Changfu Feng, Xiaojing Liu, Subi Nijiati, Xiangbo Ma, Honglin Yang
Background Micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin D play a crucial role in prostate physiology. Deficiencies in these nutrients may be associated with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and with impaired urinary tract parameters, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual (PVR) volume. This retrospective study evaluated the association between serum micronutrient status and prostate health indicators in adult men. Methods Medical records of 400 men aged ≥45 years who underwent prostate evaluation between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Serum zinc, selenium, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were recorded alongside PSA values and urinary tract parameters, including IPSS, Qmax, and PVR volume. Based on reference ranges, participants were categorized into low- or normal-micronutrient groups. Correlation analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify independent predictors of elevated PSA (>4 ng/mL) and severe urinary symptoms (IPSS ≥20). Results 120 participants exhibited low micronutrient levels. Compared with men with normal levels, this group showed significantly higher PSA (5.2 ± 2.8 vs. 2.9 ± 1.5 ng/mL), higher IPSS scores (16.5 ± 5.8 vs. 10.2 ± 5.2), lower Qmax (11.2 ± 4.1 vs. 16.1 ± 4.7 mL/s), and higher PVR (61.7 ± 20.3 vs. 42.2 ± 18.5 mL) (all p < 0.001). Serum zinc, selenium, and vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with PSA and IPSS and positively correlated with Qmax (all p < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, low zinc (OR 2.48; 95% CI: 1.45–4.23), low selenium (OR 2.12; 95% CI: 1.27–3.52), and low vitamin D (OR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.11–3.16) were independent predictors of elevated PSA. Conclusion Micronutrient deficiencies were associated with altered PSA levels and impaired urinary tract function. Monitoring and correcting micronutrient deficiencies may represent a valuable component of prostate health management, though prospective studies are needed to confirm causality.