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Testosterone is the foundation for many important roles in your body. In men, it impacts energy and stamina, libido, bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, motivation, and sperm production.

As men age, they often produce less testosterone while producing more estradiol, the predominant form of estrogen. Estrogen is an important hormone for men at low levels, but too much could result in weight gain and sexual dysfunction.

The peak of men’s testosterone production occurs around the meager age of 30. After this, it is common for men to experience a decline in their wellbeing, and often they do not understand why. If you have noticed a drop in libido, an inability to focus, poor exercise performance, or overall low mood, it could be down to a low testosterone level.

In this article backed by soreonresearch.com, we will explore how you can increase testosterone with supplements, and how to make sure you are choosing a high-quality product based on scientific study. Based on thorough research and personal experience, our top pick is Centrapeak; if you want to find out why keep reading.

Do Testosterone Supplements Really Work?

The brain and pituitary glands control the production of testosterone via the testes. For some men, their testosterone levels can be so low that prescription-drug treatment may be necessary. Following a formal diagnosis, a doctor could put you on testosterone-replacement therapy. If you feel your testosterone level is very low then you should seek medical advice.

However, it is more common for men to experience a drop in testosterone that does not warrant a prescription. When this happens, you could be left feeling stuck wondering how to get back to feeling your best.

Luckily, there are supplements available that encourage your body to increase its testosterone production, giving you back your spark. Just a small increase in testosterone will help you in the gym and in the bedroom, it could also help you to lose weight, feel younger, and have more confidence.

Supplements designed to increase testosterone vary in how effective they are. Some supplements can be very effective, and others not at all. It all comes down to optimal dosages of key ingredients. Below, we will explore what the best ingredients are to look out for. Then we will give you products that contain them in the right dosages.

Testosterone and Muscle

What Are The Side Effects of Taking Testosterone Boosters?

If testosterone levels in men are low, then testosterone boosters could provide a range of health benefits, including:

  • Increase sex drive
  • Improve sexual function
  • Improve overall mood and wellbeing
  • Denser, stronger bones
  • More sperm production
  • Increase muscle strength and physical endurance
  • Improve focus and concentration

The Best Ingredients For Testosterone Boosters

If you want to see an increase in testosterone levels, then here are the best ingredients to look for, based on scientific study.

Vitamin D3

Sunshine gifts us with vitamin D through a series of complex chemical reactions in which UV light converts to vitamin D in your body.

It is well known that Vitamin D helps to keep your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. However, recent studies have also known that vitamin D can act as a precursor to testosterone.

In one study, it was found that middle-aged men with optimal levels of testosterone had 15% higher vitamin D levels on average. (1)

So we know that Vitamin D is beneficial for testosterone levels in men, but does supplementation help? In a 2011 study, men who were given vitamin D supplements significantly increased testosterone levels in the body, while the placebo group saw no increase. (2) This suggests that vitamin D can help to improve testosterone levels.

Vitamin K2

Vitamin K activates proteins that play a role in calcium metabolism, blood clotting, and heart health.

Vitamin K also plays a role in testosterone production. One study found that rats with a deficiency in vitamin K had lower testosterone levels. Further studies in humans have also shown a correlation between testosterone production and vitamin K intake, which has led scientists to claim that vitamin K helps in maintaining steady levels of testosterone in men. (3)

Vitamin K2 is also a well-known men’s health enhancer. Furthermore, vitamins D and K have powerful synergetic effects on bone and cardiovascular health. (4)

Magnesium

Magnesium plays numerous essential roles in the body and is integral to the health of your body and brain.

Being the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, it has been extensively researched, including its relationship to testosterone. Numerous studies have shown that a deficiency in magnesium leads to lower testosterone levels. (5) (6)

Due to the declining mineral content of soil, magnesium deficiency is becoming increasingly commonplace, with some estimates suggesting that around 40% of people are deficient in magnesium. (7)

Luckily supplementation is effective. One study published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research found that taking magnesium supplements for at least 1 month could increase testosterone in everyone. However, those who exercise will experience the biggest increase. (8)

Zinc

More than a quarter of people worldwide have a zinc deficiency. It is an essential vitamin, which means that your body can’t produce it naturally, and you need to source it from food or supplements.

Studies have shown that Zinc increases testosterone and DHT, which is a strong androgen hormone similar to testosterone. (9) (10)

Mucuna Pruriens

Also known as the velvet bean, mucuna pruriens is an ancient plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

The velvet bean converts to levodopa (L-DOPA) in the body through a process known as decarboxylation, which causes a significant decrease in plasma prolactin levels. This decrease is a great thing because too much prolactin results in a hormone being released that reduces testosterone levels. (11)

Not only that, but mucuna pruriens also increases certain neurotransmitters that prevent the body from releasing prolactin in the first place. The effect they have on neurotransmitters has also been shown to improve overall mood and mental wellbeing.

Some supplements may contain L-DOPA itself. However, studies have shown that mucuna pruriens is twice as effective at increasing L-DOPA in the body than synthesized L-DOPA. (12)

Boron

Research has shown that boron enhances free testosterone in the body and even improves physical performance and brain function.

In one study, boron supplementation increased free testosterone by 14% in just a six-hour window! (13)

In the same study, boron was shown to decrease the levels of SHBG by almost 10%. SHBG is a protein that can bind to testosterone and make it unusable. Therefore less SHBG is a great thing.

Further research on male bodybuilders showed that a low dose of 2.5mg of boron for under 2 months increased androgen levels by over 60%, which in turn improved bench press strength of 1RM. (14)

Estrogen Blocking Supplements

Estrogen is a sex hormone that is most prevalent in women. In men, normal levels of testosterone and estrogen are kept in balance by the testes.

However, when men’s levels of testosterone drop, the levels of estrogen can be too high.

The modern world has contributed to the prevalence of hormonal imbalances. Leading a sedentary lifestyle or eating certain foods can lead to more estrogen. Sometimes your body also begins to convert testosterone into estrogen.

The symptoms for men having too much estrogen include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, tissue around the breasts, urinary tract infections, increased body fat, fatigue, loss of muscle and anxiety, and depression.

Therefore, it is not always sufficient to focus on increasing testosterone. The best natural testosterone boosters will include ingredients to reduce estrogen naturally.

The best ingredients for this are:

Indole-3-Carbinol

The body forms 3C when it digests glucobrassicin, a chemical found in vegetables such as cabbage and kale. (15)

Hundreds of studies have been carried out on this compound to explore its anticarcinogenic, atherogenic, antioxidant properties.

It also has the ability to inhibit aromatization, which reduces estrogen. (16)

In another study, men were given i3C supplements, 6-7 mg per kilogram of bodyweight. After just one week, their metabolism of estrogen significantly increased. (17)

Luteolin

Luteolin is a powerful antioxidant and male health enhancer. It helps to balance hormones and boost brain cell growth, which improves both vitality and mood.

Studies have shown that luteolin inhibits the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for turning testosterone into estrogen. (18)

Supplementing with luteolin is an effective way of stropping excess estrogen productions.

The additional benefits of improving mood and wellbeing are due to luteolin’s ability to raise GABA production. (19) While at the same time, protecting your brain cells from damage and inflammation. (20)

Testosterone Vitamins

The Best Testosterone Supplements

Based on our research, here are the top testosterone supplements available right now.

#1 Centrapeak

Our top pick is Centrapeak, a unique testosterone booster designed with 14 high-end ingredients. It works by optimizing your hormone levels whilst simultaneously lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone). It also uses a range of herbal nootropics that increase mood, libido, focus, and motivation.

This isn’t your average testosterone booster. Centrapeak isn’t aimed at the usual gym-buff clientele. As men, our testosterone production slowly tapers off over the years, and this can leave us feeling a little worn down. Centrapeak is designed to combat this and help men reclaim their vigor and their youth.

It includes premium and clinically dosed ingredients, including all of those listed above. Unlike many other testosterone boosters, it does not contain D-aspartic acid, and we think this is a good thing. It was once believed to be an effective ingredient, but recent studies have shown that the body acclimatizes itself to it, and it stops being of any use. It also takes up a lot of room in the capsule. By removing D-aspartic acid, Centrapeak has found room for some great nootropics which make you feel better mentally.

In the reviews, people have reported health benefits from taking Centrapeak such as improved sleep; big gains in the gym; increased libido; more patience with the kids; mental energy at the end of a hard day at work and motivation to get more done.

Learn more about Centrapeak here.

Centrapeak

#2 Testo Lab Pro

Our next suggestion is Testo Lab Pro, a 100% natural test booster designed by Opti-Nutra. The main purpose of Testo Lab Pro is to use cutting edge research and ingredients to naturally boost your testosterone without using any synthetic compounds. It is suitable for vegetarians, and those intolerant to gluten have a GMP certification and are made up of non-GMO, non-irradiated ingredients.

Testo Lab Pro is the perfect companion for competitive athletes and is tested for banned substances at the source. This means you can guarantee that their product is safe for those who are competing.

This is a product that is designed with a no BS approach. It contains a simple, well-researched ingredient list that is well-dosed and sourced from natural, organic ingredients. If you are suffering from the signs of depleting testosterone, like fatigue and lower muscle mass, and you want to get back on track, this is a great product to start with.

Learn more about Testo lab Pro here.

Testo Lab Pro

#3 Hunter

The last product we will suggest in this article is Hunter Test, a new premium testosterone booster from the guys over at Roar Ambition.

If you are looking for a product to seriously overhaul your motivation and mood, this could be the answer. It comes with a scientifically designed formula containing all organic ingredients. With healthy servings of D3, K2, and Indole 3 Carbinol, you can feel Hunter Test working after just a couple of weeks.

If taken correctly, you will see gains in both the gym, your day-to-day life as well as an increased sex drive in the bedroom. What’s not to love?

Nothing is perfect, however, and there is a down-side to Hunter Test. With the high-quality all-natural ingredients, Hunter Test is on the slightly more expensive side. Worth the money? We think so.

Learn more about Hunter Test here.

Hunter Test

FAQ

Are testosterone boosters bad for you?

Testosterone supplements don’t contain actual hormones. Instead, they contain ingredients to help encourage your natural production of testosterone and limit estrogen. Therefore natural testosterone boosters, such as those listed above, should not carry the risk for any side-effects.

However, the supplement world is full of products, and some supplements may contain unsafe ingredients. If you follow our advice, you should be safe. A general rule is to always look for supplements that are clear about the ingredients and their dosages and have studies to back them up.

Will testosterone boosters help me build muscle?

When used correctly, testosterone boosters can boost your gym performance by improving your endurance and stamina and encouraging muscle development. Low testosterone levels are also associated with a lower ability to build and conserve lean muscle mass.

However, no supplement can make up for a bad diet and training program. Testosterone boosters are not a short-cut. But they are a great way to improve your mood and enhance your performance.

What is testosterone therapy?

If you are concerned about having a testosterone deficiency, you should seek help from your healthcare provider, who can give you medical advice about testosterone treatment.

A doctor will give you a blood test to determine whether testosterone therapy is the right course of action. Testosterone therapy must be prescribed by a recognized healthcare provider and is a common treatment for men with low testosterone.

What causes low testosterone?

Low testosterone is most commonly age-related. However, there are many other potential causes, such as cancer treatment, metabolic disorders, alcohol abuse, obesity, and head injury.

Who can benefit from taking testosterone boosters?

Testosterone boosters support your body’s natural functions. Therefore, most men can benefit from taking supplements in one way or another. Especially considering that many of the ingredients we reviewed are common deficiencies.

If your testosterone levels are low, then the health benefits could include an increased sex drive, more energy, increased focus, and improved well-being.

References

  1. Tak YJ, Lee JG, Kim YJ, et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and testosterone deficiency in middle-aged Korean men: a cross-sectional study. Asian J Androl. 2015;17(2):324-328. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.142137
  2. Pilz S, Frisch S, Koertke H, et al. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Horm Metab Res. 2011;43(3):223-225. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1269854 Takumi N, Shirakawa H, Ohsaki Y, et al. Dietary vitamin K alleviates the reduction in testosterone production induced by lipopolysaccharide administration in rat testis. Food Funct. 2011;2(7):406-411. doi:10.1039/c1fo10058k
  3. van Ballegooijen AJ, Pilz S, Tomaschitz A, Grübler MR, Verheyen N. The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review. Int J Endocrinol. 2017;2017:7454376. doi:10.1155/2017/7454376
  4. Maggio M, De Vita F, Lauretani F, et al. The Interplay between Magnesium and Testosterone in Modulating Physical Function in Men. Int J Endocrinol. 2014;2014:525249. doi:10.1155/2014/525249
  5. Cinar V, Polat Y, Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R. Effects of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011;140(1):18-23. doi:10.1007/s12011-010-8676-3
  6. Anaissie J, DeLay KJ, Wang W, Hatzichristodoulou G, Hellstrom WJ. Testosterone deficiency in adults and corresponding treatment patterns across the globe. Transl Androl Urol. 2017;6(2):183-191. doi:10.21037/tau.2016.11.16
  7. Cinar, V., Polat, Y., Baltaci, A.K. et al. Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Testosterone Levels of Athletes and Sedentary Subjects at Rest and after Exhaustion. Biol Trace Elem Res 140, 18–23 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-010-8676-3
  8. Netter A, Hartoma R, Nahoul K. Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and sperm count. Arch Androl. 1981;7(1):69-73. doi:10.3109/01485018109009378 Jalali GR, Roozbeh J, Mohammadzadeh A, et al. Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on hemodialysis. Ren Fail. 2010;32(4):417-419. doi:10.3109/08860221003706958
  9. Shukla, Kamla Kant & Mahdi, Abbas Ali & Ahmad, Mohammad & Shankhwar, Satya & Rajender, Singh & Jaiswar, Shyam. (2008). Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Fertility and sterility. 92. 1934-40. 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.045.
  10. Hussian, G. and Manyam, B.V. (1997), Mucuna pruriens proves more effective than L‐DOPA in Parkinson’s disease animal model. Phytother. Res., 11: 419-423. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1573(199709)11:6<419::AID-PTR120>3.0.CO;2-Q
  11. Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS. Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54-58. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2010.10.001
  12. Ferrando AA, Green NR. The effect of boron supplementation on lean body mass, plasma testosterone levels, and strength in male bodybuilders. Int J Sport Nutr. 1993;3(2):140-149. doi:10.1123/ijsn.3.2.140
  13. Fujioka N, Ainslie-Waldman CE, Upadhyaya P, et al. Urinary 3,3′-diindolylmethane: a biomarker of glucobrassicin exposure and indole-3-carbinol uptake in humans. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2014;23(2):282-287. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-13-0645
  14. Auborn KJ, Fan S, Rosen EM, et al. Indole-3-carbinol is a negative regulator of estrogen. J Nutr. 2003;133(7 Suppl):2470S-2475S. doi:10.1093/jn/133.7.2470s Michnovicz JJ, Adlercreutz H, Bradlow HL. Changes in levels of urinary estrogen metabolites after oral indole-3-carbinol treatment in humans. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1997;89(10):718-723. doi:10.1093/jnci/89.10.718
  15. Lu DF, Yang LJ, Wang F, Zhang GL. Inhibitory effect of luteolin on estrogen biosynthesis in human ovarian granulosa cells by suppression of aromatase (CYP19). J Agric Food Chem. 2012;60(34):8411-8418. doi:10.1021/jf3022817
  16. de la Peña JB, Kim CA, Lee HL, et al. Luteolin mediates the antidepressant-like effects of Cirsium japonicum in mice, possibly through modulation of the GABAA receptor. Arch Pharm Res. 2014;37(2):263-269. doi:10.1007/s12272-013-0229-9
  17. Dirscherl K, Karlstetter M, Ebert S, et al. Luteolin triggers global changes in the microglial transcriptome leading to a unique anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective phenotype [published correction appears in J Neuroinflammation. 2012;9:118]. J Neuroinflammation. 2010;7:3. Published 2010 Jan 14. doi:10.1186/1742-2094-7-3

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