Supplements to Boost Testosterone
Mai Delacruz
Personal Fitness Trainer & Health Coach
Although testosterone is necessary for both men and women, its function is significantly more important in men since they have higher quantities of the hormone.
It helps to maintain and improve male sexual health and development, as well as fertility, muscle growth, fat loss, and plenty of other areas of overall health.
Testosterone levels tend to decrease with advancing years, and concerns have also been raised over a general decline in testosterone levels throughout the United States. In addition to this, it seems that factors related to health and lifestyle also play a part.
Some people choose to take supplements in the hope of increasing their levels of the hormone testosterone. These supplements either increase testosterone or hormones related to testosterone directly, or they prevent the body from converting testosterone into estrogen. Various supplements make claim that they can boost testosterone levels, and some people choose to take these supplements in order to achieve this goal.
The following are seven supplements that may assist in increasing levels of testosterone.
Nature-Made Vitamin D3
Most of the supplements on this list can be useful for you if you're seeking a straightforward and all-natural method to raise your testosterone levels.
If you are suffering from significant symptoms of low testosterone, such as low energy levels, decreased libido, muscle loss, or fertility concerns, please discuss possible treatment options with your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
supplement
When looking for a supplement to enhance your testosterone levels, there are numerous important things that you should take into consideration, including the following:
Before beginning to use any new supplements, it is vital to consult with a trained medical expert first.
They will not only be able to assist you in selecting the most appropriate supplement for your unique requirements, but they will also be able to provide you with information regarding any components of the supplement that may cause a negative interaction with the other medications you are currently taking.
The following is a list of some of the considerations we made when selecting the products that are listed below:
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The following provides an indication of the general pricing ranges available, denoted by dollar signs ($ to $$$). When there is one dollar sign next to the price, it indicates that the item is relatively inexpensive, but three dollar signs denote a higher price.
Prices typically range from $0.07 to $0.45 for each portion, which works out to $13.64 to $53.70 per container. However, these numbers can change depending on where you do your shopping.
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$ = under $0.10 per serving
$$ = $0.10–$0.30 per serving
$$$ = above $0.30 per serve
Price: $
Type: tablet
Dose: 1 pill per day
Certifications: gluten-free and tested by a third party to USP standards
When your skin is exposed to sunshine, your body creates its own supply of vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Those who spend little time outside may have insufficient amounts of vitamin D in their bodies.
Nature-Made Vitamin D3
Vitamin D, in its active state, performs the same role as a steroid hormone in the body and is necessary for normal male sexual activity.
According to the findings of certain studies, males whose testosterone levels are lower may also have lower blood levels of vitamin D.
Ten days of sun exposure and six weeks of vitamin D supplementation led to significant increases in the levels of vitamin D and testosterone in soccer players, according to the findings of a small study.
Therefore, if it happens and you have a vitamin D deficiency, increasing the amount of time you spend in the sun, eating more foods that are high in vitamin D, or taking a vitamin D supplement could all be beneficial.
Even though there is a dearth of research on the optimal dosage to specifically support testosterone levels, most guidelines prescribe doses of 400–2,000 IU of vitamin D per day in order to prevent deficiency (11Trusted Source).
One tablet of Nature Made's vitamin D supplement has 2,000 international units (IU), making it an easy and practical solution to fulfill your daily requirements for this vitally important element.
In addition to this, it contains vitamin D3, which has been shown to raise blood levels of vitamin D more effectively and for a longer period of time than vitamin D2.
In addition to this, not only does Nature Made Vitamin D3 not contain any artificial colors or flavors, but it has also been evaluated by a third party and verified by the United States. Pharmacopeia (USP).
NOW Foods Fenugreek
Price: $$
Type: capsules
Dose: 2 pills per day
Certifications: made in facilities that are both GMP and UL-certified.
Although additional research is required, fenugreek is one of the more common herb-based options that have the potential to boost healthy testosterone levels.
One study found that males who took 600 milligrams of fenugreek extract on a daily basis for a period of 12 weeks reported significant improvements in both their sexual performance and their testosterone levels as compared to men who took a placebo.
According to the findings of another study, following 12 weeks of treatment with 500 mg of fenugreek extract per day, 90% of the subjects experienced an increase in their free testosterone levels of up to 46%. Additionally, it elevated individuals' levels of mental alertness and positive mood across the board.
The authors of a study published in 2020 came to the conclusion that fenugreek extract can successfully boost testosterone levels.
NOW Foods Fenugreek
However, keep in mind that the study on fenugreek is limited and that more extensive studies that last for a very long period of time are required.
Each capsule of NOW Supplements Fenugreek contains 500 milligrams (mg) of organic fenugreek, which is the same amount of fenugreek that has been shown in numerous studies to raise testosterone levels.
In addition to this, it does not contain any of the most common allergies, such as wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, milk, or tree nuts.
In addition, Underwriter Laboratories (UL) and the Natural Products Association have awarded NOW Supplements with certification, which indicates that the company adheres to stringent production standards in order to guarantee the product's purity and efficacy.
Price: $
Type: You could use powder or soft gel capsules.
Dosage: one (1) soft gel daily or one-fifth of a teaspoon (500 mg) of powder taken once or twice daily.
Certifications: examination by an outside party
Saw Palmetto Extract Bulk Supplements
Saw palmetto is a species of palm that resembles a shrub and is commonly used in the form of a dietary supplement for the purpose of preventing hair loss and treating urinary symptoms that are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Although additional research on humans is required, saw palmetto may also increase testosterone levels by inhibiting the activity of a particular enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase (5-R), which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This process is essential for the production of DHT.
Saw palmetto and astaxanthin are two types of antioxidants. In a study with 20 men, those who took a supplement containing saw palmetto and astaxanthin for 14 days experienced a 38% increase in testosterone levels compared to those who took a placebo. The supplement contained 1,200 milligrams of saw palmetto. On the other hand, these results were not statistically significant (5Trusted Source).
In a separate piece of research using rats, it was found that saw palmetto extract altered hormone regulation in a way that enhanced testosterone production. Additionally, It improved both sperm count and muscular endurance. Nevertheless, these findings have not been validated in human subjects.
Saw palmetto is available in a supplement from Bulk Supplements that is of the highest quality and is meant to enhance prostate health and hormone balances.
Both the soft gel and powder forms of the dietary supplement do not contain any added sugar, yeast, dairy products, or soy. Soft gels are also available in powder form.
Saw Palmetto Extract Bulk Supplements
One serving of the powder (which is equal to one-fifth of a teaspoon or 500 grams) delivers 500 mg of saw palmetto extract. However, each soft gel capsule only contains 320 mg of the supplement's active ingredient.
A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, is a document that you may use to validate the potency and purity of a supplement. Bulk Supplements offers a COA for each and every product, and customers can request one at any time.
Price: $$$
Type: capsules
Dose: 1–4 capsules per day
Certifications include being non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. They also performed third-party testing.
Ginger is a common spice used in cooking but has also been used for ages as part of alternative medical practices.
It would seem that it could have a number of positive effects on one's health, such as lowering levels of inflammation and cholesterol. According to one study done on rats, it may also increase testosterone levels.
Pure Encapsulations Ginger Extract
Ginger has been shown in a number of research conducted on animals to have beneficial effects on testosterone levels as well as sexual function. Researchers found that ginger raised testosterone and luteinizing hormone in diabetic rats over the course of an older trial that lasted for 30 days and was published in 2013.
The administration of ginger to rats has been shown in a number of additional earlier experiments to result in considerable increases in testosterone levels (18, 19).
In one of the limited human trials conducted in 2012, 75 infertile men were given a ginger supplement to use on a regular basis. After three months, they saw a 17% increase in testosterone levels, and their luteinizing hormone levels came close to doubling (20).
When the researchers measured the health of the sperm, they discovered various improvements, including a 16% rise in the total number of sperm (20).
There is a need for a more recent study on the potential benefits that ginger may have on testosterone levels in humans. Nevertheless, consuming ginger is perfectly safe and has the potential to deliver a wide variety of additional health advantages.
Each capsule of Pure Encapsulations Ginger Extract contains 500 milligrams (mg) of ginger extract, is non-GMO, is hypoallergenic, and has been certified to be gluten-free.
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According to the website of the company, all of the products sold by Pure Encapsulations are subjected to additional testing at third-party labs such as Silliker, Eurofins, Intertek, and Advanced Laboratories to ensure that they do not contain any harmful contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, or other potentially hazardous substances.
Price: $$
Type: capsules
Dose: 1 pill each day
Certifications: Gluten-free and non-genetically modified organism certified.
The adrenal glands are largely responsible for the production of the hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
The levels of testosterone and estrogen are better managed as a result. To increase their levels of testosterone, a lot of people take DHEA supplements, which are anabolic steroids.
There is evidence from certain studies to show that using DHEA supplements can increase testosterone levels, particularly in older persons.
Life Extension DHEA
On the other hand, the results are inconclusive, as is the case with the vast majority of dietary supplements, and other studies that used dosages that were comparable showed that there was no benefit.
In spite of this, it has the potential to be beneficial for people who have low levels of DHEA or testosterone.
Life Extension is an industry leader in the production of a wide range of superior supplements, including DHEA, all of which come with a 100% money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction. COAs are also offered upon request and can be obtained for any product.
Each capsule of Life Extension DHEA provides 25 milligrams of DHEA, is free of gluten, and does not contain any GMOs.
Be mindful of the fact that the use of DHEA is prohibited in professional sports, despite the fact that the effects of DHEA on testosterone levels and athletic performance are not well understood (24).
Price: $$
Type: capsules
Dose: 1 pill each day
Zinc Picolinate Thorne Research
Certifications include being free of gluten and being made in facilities that are GMP and NSF certified.
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in over one hundred different chemical processes that occur within the body.
Zinc has been linked to various aspects of men's sexual health, including testosterone levels, according to research. Low zinc levels can have severe effects on men's sexual health and fertility, according to the authors of a review that was published in 2018.
A review came to the conclusion that men with low testosterone levels and infertility may benefit from taking 220 milligrams of zinc sulfate twice a day for one to four months, particularly if their blood zinc levels are low (26).
Another study, including postmenopausal women, revealed that taking zinc supplements boosted testosterone levels and enhanced overall sexual function. The participants in this study all had low zinc levels.
Increasing your zinc consumption to maintain healthy testosterone levels can be as simple as adding Thorne Research Zinc Picolinate to your daily routine. This can be a quick and handy approach to increasing your zinc intake.
Each capsule contains 30 milligrams of zinc and is devoid of gluten, lactose, and soy, as well as any artificial flavors.
In addition, each item is produced in a facility that has been granted NSF certification and is in compliance with the cGMP standards set forth by the FDA.
Garden Of Life MyKind Organics Ashwagandha Stress & Mood
Price: $$$
Type: tablets
Dose: 1 pill per day
Certifications include organic, vegan, kosher, non-genetically modified organisms, and gluten-free.
Ayurvedic treatment makes use of a herb called ashwagandha, which is also known by its scientific name, Withania Somnifera.
The primary function of ashwagandha is that of an adaptogen, which means that it assists the body in better coping with stress and anxiety.
A previous study investigated the potential benefits of this treatment for improving sperm quality in infertile men. The individuals saw an increase in their testosterone levels ranging from 10–22% after consuming 5 grams per day for a period of 3 months. In addition to this, there was a pregnancy rate of 14% among the participants' partners.
taking supplement
According to the findings of another study, ashwagandha improves athletic performance, muscular strength, and fat reduction, all while increasing testosterone levels (31Trusted Source).
In addition, one study involving 57 males revealed that consuming 600 milligrams of ashwagandha extract every day for eight weeks resulted in an increase in testosterone levels of about 15 percent compared to taking a placebo.
It is possible that ashwagandha could assist in raising testosterone levels in persons who are under stress, possibly by lowering cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone. However, more research is needed.
The amount of organic ashwagandha root extract contained in My Kind Organics Ashwagandha Stress & Mood is 600 mg, which is the same amount that was used in the study that was referenced before and found to raise testosterone levels.
Another component that may have a role in the maintenance of normal testosterone levels is organic fermented ginger root, which is included in this dietary supplement (16Trusted Source).
NSF International has given the supplement their stamp of approval as being gluten-free.
Doctor check
It is in your best interest to consult a medical professional if you have any reason to believe that your testosterone levels are low or if you are having any symptoms, including the following:
Your physician can identify whether or not you have low testosterone levels by testing the levels of testosterone in your blood and then developing a treatment plan to address your specific requirements.
They will also be able to determine whether or not your low testosterone levels are caused by other conditions or situations, which is important because those causes may need to be treated.
Before adding any supplements to your routine, you should discuss the matter with your primary care physician first. This is especially important if you have any preexisting health concerns or are already taking other prescriptions that may interact negatively with herbal supplements.
frequently asked questions
A number of different things can be to blame for low levels of testosterone in the body.
One of the most prominent factors contributing to reduced testosterone levels is advancing age. As early as age 30, testosterone levels may begin to drop, according to Dr. Joseph M. Brito, an assistant professor of urology at the Yale University School of Medicine.
In addition, men who have undergone surgery for testicular cancer or who are undergoing home therapy for illnesses such as prostate cancer may have reduced levels of testosterone. These men are more likely to have low testosterone levels. In extremely unusual instances, pituitary problems or brain tumors might also be the root of the problem.
According to Brito, a low testosterone level can also be caused by a number of other reasons, including the following:
supplement
There is a wide range of symptoms that low testosterone levels can bring on. Many of these symptoms could also be brought on by other illnesses, such as depression or sleep apnea.
According to Brito, the following are some indications that your testosterone levels may be low:
Your physician can test your blood levels of testosterone if you have concerns that your levels may be low.
There are additional tests you can do at home, and most of these require either a blood sample or a sample of saliva to determine your testosterone levels. On the other hand, as Brito points out, there have only been a limited amount of research done on the efficacy of these tests and how they compare to laboratory tests.
muscular loss
It is important to keep in mind that the FDA does not evaluate over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, so even though many of the ingredients listed above have been shown to improve testosterone levels or improve other markers of male sexual function, it is important to keep in mind that the FDA does not evaluate OTC supplements.
As a consequence of this, not all products are made the same, and some of them might not even work at all. According to the findings of one study, after utilizing five over-the-counter testosterone boosters, just thirty percent of people actually experienced a rise in their testosterone levels.
In addition to employing substances that have been the subject of scientific research, it may be advantageous to select supplements that have been tested by a third party and opt for high-quality items sourced from reliable vendors.
Additionally, Brito emphasizes the importance of exercising caution when using supplements for certain individuals, particularly those who are already taking other prescriptions or who have preexisting health concerns.
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According to Brito, "the quickest approach to enhance testosterone levels is with testosterone supplementation," which can be found at many health food stores.
There are a few other ways that you can deliver testosterone to the body: intramuscular injections, topical creams or gels, oral pills, and pellets that are implanted under the skin.
Because a wide variety of reasons can bring on low testosterone levels, it may be advantageous to treat any underlying problems that may be contributing to low testosterone levels.
Brito suggests that patients address health issues such as sleep apnea in addition to keeping their weight within a healthy range and engaging in resistance training.
Studies have shown that following a ketogenic diet can lead to an increase in testosterone levels. However, it is essential to keep in mind that this eating pattern, which is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, may also be associated with other types of health problems and may not be suitable for everyone.
taking supplement
There is a diverse selection of supplements designed to increase testosterone levels; however, only a handful of these products have substantial research to back up their usage.
It is quite likely that the majority of these dietary supplements will only provide appreciable results in persons who already struggle with fertility issues or have low testosterone levels.
Some appear to be beneficial for competitive sportsmen or dieters as well, both of whom frequently experience considerable drops in testosterone due to regimens that are either too restricted or too stressful.
There is not currently sufficient research to demonstrate that many supplements are also effective for healthy and active individuals like weight lifters, although this is not necessarily the case. In addition, it has not been determined whether or not consuming the majority of these supplements over an extended period of time is safe.
Suppose you have any preexisting health conditions or are already taking other medications. In that case, it is essential that you consult a physician before beginning treatment with any of the dietary supplements described in the preceding paragraphs in order to reduce the risk of experiencing adverse reactions to the supplement.