If you’re new to the supplement market, our advice is not to believe everything you read. Some claims are based on scientific evidence, while others are pure speculation with no proof whatsoever.
To save you time and ensure your money is well-spent, we've teamed up with medical experts and spent hours delving into the key ingredients you should look out for in some of the best testosterone boosters on the market.
Quick Summary
- The ingredients to look for in a testosterone booster are Vitamin B, Vitamin D, zinc, fenugreek, ginger, L-arginine, D-aspartic acid, and tribulus terrestris.
- Testosterone boosters are known to boost low testosterone levels, which in the long run boost your sex drive, increase energy levels, and aid in muscle building.
- Some signs that you need testosterone boosters include erectile dysfunction, low energy, mood swings, testicular shrinking, and increased weight gain.
10 Ingredients To Look For In A Testosterone Booster
When it comes to testosterone boosters, it's important to look for ingredients that promote testosterone production and increase testosterone levels. These testosterone booster supplements often include key ingredients like vitamin D, which has been shown to improve sexual function and address low testosterone.
The most common benefits of testosterone boosters include lean muscle growth, increasing an individual’s low libido, better mood, and enhanced energy.
Let’s take a look at a few key ingredients that assist with these processes.
1. Vitamin B
B vitamins are crucial for the maintenance of overall health and testosterone production. The most important ones include B3, B6, and B12.
B6 is especially important when it comes to boosting free testosterone. When our bodies lack B6, it results in the overproduction of estrogen, which negatively impacts testosterone levels.
As a result, increasing one’s intake of B6 can result in lower estrogen and higher testosterone.
One study performed on Vitamin B-6 deficient rats found that “the results suggest that vitamin B6 has a function in the action of testosterone (and other steroid hormones).” [1] - E. K. Symes
B3 impacts our circulation and blood pressure levels. Its properties include reducing bad cholesterol levels and increasing blood flow, which often leads to issues such as erectile dysfunction.
Increasing the flow of blood and removing fatty clogs in the arteries prevents the accumulation of toxins and diseases related to cardiovascular health. This results in harder muscles due to increased circulation, as well as harder wood.
B12 mainly comes from supplements or fortified food products. It plays a role in impacting testicular health and sperm quality, closely related to testosterone.
When our bodily systems lack B12, testosterone levels are reduced by a significant amount.
This also results in a lack of energy, lower stamina, and impaired cognitive function, which can also affect one’s stress levels and mood.
To ensure your T-levels and overall health is at its best, make sure you’re getting enough B vitamins in your diet.
2. Vitamin D
Known as the sunshine vitamin, there are two main types of D vitamins, known as D2 (commonly referred to as just D) and D3.
Studies have shown that D vitamins significantly increase testosterone and can help individuals lose weight [2].
Vitamin D3 is considered a potent substitute for free testosterone, as they both are cholesterol-derived steroid hormones.
This means that Vitamin D3 impacts the body in many similar ways that test hormones do, making it an absolute must if you’re looking for boosters that’ll get the job done.
If your testosterone supplements lack D vitamins, try to make up for it by at least going outside on sunny days.
3. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a plant with many beneficial properties. One of these includes its impact on low testosterone and related health benefits.
One study discovered that men who took fenugreek supplements consistently improved their strength, testosterone and lowered body fat [3].
As it also increases muscular endurance and hormonal balance, fenugreek is definitely an ingredient you should look out for in a natural testosterone booster.
4. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral required for proper immune system functions since it assists enzymes that build proteins.
As of current, researchers aren’t sure why this ingredient affects testosterone but have confirmed that it plays a very important role in the maintenance of testosterone hormone levels [4].
5. Ginger
Ginger has been shown to be an absolute heavyweight when it comes to its impact on low testosterone.
Based on research, its benefits include enhancing testicular and sperm production, increasing circulation, boosting the production of testosterone-impacting hormones, and recycling testosterone receptors [5].
Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant and clears the body of damaging free radicals (which can be responsible for low testosterone).
All these factors combined can impact a man’s sex drive and fertility in positive ways.
Many experts speculate that this ingredient is a key mineral involved in reproductive biology, such as sperm production and the production of test levels.
As the testicles are mainly responsible for growth factors in the body, low zinc levels can also impact muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive.
6. L-Arginine
Another amino acid that assists with the production of proteins, L-arginine is converted into a chemical known as nitric oxide.
This gas is important as it helps the body relax and become less tense, which is beneficial for enlarging blood vessels.
As a result, blood flows easier throughout bodily systems, assisting with erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure and minimizing the risk of heart disease.
In terms of testosterone supplements, many of them contain stimulants like caffeine that get the body’s metabolic rate going.
This is where L-arginine comes in - as a counterbalance to these ingredients to ensure the effects aren’t taken too far.
Post You May Like: Does L-Arginine Increase Testosterone?
7. DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands.
This hormone helps produce other hormones, such as testosterone, making it an important ingredient in any T-booster.
As it is created from the adrenal glands, DHEA is speculated to provide similar effects to that of adrenaline.
This includes increased energy, athletic performance, sex drive, and focus.
According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, DHEA supplements resulted in bigger muscles, increased fat loss, and better sexual function but did not directly affect low testosterone [6].
8. D-Aspartic Acid
D-Aspartic Acid is a natural amino acid. And we all know that amino acids are the building blocks for muscle development and repair.
As this ingredient increases the follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, it is assumed to stimulate the body to release more testosterone and growth hormone.
In animal studies, this ingredient has been shown to greatly enhance T-levels in male animals, with inconsistent results in men [7].
Further research is needed to fully understand its effects.
9. Tribulus Terrestris
Commonly used as an aphrodisiac, the plant known as Tribulus Terrestris is sought out for its ability to increase libido.
Individuals with a low sex drive often have lower testosterone levels; thus, this ingredient can assist those looking to get their sex life back to normal.
However, note that there is little scientific evidence that proves this ingredient actually boosts testosterone [8].
As a result, it doesn’t actually affect a person’s testosterone levels directly.
10. Korean Red Ginseng
This all-natural ingredient has been noted to cause hormonal influences similar to the effects of higher levels of T.
Its benefits include increased alertness, boosting the immune system, and even being used to treat erectile dysfunction [9].
While there is controversy around whether or not it directly impacts T-levels, it does provide many similar benefits, which can help individual’s reduce fat and build muscle with minimal side effects.
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FAQs
What Testosterone Boosters Are the Best?
The best test boosters are known to increase energy levels, boost your sex drive, assist with muscle building, and contain natural ingredients that are scientifically proven to work.
How Do You Know if You Need a Testosterone Booster?
You will need a booster if you notice sudden changes in your body that weren’t there before. These include symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, low energy and mood, loss of muscle mass, increased weight gain, or testicular shrinkage. To maintain hormone balance and experience the many health benefits associated with it, it is crucial to focus on improving blood flow. This becomes particularly important when dealing with low testosterone levels and aiming to enhance reproductive health and sexual health.
What Foods Kill Testosterone?
Foods such as soy, mint, alcohol, processed foods, and sugar are known to kill testosterone. These foods reduce the function of androgen receptors, which leads to increased production of estrogen.
To maintain healthy levels of testosterone, ensure you’re sticking to a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals.
Should You Take Testosterone Supplements For Increased Performance?
If you're looking to boost testosterone naturally and promote muscle growth and muscle mass, consider incorporating a testosterone boosting supplement into your routine. These supplements can help maintain normal testosterone levels and provide various health benefits associated with healthy testosterone levels.
If you’re looking for a supplement that can help you increase your testosterone level, you’ll want to make sure it contains some, if not all, of these ingredients.
They have been scientifically proven to assist with testosterone boosting - resulting in many desirable effects such as better muscle gains, improved bodily functions, and boosting low libido.
With so many testosterone products on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the one to support your needs. If you’re wondering what booster is right for you, check out our article on the best men's testosterone boosters that we tried and tested.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6727359/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21154195/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2978122/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8875519/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316093/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9876338/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5340133/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120469/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40265-018-0897-3
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