Men who took both the fruit/vegetable supplement and the gut bacteria pill reported better bladder control and stronger erections than those who only took the fruit/vegetable supplement.
Scientific Claim
The combination of a phytochemical-rich supplement and probiotic/prebiotic blend improves urinary symptom scores by 3.6 points and erectile function by 2.9 points more than the phytochemical supplement alone in men with indolent prostate cancer over 16 weeks.
Original Statement
“The International Prostate Symptom Score and the International Index of Erectile Function were SS better in the PRS+PB v PRS+P men (10.5 v 14.1; 26.6 v 23.7 respectively, both P<0.001).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
While the RCT design supports causation, the abstract does not confirm blinding success or outcome assessor blinding. Probabilistic language is more appropriate per EBM standards.
More Accurate Statement
“The combination of a phytochemical-rich supplement and probiotic/prebiotic blend may improve urinary symptom scores by 3.6 points and erectile function by 2.9 points more than the phytochemical supplement alone in men with indolent prostate cancer over 16 weeks.”
Gold Standard Evidence Needed
According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.
Systematic Review & Meta-AnalysisLevel 1aWhether this specific combination consistently improves urinary and sexual function across multiple RCTs in prostate cancer patients.
Whether this specific combination consistently improves urinary and sexual function across multiple RCTs in prostate cancer patients.
What This Would Prove
Whether this specific combination consistently improves urinary and sexual function across multiple RCTs in prostate cancer patients.
Ideal Study Design
A meta-analysis of at least 5 RCTs using identical interventions and validated scales (IPSS, IIEF) in men with indolent PCa on surveillance, comparing combination therapy vs. phytochemical-only or placebo over 12–24 months.
Limitation: Cannot determine which component (probiotic, prebiotic, vitamin D) drives the effect.
Randomized Controlled TrialLevel 1bIn EvidenceCausal effect of the combination on urinary and sexual function compared to phytochemicals alone.
Causal effect of the combination on urinary and sexual function compared to phytochemicals alone.
What This Would Prove
Causal effect of the combination on urinary and sexual function compared to phytochemicals alone.
Ideal Study Design
A double-blind RCT of 300 men aged 65–80 with indolent PCa, randomized to combination therapy or phytochemical-only, measuring IPSS and IIEF at baseline, 8, and 16 weeks, with secondary outcomes of patient-reported satisfaction.
Limitation: Short duration limits assessment of long-term sexual or urinary durability.
Prospective Cohort StudyLevel 2bReal-world association between use of this combination and sustained improvement in urinary/sexual quality of life.
Real-world association between use of this combination and sustained improvement in urinary/sexual quality of life.
What This Would Prove
Real-world association between use of this combination and sustained improvement in urinary/sexual quality of life.
Ideal Study Design
A prospective cohort of 800 men with indolent PCa tracking supplement use and quarterly IPSS/IIEF scores over 3 years, adjusting for age, comorbidities, and baseline function.
Limitation: Cannot isolate intervention effect from lifestyle or psychological confounders.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
This study gave men with early prostate cancer a special supplement with plant chemicals, and some also got good bacteria and fiber. Those who got the extra bacteria and fiber had better bladder control and stronger erections — exactly as the claim says.