The 6 Top Science-Backed Testosterone Supplements
How to Boost Your Testosterone Part 1 of 2
In this article, we’ll dig deeper into how to increase testosterone levels with the best testosterone supplements.
Before going through the testosterone supplement list, it’s absolutely critical for the essential nutrients listed below them are covered.
These testosterone supplements have an indirect relationship and/ or very specific relationship to certain underlying causes, such as low DHEA levels.
Specifically, magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc are the primary supporters of testosterone levels.
The need for sufficient micro-nutrient levels to support healthy testosterone levels cannot be overstated.
Finally, consider the other micronutrients, most notably boron, D-aspartic acid, and vitamin C, along with the others.
Testosterone boosting foods and certain lifestyle strategies can play a major role in testosterone levels, as we will discuss in a future article.
If one is dealing with symptoms of low testosterone, they should have testosterone levels checked.
For otherwise healthy individuals, aside the core micronutrients, these testosterone supplements will deliver extremely limited if any benefit.
#1 Myo-Inositol
Myo-inositol increases testosterone levels, and sperm count. It normalizes the metabolic profile of patients with metabolic syndrome while increasing insulin sensitivity without adverse effects to other markers.
Reduced testosterone levels have been directly associated with metabolic syndrome, most notably obesity, as the decrease is perhaps caused by the conversion of androgens to estrogens, through aromatization of peripheral fat.
Elevated SHBG levels are the cause of male infertility. Decreased testosterone is one of the predicting factors for the onset of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Testosterone therapy alone is ineffective for male infertility. Either myo-inositol or inositol works well for this purpose.
#2 Maca
Lacking any testosterone or other hormone, instead, maca causes the body to produce and regulate hormones, which promotes a healthy hormonal balance. To be clear, research shows maca does not boost overall serum testosterone levels.
Invariably, maca’s energizing effects on men lead us to believe it has a beneficial endocrine system effect on both men and women. For these reasons, researchers believe maca supports free testosterone levels.
While maca may also improve fertility and mood, it shines above all others as a libido booster for men and postmenopausal women. Black, red, and yellow maca work well for this purpose.
#3 DHEA
DHEA increases testosterone by 200% in middle-aged men and by 180% in young men in a small study. With the best and most extensive research, 50 to 100 mg DHEA raises testosterone 20% across a range of studies. We also see elevated free testosterone levels in middle-aged men with prevention in high-intensity interval training declines.
Like most testosterone supplements, DHEA appears to be of benefit and maybe only beneficial for middle to older aged men with low DHEA levels. As with Tribulus Terrestris and horny goat weed, DHEA shows a libido benefit for postmenopausal women.
#4 Tongkat Ali (Longjack)
Along with other proven benefits, Malaysian ginseng, Tongkat Ali increase testosterone levels by as much as 37%, while lowering cortisol levels up to 16%.
In rodent and in vitro studies, Tongkat Ali outperforms tamoxifen, a prescription estrogen-blocking medication. Tongkat Ali can contain heavy metals and should be properly screened and tested by the vendor.
#5 Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
This Indian form of ginseng increases testosterone levels as much as 22% in studies while lowering cortisol, fat, sleep, and anxiety levels. Ashwagandha also increases sperm quality, and strength, and exercise performance.
#6 Panax Ginseng
Ginseng increases sperm count and motility, total and free testosterone, DHT, FSH, and LT, while also lowering prolactin levels in one research study.
The 3 Key Critical Testosterone Boosting Nutrients
Magnesium
Taken at bedtime with zinc, ZMA, magnesium increases free and total testosterone levels in both active and non-active individuals. We see a larger effect on active individuals versus non-active individuals.
Vitamin D
In one study, just 3,300 IU of vitamin D, doubles their vitamin D levels with testosterone levels rising by 20%. Vitamin D is synergistic with magnesium and boron.
Zinc
The influence of zinc on testosterone levels are well supported, and more so in the case of deficiency. Zinc also delivers exercise and sports recovery along with alleviating low testosterone levels from high-intensity exercise. Magnesium with zinc at bedtime, ZMA is a popular supplement.
3 Notable Testosterone Boosting Nutrients
Boron
Free testosterone levels rise 25%, while estradiol, interleukin, and C-reactive proteins drop 50%, promoting more free testosterone binding with blood proteins, after just one week of 6 mg boron.
D-Aspartic Acid
This pituitary gland and testes amino acid regulates the release and synthesis of luteinizing hormone, (LH), and testosterone in both humans, as one study shows it doubles male sperm count. D-Aspartic Acid appears to only deliver benefits in otherwise infertile men.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can support testosterone by protecting the testes from oxidative stress.
6 Other Testosterone Boosting Nutrients
- Calcium
- CoQ10
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin E
7 Other Testosterone Boosting Supplements
Caffeine, creatine, mucuna pruriens, shilajit, coleus forskohlii, royal jelly, shweta musali (Chlorophytum borivilianum).
*Limited and mixed results show licorice to lower testosterone levels. Use DGL for licorice supplements, if there is a concern.
*Phosphatidylserine acts similar to ashwagandha in cortisol and testosterone actions.
*Tribulus Terrestris and horny goat weed are only found to increase libido in postmenopausal women.
*Pregnenolone might be able to indirectly boost testosterone levels through cortisol reduction.
Conclusions on Testosterone Supplements
Hormone levels should be monitored through routine blood tests every 6 to 12 months.
To support healthy testosterone levels, one should look to diet and nutrient intake along with their overall health and wellness.
We’ll explore the lifestyle strategies one can use to boost testosterone levels in part 2 of this series.
What’s your favorite testosterone supplement?
Your Friend in Health,
Mark Stein
