“Testosterone boosting” (sometimes called “T boosting”) supplements may claim to improve a man’s testosterone levels along with his libido, muscle mass, and energy. But there is little scientific research available to substantiate such claims, according to a recent study in the World Journal of Men’s Health.
Men’s testosterone levels gradually decline as they get older. For some men, this drop leads to fatigue, moodiness, less interest in sex, and reduced muscle mass. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is sometimes prescribed to alleviate these symptoms.
However, some men decide to try dietary supplements instead, feeling that it is a more “natural” approach. But supplements aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their manufacturers aren’t supposed to make claims that their products can treat medical conditions. Yet some still do.
“Many supplements on the market merely contain vitamins and minerals, but don’t do anything to improve testosterone,” study co-author Mary K. Samplaski said in a University of Southern California report. “Often, people can be vulnerable to the marketing component of these products, making it difficult to tease out what is myth and what is reality.”
Researchers used the search terms “testosterone booster” and “testosterone supplement” to conduct a Google search of these supplements. They studied the ingredients and manufacturers’ claims for 50 products.
Among all 50 supplements, 109 ingredients were identified, with an average of 8.3 ingredients per product. Zinc, fenugreek, vitamin B6, Tribulus, and Maca extract were some of the most frequently used substances.
Overall, the products made 16 health-benefit claims, such as “improve sleep” and “better mood.” The most common claims were “boost T or free T,” “build body lean mass or muscle mass,” “increase sex drive or libido,” and “feel or be stronger.”
Did the products live up to their promises? It was difficult to tell, since over 60% of the supplements had no scientific research to support their claims. Only 5.5% of the products had more than two medical studies investigating their effects on testosterone.
Available information was conflicting as well. About a quarter of the ingredients had data showing increases in testosterone, and 18% showed no changes in levels. But 10% showed that the supplement deceased testosterone levels.
The researchers also considered the FDA’s Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and upper tolerable income level (UL). Some of the ingredients, such as vitamins B12 and B6 were well above recommended amounts. Two of the supplements contained more zinc that the FDA’s UL, which was “worrisome,” the authors noted.
They encouraged patients to be “realistic” with their expectations of supplements.
“Ninety percent of ‘T booster’ supplements claimed to boost T,” they wrote. “However, only 24.8% of these had data to support these claims.”
“Certainly, [testosterone supplementation] is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, which is what many of the claims seem to tout,” they added.
Resources
University of Southern California
Blye, Elyse
“Are testosterone-boosting supplements effective? Not likely, according to new research”
(June 26, 2019)
https://hscnews.usc.edu/are-testosterone-boosting-supplements-effective-not-likely-according-to-new-research/
The World Journal of Men’s Health
Clemesha, Chase G., et al.
“‘Testosterone Boosting’ Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature”
(Full-text. Published online: June 14, 2019)
https://wjmh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5534/wjmh.190043
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Effect of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Erectile Function
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. As men get older, their erectile functioning may naturally decline due to changes in testosterone levels, cardiovascular functioning, and the potential development of other chronic medical conditions that become more common with age.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
