Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

ProstAvan Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitality For Life

ProstAvan label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking ProstAvan against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

ProstAvan is a dietary supplement by Vitality For Life with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart health, prostate health, antioxidant support.Based on those ingredients, 409 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Selenium, Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract, Lycopene. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against ProstAvan by Vitality For Life

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with ProstAvan by Vitality For Life — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of ProstAvan by Vitality For Life

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

ProstAvan contains five active ingredients. Lycopene is a pigment from tomatoes with research suggesting it may help with prostate cancer risk.

Pumpkin seed oil has possibly effective evidence for benign prostate enlargement (BPH). Saw palmetto fruit extract is traditionally used for urinary and prostate symptoms, though evidence for BPH is mixed.

Zinc is an essential mineral involved in immune function and wound healing. Selenium is another essential mineral that supports thyroid and antioxidant functions.

The softgel also contains inactive ingredients — gelatin, glycerin, soybean oil, beeswax, purified water, lecithin, caramel, and titanium dioxide — which serve as fillers, binders, and capsule material.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Optimal prostate support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), Prostate health, Urinary function, Urinary symptoms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Pumpkin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saw Palmetto is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
  • Also on file: Lycopene is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

Lycopene shows possibly effective evidence for prostate cancer prevention, but the evidence for bladder cancer and diabetes is possibly ineffective. The data we hold is insufficient to rate it for cholesterol, ALS, or exercise-induced asthma.

Pumpkin seed oil is possibly effective for benign prostate enlargement, though evidence for hair loss, bladder inflammation, parasites, and UTIs is insufficient. Saw palmetto shows possibly effective evidence for TURP (a prostate procedure) but possibly ineffective for general benign prostate enlargement; evidence is insufficient for other uses listed.

Zinc is effective for zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease, with possibly effective ratings for acne, skin conditions, macular degeneration, and diabetes. Selenium is likely effective for selenium deficiency and possibly effective for Kashin-Beck disease, pre-eclampsia, and autoimmune thyroid disease, but possibly ineffective for dyslipidemia.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lycopene Pumpkin Saw Palmetto Zinc Selenium

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lycopene from food is considered safe, and supplement doses are generally well tolerated, though gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have been reported. Pumpkin seed oil is generally safe for most adults, though mild abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can occur; anaphylaxis is rare.

Saw palmetto is well tolerated with mild, reversible side effects including abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness, though occasionally cases of heart rhythm changes and blood pressure effects have been reported. Zinc is well tolerated at doses below 40 mg daily but can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and a metallic taste; high doses raise concern for copper deficiency.

Selenium is well tolerated at doses up to 400 mcg daily but can cause gastric discomfort, headache, rash, and at higher doses hair loss, nail changes, and fatigue. For pregnancy: lycopene safety data advises against supplements unless your doctor approves; saw palmetto is likely unsafe and should be avoided; pumpkin seed oil has insufficient data — talk with your doctor.

For breastfeeding: lycopene, pumpkin, and saw palmetto all lack sufficient safety data — discuss with your healthcare provider before use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lycopene Pumpkin Saw Palmetto Zinc Selenium

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lycopene, Pumpkin, Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Selenium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; lithium.
  • For scale: 409 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking ProstAvan, double-check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (anticoagulants like warfarin or apixaban, or drugs like aspirin) — three ingredients raise bleeding risk at Moderate severity. If you take hormonal birth control or estrogen therapy, saw palmetto may reduce their effectiveness.

Lithium users should be aware pumpkin seed oil may increase lithium levels. Antibiotics are a concern: quinolones, tetracyclines, and cephalexin all interact with zinc — timing doses apart matters.

Lastly, if you take HIV drugs like ritonavir or integrase inhibitors, or cancer drugs like cisplatin, zinc may interfere — discuss this with your healthcare team.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is designed for prostate and urinary health, with mixed evidence on how well it works. If you take blood thinners, hormonal birth control, estrogens, lithium, any antibiotic, or HIV or cancer medications, check with your pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Saw palmetto is not recommended, and the other ingredients need a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about ProstAvan, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitality For Life
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2025
DSLD ID 334754
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult Male (18-50 Years), Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Men ONLY, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for ProstAvan by Vitality For Life, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Lycopene3 mg--
Pumpkin Seed Oil80 mg--
Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract320 mg--
Zinc15 mg136%
Selenium200 mcg364%

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Soybean Oil, Beeswax, Water, Purified, Lecithin, Caramel , Titanium Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

OLIGO US PATENTS 8,273,393 & 8,697,158

Formulation

Optimal prostate support

Promote a healthy prostate Supports a healthy urinary tract

Gluten-free

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Powered by Oligo

Contains optimal amounts of saw palmetto berry and lycopene to provide potent antioxidant protection and support overall prostate well-being Provides zinc and selenium powered by twice-patented Oligo technology to deliver minerals to the body Just Like Nature for superior absorption.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Anytime Directions: Take one softgel daily

Precautions

Consult your physician before taking this product if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, nursing, under a doctor's care, taking any medications, or administering to children under the age of 18.

Consult your physician before taking this product if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, nursing, under a doctor's care, taking any medications, or administering to children under the age of 18. Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper-evident inner seal; if broken, do not accept.

Contains: soy.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

ProstAvan by Vitality For Life label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

ProstAvan label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in ProstAvan by Vitality For Life

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Lycopene

Interacts with
122 drugs
3 mg per serving

Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible hear...

Lycopene monograph & interactions

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Interacts with
1 drug
80 mg per serving

Pumpkin is a nutritious squash, and its seeds and seed oil are the parts most often used as supplements, mainly for urinary and prostate symptoms. The...

Pumpkin Seed Oil monograph & interactions

Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract

Interacts with
174 drugs
320 mg per serving Form: Serenoa repens Fruit Extract

Saw palmetto is a plant extract most often used for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate (BPH). The best research suggests it works no bett...

Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract monograph & interactions

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
15 mg per serving Form: Zinc Amino Acid Oligofructose Complex

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

Selenium

Interacts with
321 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: Selenium Amino Acid Oligofructose

Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who...

Selenium monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Soybean Oil, Beeswax, Water, Purified, Lecithin, Caramel , Titanium Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

ProstAvan by Vitality For Life Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against ProstAvan?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
409Drugs
402 Moderate 7 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Selenium 321
Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract 174
Lycopene 122
Zinc 67
Pumpkin Seed Oil 1

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in ProstAvan interact with 409 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in ProstAvan interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Selenium Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract Lycopene Zinc Pumpkin Seed Oil

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in ProstAvan with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Selenium6 drug types · 321 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that taking selenium 10 mcg/kg/day can increase bleeding times by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity. Other clinical research suggests that taking selenium 75 mcg daily, in combination with ascorbic acid 600 mg, alpha-tocopherol 300 mg, and beta-carotene 27 mg, reduces platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Barbiturates

Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Laboratory research suggests that selenium can inhibit the hepatic metabolism of barbiturates. Selenium seems to prolong the sedative effect of pentobarbital in animal models.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that selenium may stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, selenium might interfere with warfarin activity.
Animal research suggests that selenium can increase warfarin activity. Selenium might interact with warfarin by displacing it from albumin binding sites, reducing its metabolism in the liver, or by decreasing production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Selenium can also prolong bleeding times in humans by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Contraceptive drugs might increase levels of selenium, although the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
Some research suggests that oral contraceptives increase serum selenium levels in women taking oral contraceptives; however, other research shows no change in selenium levels. It is suggested that an increase could be due to increased carrier proteins, indicating a redistribution of selenium rather than a change in total body selenium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Selenium might reduce the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as selenium, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Selenium full monograph & interactions

Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract3 drug types · 174 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Saw palmetto might increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Saw palmetto is reported to prolong bleeding time. Theoretically, it might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with contraceptive drugs taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Estrogens

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of estrogens.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with estrogens taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract full monograph & interactions

Lycopene1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research shows that lycopene has antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lycopene full monograph & interactions

Zinc10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Zinc full monograph & interactions

Pumpkin Seed Oil1 drug type · 1 drug

Lithium

Pumpkin might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Pumpkin is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Pumpkin Seed Oil full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for ProstAvan, from the product label.

Vitality For Life

See all Vitality For Life products
Name
Vitality for Life
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

ProstAvan by Vitality For Life: Common Questions

Does ProstAvan by Vitality For Life interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, ProstAvan has a known interaction with 409 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
ProstAvan contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Saw palmetto is not recommended in pregnancy due to hormone effects and lack of safety data, so this product is not suitable for pregnant people. For breastfeeding, lycopene, pumpkin, and saw palmetto all lack enough safety information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you in either situation.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
The most frequent side effects reported across the ingredients are gastrointestinal: abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These are generally mild and reversible. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, stop and talk to your pharmacist.
Does this product actually work for prostate health?
The evidence is mixed. Lycopene is possibly effective for prostate cancer prevention. Pumpkin seed oil is possibly effective for benign prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto shows possibly effective evidence for a prostate procedure but possibly ineffective evidence for general benign prostate enlargement. Individual results vary, and your pharmacist can help you understand what the research supports for your situation.
Can I take this with my blood thinner?
This product contains three ingredients — lycopene, saw palmetto, and selenium — that carry Moderate risk of increased bleeding when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Do not start this product without checking with your pharmacist or doctor first.
What is each ingredient supposed to do?
Lycopene and pumpkin seed oil support prostate health. Saw palmetto is traditionally used for urinary symptoms related to prostate enlargement. Zinc supports immune and wound-healing functions. Selenium supports thyroid health and acts as an antioxidant.
Does high-dose zinc in this product pose a risk?
Zinc is generally well tolerated at doses below the safe upper limit of 40 mg daily for adults. High doses taken long-term can potentially lead to copper deficiency, which is why your doctor might recommend a small copper dose if you use high-dose zinc supplements for a long time. Check the label for the zinc amount and discuss with your pharmacist if you have concerns.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

ProstAvan label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind ProstAvan’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Lycopene

Interacts with 122 drugs

Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible heart and prostate benefits, but evidence fr...

Read the full Lycopene monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pumpkin

Interacts with 1 drug

Pumpkin is a nutritious squash, and its seeds and seed oil are the parts most often used as supplements, mainly for urinary and prostate symptoms. The evidence for these uses is limited and...

Read the full Pumpkin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Saw Palmetto

Interacts with 174 drugs

Saw palmetto is a plant extract most often used for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate (BPH). The best research suggests it works no better than a placebo for most men, though i...

Read the full Saw Palmetto monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Zinc

Interacts with 67 drugs

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but supplements can help correct or prevent a defici...

Read the full Zinc monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Selenium

Interacts with 321 drugs

Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who eat a varied diet get enough, and supple...

Read the full Selenium monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

ProstAvan's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 161 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lycopene 10 references
  1. Sharma, J. B., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., Malhotra, M., Arora, R., Prasad, S., and Batra, S. Effect of lycopene on pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation in primigravidas. Int J Gynaecol.Obstet. 2003;81(3):257-262. PubMed
  2. Hsiao, G., Wang, Y., Tzu, N. H., Fong, T. H., Shen, M. Y., Lin, K. H., Chou, D. S., and Sheu, J. R. Inhibitory effects of lycopene on in vitro platelet activation and in vivo prevention of thrombus formation. J Lab Clin Med 2005;146(4):216-226. PubMed
  3. Clark, P. E., Hall, M. C., Borden, L. S., Jr., Miller, A. A., Hu, J. J., Lee, W. R., Stindt, D., D'Agostino, R., Jr., Lovato, J., Harmon, M., and Torti, F. M. Phase I-II prospective dose-escalating trial of lycopene in patients with biochemical relapse o
  4. O'Kennedy, N., Crosbie, L., Whelan, S., Luther, V., Horgan, G., Broom, J. I., Webb, D. J., and Duttaroy, A. K. Effects of tomato extract on platelet function: a double-blinded crossover study in healthy humans. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2006;84(3):561-569. PubMed
  5. Jatoi, A., Burch, P., Hillman, D., Vanyo, J. M., Dakhil, S., Nikcevich, D., Rowland, K., Morton, R., Flynn, P. J., Young, C., and Tan, W. A tomato-based, lycopene-containing intervention for androgen-independent prostate cancer: results of a Phase II stu
  6. Schwenke, C., Ubrig, B., Thurmann, P., Eggersmann, C., and Roth, S. Lycopene for advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer: a prospective, open phase II pilot study. J.Urol. 2009;181(3):1098-1103. PubMed
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Saw Palmetto 22 references
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See these in context on the Selenium monograph →

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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