A new research paper has found no evidence that proves that men’s health supplements prove beneficial for prostate cancer patients. Study researchers have based their findings on the assessment of over 2,200 men who were lately diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Study researchers said that they did not find evidence that supplements reduces the risk of radiation treatment side effects; risk of cancer getting spread and risk of prostate cancer patients’ death from the disease.

Study’s lead researcher Dr. Nicholas Zaorsky from the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia said that when they started the study, they suspected that supplements are junk and their research has proved the same.

It shall be noted that around 1 to 2% cancer patients start supplements without informing their doctor. In the study, the researchers have used the pills that are marketed as men’s formula, prostate health and labeled with clinically proven or recommended by urologists.

In the study, the patients were aged 36 and above. They had undergone radiation treatment sometimes between 2001 and 2012. Around 10% were taking one or more health supplements during treatment or in the ensuing four years.

Over 90% of the supplements were having palmetto, a plant extract is often promoted as a treatment for an enlarged prostate. Though supplement use was linked with any negative side effects, it was not found beneficial for the users.

“There is a growing number of studies that show they have no benefit, and may actually do harm. Often patients don't understand the nuances of the claims being made”, said Dr. Stephen Freedland, director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle.