A Review of foods and food supplements increasing testosterone levels

Abstract

Androgens are essential for male physical activity. Age-related androgen deficiency, known as late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), is considered a risk factor for several diseases. There are many men's health supplements on the market. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the food ingredients that have been suggested in published literature to increase testosterone levels. A review of previously reported animal studies suggested that 5 representative nutritional components, 7 food ingredients, and 25 supplements were associated with testosterone. Some food and supplements influence testosterone levels in various animals by directly increasing testosterone or suppressing the decrease in testosterone production due to testicular toxicity. There are three mechanisms by which foods or supplements increase testosterone production: 1) regulating luteinizing hormone, the hormone that stimulates testosterone production, 2) regulating testosterone synthase in the testis, and 3) regulating testosterone-degrading enzymes. In contrast, suppressing the decrease in testosterone depends on the antioxidant effect of the foods. Although detailed mechanistic studies and clinical trials are required to validate these findings, the use of food to regulate testosterone levels is a promising therapeutic option.

The association between blood heavy metals level and sex hormones among postmenopausal women in the US

“…In contrast to the traditional belief that Se could boost levels of testosterone in men (56), our study observed that Se had U-shaped non-linear association with TT, which was more apparent in overweight, obese and hysterectomy women, and with SHBG, which was apparent in nearly all subgroups except in normal BMI group. The U-shaped association suggests that both insufficient and excessive Se levels may impact testosterone levels.…”

Stability and affinity evaluation of aptamers as a biorecognition system for testosterone and its analogs

“…Nonetheless, there are currently no strict regulations that govern the purity and effectiveness of nutritional supplements. Some reports indicate that dietary supplements can be exposed to the presence, high concentration, and non-specific composition of androgens, which represent a risk factor for the development of certain diseases, endangering the health of those who consume them [2,3]. Testosterone and/or its synthetic variables can interact with the components of the supplement androstenedione and lead to metabolic alterations, serious health effects, and addiction due to long-term consumption [4 - 6].…”