Most people are aware that testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and is related to muscle growth and development. What you might not know is that testosterone serves a number of other purposes. As the website AndroPause notes, testosterone is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat, bone formation, liver function and sexual behavior. For this reason, many testosterone supplements are available that might promote optimum health for men. Before using any supplements, you should consult a medical professional.
Pharmaceutical Alternatives TestoRX
The ingredients in TestoRX include ZMA, tribulus, tongkat ali and an estrogen inhibitor complex. It's important for men to keep estrogen at bay: Bodybuilding.com notes that excess estrogen can lead to muscle loss, fat gain and reduced sex drive. Research suggests the ingredients in TestoRX can help optimize testosterone levels, but there is no guarantee of success.
Optimum Nutrition ZMA
The ZMA complex is a precise formulation of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6. Although these ingredients are not known for their testosterone-boosting properties individually, the combination can have potent effects. A study published in the "Journal of Exercise Physiology Online" found that ZMA supplementation increased levels of free testosterone as well as muscular strength. However, this data does not guarantee efficacy—your results may vary.
Tribulus terristris
Tribulus terristris is a form of flowering plant native to southern Asia, southern Europe, Africa and Australia. The primary use of tribulus terristris is not decoration, however, as the plant has been shown to have testosterone-increasing properties. According to a 2008 study from the journal "Phytomedicine," supplementation of Tribulus terristris can lead to increases in testosterone levels and "may be useful in mild to moderate cases" of erectile dysfunction. Note that the study suggested tribulus terristris "may" be useful, so there is no guarantee.
Universal Nutrition M-Stak
Universal Nutrition's M-Stak is a product that combines ingredients intended to increase testosterone levels naturally and prevent reductions in testosterone induced by the stresses of exercise. Some of the key ingredients in M-Stak include turkesterone, muira puama and acetyl-l-carnitine. A study from the June 1993 issue of "Neuroendocrinology" found that acetyl-l-carnitine can prevent the decrease in testosterone levels because of exercise-induced bodily stress. However, this study was performed in animals, so results and efficacy in humans might vary.
References
- AndroPause: Importance of Testosterone
- Bodybuiling.com: All About Estrogen
- "Journal of Exercise Physiology Online"; Effects of a Novel Zinc-Magnesium Formulation on Hormones and Strength; LR Brilla and Victor Conte; October 2000
- "Phytomedicine"; The hormonal effects of Tribulus terrestris and its role in the management of male erectile dysfunction--an evaluation using primates, rabbit and rat; K Gauthaman and AP Ganesan; January 2008
- "Neuroendocrinology"; Effect of different chronic intermittent stressors and acetyl-l-carnitine on hypothalamic beta-endorphin and GnRH and on plasma testosterone levels in male rats; B Bidzinska et al; June 1993
