Surefire T-Boosters that WORK
D-Aspartic Acid (DAA): This amino acid influences hormone production, including sex hormones. In testes, it helps with T formation and release. DAA is now a leading T-booster: One human study found DAA raised testosterone levels 160% in 12 days. >>More on DAA
Luteolin: An antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables, luteolin blocks the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone into the female sex hormone, estrogen. This bio-activity helps men to protect their T and maintain a manly testosterone-to-estrogen ratio. >>More on Luteolin
Zinc: The “manliest” mineral, zinc supports prostate function, sperm activity and male potency. Zinc is used by the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. Many men don’t get enough, and low zinc levels are tied to low T levels and less semen volume. >>More on Zinc
Boron: Popular for bone strength, boron boosts T, too. One study found boron raises T while significantly reducing estradiol, a “feminizing” sex hormone; researchers declared it “the first human study to show an increased level of free testosterone after boron consumption. >>More on Boron
Vitamin K: This vitamin is found in the testes, where it promotes testosterone synthesis. Low vitamin K levels correlate with low testosterone production, but vitamin K supplements reverse this problem, boosting T-synthesis and restoring healthy T levels. >>More on Vitamin K
Mucuna Pruriens: Also called “velvet bean,” Mucuna’s seeds supply active levodopa (L-DOPA) and are shown to significantly increase testosterone and the “T-helper” luteinizing hormone (LH), while also improving sperm count and sperm motility. >>More on Mucuna
L-DOPA: Mucuna’s active compound is a standalone T-booster ingredient, too. Animal research shows a single high-dose serving of L-DOPA significantly raised LH after only four hours; researchers concluded L-DOPA seems to boost and sustain blood LH levels. >>More on L-DOPA
Vitamin B6: Animal research has suggested that low vitamin B6 levels are tied to low T levels. When B6 levels are low, it may actually slow down testosterone synthesis. >>More on Vitamin B6
Magnesium: This mineral sparks 300+ life-sustaining reactions in the body, including reactions involved in testosterone production. In one study of male volunteers, researchers found “supplementation with magnesium increases free and total testosterone.” >>More on Magnesium
Nettle Urtica: “Stinging nettle” is popular for prostate health, urinary comfort and sexual function. It boosts testosterone by blocking the T-killing enzyme aromatase–helping men keep their T-levels up and estrogen levels down. >>More on Nettle
Vitamin D: Most Americans fail to get enough Vitamin D, which means that many men are missing out on its impressive T-boosting benefits: Human research has shown regular D intake raises blood levels of free testosterone, bioactive T and total T. >>More on Vitamin D
Possible T-Boosters that MIGHT Work
Fenugreek: Research shows a standardized fenugreek seed supplement improved sex drive, helped maintain T levels, and may have anabolic and stamina benefits. Promising, but the quality of fenugreek research has been questioned. >>More on Fenugreek
Horny Goat Weed: An Asian farmer named this herb when he saw his goats had more sex after eating it. Horny Goat Weed’s icariin was shown in early animal research to raise T-levels. It remains a legendary men’s sex enhancer. >>More on Horny Goat Weed
Tongkat Ali: Also called “Malaysian Ginseng” this root has shown anti-estrogen and T-boosting effects in some very early animal research. Human research suggests it’s good for reproductive health; it improved semen volume, sperm activity and male potency. >>More on Tongkat Ali
DHEA: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is made in the adrenal glands and migrates to the testes, where it’s a raw material for T production. DHEA is controversial. It might boost and sustain free testosterone–but it seems most effective in senior populations. >>More on DHEA
“T-Boosters” that probably DON’T Work
Tribulus Terrestris: Popular among athletes for muscle mass, tribulus’s T-boosting evidence is weak. One study found combining tribulus with androstenedione, chrysin, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and saw palmetto boosted some androgen male sex hormones, but not T. >>More on Tribulus Terrestris
Oysters: Rich in protein, oysters are a good source B-vitamins and many minerals, including zinc, selenium, magnesium and iron. Famously used for men’s sex drive, oysters have been suggested to boost T… but you’d do better with straight zinc. >>More on Oysters
Bulbine Natalensis: Bulbine was prized by African Zulu, who would make it into an aphrodisiac drink. Animal research suggests Bulbine might help T-levels and may have anabolic and androgenic activities. Bulbine has been linked to liver risks, so be careful. >>More on Bulbine Natelensis
Siberian Ginseng: Also called eleuthero, this “adaptogen” herb strengthens stress resistance. Weak evidence suggests it raises T-levels in mice. It may be in T-booster formulas for energy, mental & physical performance, and stress management benefits. >>More on Siberian Ginseng
Vitamin B12: This is another B-vitamin that may appear in T-booster formulas, but it doesn’t actually do anything for testosterone. Instead, B12 is typically included for its well-documented energy metabolism benefits. >>More on Vitamin B12
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