice implanted with breast cancer tumors. Researchers also treated cultured human breast cancer cells with sulforaphane.

The researchers found a significant decrease in cancer stem cells in the mice breast tumors. Normal cells were not affected. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in cancer stem cells in the cultured human breast cancer cells.

"These findings support the use of sulforaphane for the chemoprevention of breast cancer stem cells and warrant further clinical evaluation," the study authors conclude.

Promote Women's Health with Balance Point 

Progressive Health's Balance Point for Women is a comprehensive multivitamin and nutrient formula specially designed to support women's health. It features 40 nutrients including vitamins, minerals, hormone helpers, antioxidant protectors, bone protectors, skin, hair and nail builders, and vision helpers.

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to support breast health? Tell us about it.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers for men in the United States. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 192,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. Now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the release of Dandreon Corp.'s Provenge vaccine. Although called a 'vaccine', Provenge does not prevent prostate cancer. Instead, it is an immunotherapy that stimulates the body's immune system to fight the disease.

Provenge was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Researchers administered Provenge or a placebo to 512 men with advanced prostate cancer not responding to hormone therapy. Findings revealed that the Provenge group had a four month increase in survival. The median survival for the Provenge group was 25.8 months, as compared to 21.7 months for the control group.

However, Provenge was associated with adverse side effects including chills, fatigue, fever, pain and nausea. About 25% of the Provenge group experienced serious side effects such as stroke and acute infusion reactions. Strokes occurred in 2.5 percent of the Provenge group, as compared with 2.6 percent of the control group.

"The availability of Provenge provides a new treatment option for men with advanced prostate cancer, who currently have limited effective therapies available," says Karen Midthun, M.D., acting director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in an FDA news release.

Avistate Promotes Prostate Health 

Progressive Health's Avistate is a prostate support formula designed to  improve the symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH or benign prostate hyperplasia), reduce the risk of prostate cancer and promote prostate health. Avistate features clinically evaluated nutrients including saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), soy isoflavones, lycopene and selenium. 

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to support prostate health? Please share with us below.

DNA repair involves multiple processes in which cell proteins correct damage to the cell's DNA molecules. DNA, found in the nuclei of cells, contains the genetic information required to duplicate and maintain life. If DNA is not repaired correctly, it can lead to mutation and increase cancer risk. Now research reports that vitamin and calcium supplements may promote DNA repair and lower the risk of breast cancer. This finding may help provide a way to help lower breast cancer risk.

The study, presented at the American Association for Cancer Research 101st Annual Meeting, investigated the association of vitamin and calcium supplements with DNA repair capacity and the risk of breast cancer. Researchers from the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico analyzed data of 268 Puerto Rican women with breast cancer and 457 healthy control subjects. 

The researchers found that participants who took vitamin supplements had a 30 percent lower risk of breast cancer and those who took calcium supplements had a 40 percent lower risk. Furthermore, vitamin and calcium supplements were linked with higher DNA repair capacity. Calcium's protective effect against breast cancer was dependent on DNA repair capacity, although vitamin's protective effect was independent of DNA repair capacity.  

"It is not an immediate effect. You don't take a vitamin today and your breast cancer risk is reduced tomorrow," says researcher Jaime Matta, Ph.D., a professor at the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico, in a news release. "However, we did see a long-term effect in terms of breast cancer reduction."

Promote Women's Health with Balance Point 

Progressive Health's Balance Point for Women is a comprehensive multivitamin and nutrient formula specially designed to support women's health. It features 40 nutrients including vitamins, minerals, hormone helpers, antioxidant protectors, bone protectors, skin, hair and nail builders, and vision helpers.

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to lower your risk of breast cancer? Please share with us below.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is spread through sexual contact and can cause cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells on the female cervix), a pre-cancerous condition. If left untreated, cervical dysplasia may progress to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Now research reports that vitamins may lower the risk of cervical dysplasia in HPV positive women. 

The study, published in the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancers, investigated the effects of vitamin supplements on HPV infection and cervical cancer. Researchers at Korea University College of Medicine in Seoul, analyzed the data of 328 HPV positive participants as part of the Korean Cohort begun in 2006. The researchers compared 162 women with cervical dysplasia with 166 control participants. Dietary questionnaires obtained from the participants were analyzed to determine supplement use. 

The researchers found that participants who used multivitamin supplements had a 79 percent lower risk of stage 2/3 cervical dysplasia, compared to those who did not use them. This decrease in risk was also found with calcium and vitamins A, C, and E use.

"The findings of this study suggest that dietary supplements may reduce the risk of CINs (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) in women with high-risk HPV infection," the study authors conclude. 

Support Women's Health with Balance Point 

Progressive Health's Balance Point for Women is a comprehensive multivitamin formula specially designed to support women's health. It features 40 nutrients including vitamins, minerals, hormone helpers, antioxidant protectors, bone protectors, skin, hair and nail builders, and vision helpers.

Your Thoughts

Please comment below.

Walnuts, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, can lower the risk of heart disease. Now research reports that walnuts may help decrease prostate tumor growth. The study also found that walnuts have a beneficial effect on gene activity in prostate tumors. Prostate cancer is a common cancer that affects one in six men in the U.S.

The study, presented at the annual national meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco, investigated walnut's effects in male mice. Researchers at UC Davis and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Western Regional Research Center in California administered a diet containing either whole walnuts or an equal amount of fat other than walnuts for 18 weeks to mice genetically engineered to get prostate cancer.

The researchers found that the mice consuming 2.4 ounces of walnuts daily had 30 to 40 percent reduced prostate tumor growth, compared to mice not eating walnuts. Furthermore, the walnut group had reduced blood levels of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), a growth hormone associated with prostate cancer. Findings also revealed that walnuts had a beneficial effect on genes linked to prostate tumor growth. 

"This study shows that when mice with prostate tumors consume an amount of walnuts that could easily be eaten by a man, tumor growth is controlled," says researcher Paul Davis, nutritionist at UC Davis Cancer Center, in a news release. "This leaves me very hopeful that it could be beneficial in patients."

Avistate Promotes Prostate Health

Supplementing with natural nutrients can help promote prostate health and lower the risk of prostate cancer. 

Progressive Health's Avistate has been specifically designed to combat enlarged prostate (BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia) and support prostate health. Avistate features clinically evaluated nutrients including soy isoflavones (genistein), saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), lycopene and selenium. 

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to support prostate health? Tell us about it.

Here's some good news for young men with early hair loss. Recent research reports that hair loss in young men is linked with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is believed to be due to the damaging effects of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT is a potent androgen in hair follicles and is derived directly from the male hormone testosterone. DHT is also an important component in prostate cell growth in the tissues that line the prostate gland and a key contributor to the enlargement of the prostate. 

The study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, investigated the association of early male pattern baldness (MPB) and prostate cancer (PCa) risk. Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle analyzed the data of 999 men with prostate cancer and 942 men without prostate cancer, ages 35 to 74, from 2002 to 2005. The participants reported their hair pattern at age 30.

The researchers found that men with early male pattern baldness by age 30 had a 29% lower risk of prostate cancer. Participants over age 60 with early baldness had a 45% lower risk of prostate cancer.

"Early-onset MPB was associated with a reduced relative risk of PCa in this population-based study," the study authors conclude. "Further research into a possible mechanistic link between these prevalent and androgen-related conditions is warranted".

Combat Hair Loss with Advecia

Although there is no complete cure for hair loss, a natural supplement like Progressive Health's Advecia can help combat hair loss, maximize hair regrowth and support hair health. Advecia addresses the cause of hair loss internally, to slow and even stop the damaging effects of hair loss. 

Advecia contains a synergistic blend of researched botanicals including saw palmetto, beta sitosterol, green tea extract, arginine, lysine, grape seed extract and proanthocyanidins. 

Your Thoughts

Are you taking supplements to support hair and prostate health? Tell us about it.

Previous studies suggest that the vegetable bitter melon (Momordica charantia) has blood sugar-lowering and cholesterol-lowering effects. Bitter melon is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamin C. Now research reports that bitter melon extract may decrease breast cancer cell growth. This discovery may provide a future dietary supplement to prevent breast cancer.

The in vitro study, published in Cancer Research, investigated whether bitter melon extract (BME) can effect human breast cancer cells. Researchers at the Department of Pathology at Saint Louis University, treated cultured human breast cancer cells and primary human mammary epithelial cells with bitter melon extract.

The researchers found that BME treatment prevented breast cancer cell growth (proliferation) and induced cell death (apoptosis). The researchers plan next to test bitter melon in animal models.

"Together, these results show that BME modulates signal transduction pathways for inhibition of breast cancer cell growth and can be used as a dietary supplement for prevention of breast cancer," the study authors conclude.

Promote Wellness with Balance Point for Women 

Progressive Health's Balance Point for Women is a comprehensive women's multivitamin and nutrients supplement specially designed to promote women's wellness. It features 40 natural nutrients including herbal, vegetable and fruit extracts, hormone helpers, antioxidant protectors, bone protectors, skin, hair and nail builders, and vision helpers, vitamins and minerals.

Your Thoughts

Bitter melon, also called African cucumber or balsam pear, is one of the most bitter of all vegetables. In the Asian diet, bitter melon is often included in stir fries, soups and stews. Do you have a favorite recipe using bitter melon?