Responsible for bone growth and secondary sex characteristics, testosterone is a hormone found mostly in men that declines after the age of 30. Besides exercising and eating testosterone-boosting foods, research indicates that a few supplements can help to increase testosterone production. Consult with your health care provider before taking any supplements.
D-Aspartic Acid
In findings reported in the 2009 issue of the journal of "Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology," Enza Topo led a team of researchers who examined the impact of D-aspartic acid, an amino acid released from the pituitary gland, on the production of luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels. For 12 days, participants received either D-aspartic acid or a placebo. At the end of the study, scientists observed that subjects taking D-aspartic acid experienced increases in luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels compared to those administered a placebo. Luteinizing hormone helps to augment testosterone levels, since it signals the testes to increase testosterone production.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D might have positive effects on testosterone production, according to research reported in the 2010 issue of the journal of "Clinical Endocrinology." Researchers studied the relationship between vitamin D status and testosterone levels in men by analyzing coronary angiography data from 1997-2000. Participants were measured for vitamin D levels, testosterone levels, and sex hormone-binding globulin, which binds to circulating testosterone in the bloodstream. This prevents testosterone from reaching cells and performing its functions. Therefore, decreasing sex hormone-binding globulin enhances testosterone effects. Scientists found that men with sufficient vitamin D levels had higher testosterone levels and lower levels of sex hormone binding globulin compared to men with the lowest vitamin D levels.
Forskolin
In research reported in the 2005 issue of "Obesity Research," researchers from the University of Kansas investigated the effects of the compound forskolin on testosterone and metabolic rate in overweight and obese men. They found that men taking forskolin for 12 weeks experienced increases in testosterone compared to those receiving a placebo.
References
- Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology: The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats
- PubMed: Association of vitamin D status with serum androgen levels in men
- PubMed: Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men
