6 Best Testosterone Boosting Supplements: Experts Recommendation
Testosterone is a hormone required by both men and women, however its function is more significant in males, whose levels are higher. It promotes male sex health and development, fertility, muscle growth, fat loss, and a variety of other aspects of wellness.
Page ContentsWith age, testosterone levels decline. There's also a worry that the nationwide testosterone level has dropped. Lifestyle choices and health factors have been linked to testosterone levels as well.
People use supplements to try to increase their testosterone levels. Some people try to increase the testosterone level directly. Others try to stop the body from turning testosterone into estrogen.
There are many different products on the market that claim to increase testosterone levels. Some of these products are more effective than others.
Here are 7 supplements that may help increase testosterone levels.
1. Nature Made Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that your body synthesizes in response to sunlight exposure. People who don't get enough sun may have low vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D is a steroid hormone in the body that helps to maintain male sexual function when present in its active form.
According to some studies, having lower vitamin D blood levels is linked to reduced testosterone in males.
In a tiny research, 10 days of sun exposure and 6 weeks of vitamin D supplementation resulted in significant increases in vitamin D and testosterone levels among soccer players.
As a result, if you're vitamin D deficient, sun exposure, more vitamin D-rich foods, or taking a vitamin D supplement can help.
The optimal vitamin D dosage to prevent deficiency is unknown, although most experts recommend 400–2,000 IU of vitamin D per day to avoid deficiency.
Nature Made provides a vitamin D tablet that has 2,000 IU of the nutrient per tablet, making it an easy way to fulfill your daily requirements for this critical micronutrient.
It also includes vitamin D3, which can boost vitamin D blood levels and keep them higher for longer than vitamin D2.
Nature Made Vitamin D3 is also third-party tested and verified by USP, the United States Pharmacopeia, which means it's free of artificial colors and flavors.
2. NOW Foods Fenugreek
Another popular herb-based treatment is fenugreek, which may help to maintain optimal testosterone levels. However, further study is required.
According to one research, men who took 600 mg of fenugreek extract daily for 12 weeks had greater testosterone levels and enhanced sexual function when compared to a placebo.
Taking 500 mg of fenugreek extract per day for 12 weeks led to a 46 percent increase in free testosterone levels in 90% of patients, according to one research. It also improved mental alertness and mood in the majority of individuals.)
A 2020 research found that fenugreek extract may boost testosterone levels effectively.
The information on fenugreek, however, is preliminary, and more substantial long-term studies are needed.
The amount of organic fenugreek in each capsule is 500 mg, which is comparable to the amount used in numerous research to boost testosterone concentrations.
The product is also free from common allergens, like wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, milk, and tree nuts.
NOW Supplements is also an Underwriter Laboratories (UL) and Natural Products Association-certified manufacturer, ensuring that the company adheres to strict quality and potency standards.
3. Bulk Supplements Saw Palmetto Extract
Saw palmetto is a shrub-like palm readily marketed as a hair loss preventative and treatment for urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Saw palmetto may boost testosterone levels by inhibiting the activity of a specific enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5α-R), which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
According to a study of 20 men, those who took a 1,200 mg pill containing saw palmetto and astaxanthin – an antioxidant for 14 days had significantly higher testosterone levels than those who took the placebo. However, this was not statistically significant.
Saw palmetto extract has been found to alter hormone regulation in rats, which enhanced testosterone synthesis. It also increased muscular endurance and sperm count. These findings, however, haven't been verified in humans.
Bulk Supplements offers a high-quality saw palmetto supplement to aid in the maintenance of prostate health and hormone balance.
The product is available in two different forms: softgels and powder. Both are sugar-free, yeast-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
Each softgel capsule contains 320 mg of saw palmetto extract, whereas one serving (1/5 teaspoon or 500 grams) of the powder has 500 mg.
Bulk Supplements provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for all products, which is a document that verifies the supplement's strength and purity.
4. Life Extension DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that is mostly made by your adrenal glands.
DHEA is a hormone that helps to regulate testosterone and estrogen levels. Many individuals take DHEA, which is anabolic steroids, in order to increase testosterone.
According to some studies, taking DHEA supplements can improve testosterone levels, particularly as people get older.
However, the results of using this supplement are not always clear. Other studies that used a similar dosage found no effect.
However, it could help those who have low DHEA or testosterone levels.
Life Extension makes a variety of high-quality supplements, including DHEA. All of their products are backed by a satisfaction guarantee. Each product also has a certificate of analysis (COA) that you can request.
Life Extension DHEA capsules each contain 25 mg of DHEA. The capsules are gluten-free and non-GMO.
However, DHEA is not permitted in professional sports due to concerns about its effect on testosterone levels and athletic performance.
5. Thorne Zinc Picolinate
Zinc is a vital mineral that is involved in over 100 different chemical reactions inside your body.
Zinc has been linked to male sexual health, including testosterone levels. According to a 2018 meta-analysis, zinc deficiencies might impair men's sexual health and fertility.
A research found that men with low testosterone levels and infertility might benefit from taking 220 mg of zinc sulfate twice a day for 1–4 months, especially if their blood zinc levels were low.
In a single study of 116 postmenopausal women with low zinc levels, zinc supplementation increased testosterone levels and improved overall sexual function.
Taking Thorne Zinc Picolinate once or twice daily might be a fast and simple solution to increase your zinc intake and support normal testosterone levels.
The supplement has 30 mg of zinc per capsule and is free of gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavors.
Finally, each item is produced in a facility that has been certified by the NSF and follows FDA standards regarding GMP.
6. Garden of Life mykind Organics Ashwagandha Stress & Mood
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Ashwagandha is a natural adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress and tension.
A 2011 study looked at the effects of consuming 5 grams per day on sperm quality in men with infertility. After ingesting 5 gm per day for three months, participants had testosterone levels 10 to 22% higher. The fertility of 14% of participants was also aided by this treatment.
According to one study, ashwagandha improves exercise performance, strength, and fat loss while increasing testosterone levels.
ashwagandha extract also has testosterone-boosting effects, according to one small study in 57 men. After 8 weeks, compared to a placebo, taking 600 mg of ashwagandha extract increased testosterone levels by nearly 15%.
Ashwagandha may help improve testosterone levels in individuals who are stressed, according to preliminary research. However, larger trials are needed.
The dosage of 600 mg of organic ashwagandha root extract in MyKind Organics Ashwagandha Stress & Mood is the same as that which was found to raise testosterone levels in a study above.
Another component present in this complement is organic fermented ginger root, which might aid to promote optimal testosterone levels.
The supplement is gluten-free according to NSF International's standards.
When Should You Use Testosterone Boosters?
Some of the supplements on this list may be useful to enhance testosterone levels naturally if you're searching for a simple method to do it.
These supplements may be particularly beneficial for men with low testosterone levels or infertility problems.
If you're suffering from severe testosterone symptoms, such as fatigue, reduced desire, or muscle loss, further therapy may be required.
If you are having these symptoms, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. You may need treatments such as testosterone injections or prescription medications.
How to Pick The Best Testosterone Booster
When looking for a supplement to help increase your testosterone levels, it is important to consider a few key factors:
- When it comes to boosting testosterone levels, some components have been studied more than others. Make sure you're looking for items that include tested ingredients.
- Use supplements that include chemicals in dosages that have been confirmed to be safe and effective.
- Look for products that have been produced by reputable businesses following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When feasible, choose items that have been independently verified to ensure purity and accuracy.
Finally, speak with a healthcare expert before using any new supplements.
They can not only assist you in selecting the best supplement for your specific needs, but they can also warn you about any components that may cause unwanted interactions with other medicines.
How we Made Our Pick
Here are some of the criteria we considered while selecting the items listed below:
- Dosage. Supplements made of ingredients that have been researched and determined to be safe and beneficial.
- Ingredients. Supplements include substances that have been investigated and confirmed to boost testosterone levels.
- Third-party testing. NSF International, USP, or Informed Choice have evaluated several of the supplements for quality and safety.
- Vetting. All the products included were vetted to ensure they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.
When Should You go to a Doctor?
It's crucial to discuss these issues with your doctor if you have suspicions that your testosterone levels are low or if you're having signs, such as:
- hot flashes
- fatigue
- decreased sex drive
- muscle loss
- erectile dysfunction
Your doctor can check your blood levels to see if you have low testosterone and create a treatment plan based on your needs.
They may also look for additional causes or situations that might be contributing to your low testosterone levels, which might need to be addressed.
Before adding any supplements to your regimen, you should speak with your doctor if you have any underlying health issues or are taking other medications that may interfere with herbal treatments.
In Conclusion
There are many different testosterone-boosting supplements available, but only a few have been shown to be effective in research studies.
The majority of these medicines will only offer minor benefits to individuals with fertility problems or low testosterone levels.
Some seem to help competitive athletes or dieters, who are frequently subject to severe testosterone decreases as a result of restrictive or stressful diets.
However, some supplements can work for healthy and active people, such as weightlifters, but there isn't yet enough evidence to confirm this. In addition, the long-term safety of most of these supplements has not been established.
Also, be sure to see a healthcare expert before ingesting any of the above supplements, since some have known side effects.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the causes of low testosterone?
Low testosterone levels can be caused by a variety of things. One of the most frequent reasons for low testosterone is age. Testosterone levels can begin to drop as early as age 30, according doctors.
Also, men who have had testicular cancer surgery or those who are using home treatments for cancers like prostate cancer, may have reduced testosterone levels. Pituitary abnormalities or brain tumors can also be responsible in rare circumstances.
Low testosterone, according to physicians and researchers, can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:
- stress
- nutritional deficiencies
- obesity
- not getting enough sleep
2. How can I tell if my testosterone level is low?
You should talk with your doctor. Several symptoms, such as decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction, a sense of fatigue, muscle loss and unexplained weight gain may be due to reduced testosterone levels. Your doctor will check your blood level of hormone in order to see if you have low levels of the hormone.
Low testosterone levels can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which could also be caused by other conditions, such as depression or sleep apnea.
Some of the tests, such as the saliva test, are available for home use. Most of these tests use a blood or saliva sample to measure your testosterone levels. There is, however, limited research on the efficacy of these tests and how they compare to lab testing.
3. Is it worthwhile to use testosterone boosters?
Though many of the components mentioned above have been demonstrated to boost testosterone levels and other indicators of male sexual function, over-the-counter (OTC) supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
Not all products are made equally, and some may not be beneficial. In fact, one study discovered that just 30% of individuals saw an improvement in testosterone levels after taking five OTC testosterone supplements.
In addition to utilizing ingredients that have been clinically investigated, buying high-quality goods from a reputable vendor and taking supplements that are third-party verified may be useful.
Furthermore, doctors warn that some individuals may need to be careful when using supplements, especially if they're also taking other medicines or suffer from other illnesses.
4. How can I rapidly boost my testosterone levels?
“The quickest approach to boost testosterone levels is with testosterone supplementation,” says experts.
Testosterone injections, creams and gels, oral medicines, and pellets are all available. Testosterone may be given via intramuscular injections, topical lotions and gels, or oral tablets.
However, there are several other things you can do to help boost your testosterone levels. Some suggested methods include: Eating a healthy diet: A balanced diet is essential for overall health, including keeping your testosterone levels in check. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean protein will help give you the nutrients you need to support healthy testosterone production.