Which Supplements Increase Testosterone Levels?

Given all of the emphasis on boosting testosterone levels and the media’s push for achieving this goal by taking testosterone replacement therapy, it’s important to let men know there are much safer, natural ways to bring T levels up. When we talk about those options, it’s important to know which supplements may increase testosterone levels.

While you are reversing the decline in testosterone levels, you also can help reduce or eliminate symptoms often associated with low T, such as diminishing libido, erectile dysfunction, abdominal fat accumulation, loss of muscle strength and tone, development of man boobs, and unwanted weight gain. Use of selected natural supplements, along with lifestyle changes, can go a long way toward raising testosterone.

Beta-sitosterol

Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that is similar in structure to cholesterol yet does not have its negative impact on the body. When it comes to testosterone, beta-sitosterol helps preserve levels of this hormone by preventing two enzymes from converting testosterone into estradiol: aromatase and 5-alpha reductase. These actions help preserve testosterone levels.

Boron

Several studies have shown that the mineral boron, which is known for assisting in bone infrastructure, also can help boost testosterone levels. In one study, for example, men who took 10 mg of boron daily for one week showed a significant rise in free testosterone levels and a significant decline in estradiol.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb whose seeds and leaves are often used in Asian dishes. For medicinal purposes, fenugreek has been shown to have a positive impact on sex drive and testosterone levels. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported that not only did fenugreek boost both T levels and libido; the herb also had a positive effect on muscle strength and energy.

Green tea

The ingredients in green tea that favor testosterone are epigallocatechins, which inhibit the enzyme, 5-alpha reductase. This action in turn reduces the conversion of testosterone into DHT, which then helps preserve healthy T levels. The catechins in green tea also can interfere with testosterone glucuronidation, which results in a rise in circulating testosterone levels.

Magnesium

A number of studies have provided convincing evidence that the mineral magnesium can help boost T levels. One compared the effects of magnesium supplementation among athletes practicing tae kwon do with those who did not take the supplement as well as with a control group. Overall the authors found that magnesium supplementation increased both total and free testosterone levels in sedentary controls and in athletes. The increases were greater, however, among athletes than among sedentary individuals.

In another study, 399 men age 65 and older were evaluated to determine the impact of magnesium on testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), sex hormone binding globulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Researchers found a strong association between magnesium levels and testosterone and IGF-1.

Saw palmetto

Use of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract along with the carotenoid astaxanthin have been shown to result in a significant increase in total testosterone levels accompanied by a significant decline in DHT and estradiol levels. It should be noted that the study was commissioned by the maker of the proprietary supplement.

Tongkat ali

The tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) tree is native to countries in the Far East, where the population has long valued the roots for an ability to treat erectile dysfunction and flagging sexual performance. These benefits have been explored scientifically in animals thus far, and results indicate that the herb works by increasing testosterone levels.

Tribulus terrestris

Tribulus terrestris is a fruit-producing plant with roots in the Mediterranean. The herb contains protodioscin, a substance that is said to promote testosterone. One way it does this is by boosting the production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is a precursor of testosterone. Use of Tribulus terrestris can improve concentrations of testosterone when it is taken along with other supplements,

Vitamin D

Vitamin D3 (aka, cholecalciferol), is important not only in bone health but in the support and promotion of testosterone levels and energy as well. For example, a combination of low vitamin D and low free testosterone has been associated with a greater risk of dying among older men who needed coronary angiography. A 2012 study noted that vitamin D seems to support optimal testosterone levels in men, while other research discovered that supplementation with vitamin D increased levels of free, bioavailable, and total testosterone in men who took the supplement for one year.

Zinc

Evidence that zinc plays an important role in testosterone has been shown in research where even minor zinc deficiencies have been associated with a significant decline in the concentration of the hormone. Conversely, use of zinc supplements in men with marginal zinc deficiencies have resulted in an increase in testosterone. In a 2016 study, experts noted a positive correlation between low zinc levels and free testosterone as well as impaired sperm functioning.