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I'd like to start taking saw palmetto and was at Target and Wal-Mart today looking at the vitamins.There are so many to chose from. Should I be looking at places like Target or Walmart or places like GNC? How many milligrams should I be taking a day? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

are you taking other prescription medications? Saw Palmetto can block/increase/decrease certain prescription meds, so, double-check to make sure you won't have any interactions.

The main issue is to use a standardized extract. The same goes for all herbal supplements when possible.

pardon my ignorance, why are you taking saw palmetto, what benefits are you looking for?

This linked article by the National Institute of Health discusses the uses, side-effects, drug interactions and dosages of saw palmetto.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-sawpalmetto.html

The supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA. Supplements are not tested for safety or efficacy like prescription medications are. I doubt if you would be able to find a scientific study comparing GNC brand supplements with Walmart or Target brand supplements. Caveat Emptor

FirstKnight saidThis linked article by the National Institute of Health discusses the uses, side-effects, drug interactions and dosages of saw palmetto.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-sawpalmetto.html

The supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA. Supplements are not tested for safety or efficacy like prescription medications are. I doubt if you would be able to find a scientific study comparing GNC brand supplements with Walmart or Target brand supplements. Caveat Emptor

As the link indicates, it is very effective for treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Anyone who takes testosterone building supplement or outright steroid use should seriously consider taking saw palmetto. I know I do.

Thanks for the comments!

Not taking any medication,just Krill oil.

If your gonna take a supplement for your prostate you might as well take a combo one that is standardized and includes pygium, beta sistoterol and pumkin seed extract. I also take flax seed oil with it as well. Do some research!!

Possible side effects are difficulty with erections, testicular discomfort, breast tenderness or enlargement, and changes in sexual desire.

viveutvivas saidPossible side effects are difficulty with erections, testicular discomfort, breast tenderness or enlargement, and changes in sexual desire.

I take saw palmetto and I can still get a boner with no problem.

viveutvivas saidPossible side effects are difficulty with erections, testicular discomfort, breast tenderness or enlargement, and changes in sexual desire.

that sounds like a feminizing effect .
link:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-sawpalmetto.html

Multiple mechanisms of action have been proposed, and saw palmetto appears to possess 5-α-reductase inhibitory activity (thereby preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone). Hormonal/estrogenic effects have also been reported, as well as direct inhibitory effects on androgen receptors and anti-inflammatory properties.

is that desirable ?
i'm sure any effects reported have tons of co-factors also, but it's worth getting a lot of information from specialists in nutrition, md's, naturopaths even...