Good nutrition has long been known to be a supportive factor in human health. The human body is a complex organism in which many activities, such as the functions of the reproductive system, are hormonally-driven. Adequate levels of vitamins and minerals help ensure that the body's hormonal systems will function optimally, and one mineral that is now receiving attention for its role in testosterone production is zinc. However, consult a doctor before using zinc for a medical condition.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a male sex hormone that affects bone density, distribution of body fat, muscle strength and mass. It is also involved in red blood cell production, libido or sex drive, and sperm production. According to the Cleveland Clinic, deficiencies in testosterone can result in a decreased sex drive, a decreased sense of well-being, depression, difficulties with concentration and memory and erectile dysfunction. While a wide variety of medical conditions such as cancer of the testes and genetic disorders, such as Kleinfelter's syndrome, can cause low testosterone, the most likely reason for a decline in testosterone is normal aging.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace metal element found in a variety of foods; zinc supplements are also available. Zinc is necessary for immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and much more. Meats, seafood, dairy products, nuts, legumes, and whole grains have relatively high amounts of zinc. Oysters, long reputed as an aphrodisiac, are one of the best sources of zinc, but other proteins, such as beef shanks and Alaskan King crab, also contain zinc. The Institute of Medicine has established that males age 14 and older need 11 mg/day; however, a typical North American male already takes in about 13 mg/day. Zinc deficiency is unusual in the United States, but it could occur because of intestinal disorders that interfere with food absorption, alcoholism, chronic kidney failure, and some chronic debilitating diseases. Too much zinc, on the other hand, can cause fever, coughing, stomach pains or fatigue.
How Does Zinc Affect Testosterone?
Zinc's relationship to testosterone has been studied, with conflicting results. One study reported in the June 2009 issue of "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" and written by Koehler, et al. noted that a zinc supplement called ZMA did raise serum zinc levels, but showed no effect on testosterone levels. In "Neuro Endocrinology Letters" February-April 2006 Kilic, et al. described a study of wrestlers who developed low testosterone levels after exercise-induced exhaustion. This study indicated that zinc supplementation could reverse the decline in testosterone. Writing in the November 2005 issue of "Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan," Dr. Hasan Ali of the Department of Biochemistry at Baqai Medical University in Karachi noted that men who had demonstrated low fertility and men with low or no sperm both had low testosterone and low serum zinc levels. The researchers felt this suggested a possible connection between testosterone and zinc. However, the National Institute of Health says there is insufficient evidence that taking zinc orally is helpful for treating male sexual problems.
Before You Take Zinc Supplements
The current research has not shown a clear relationship between zinc and testosterone, and if you live in the US, a zinc deficiency is unlikely. If you have symptoms you feel may be related to testosterone levels, or if you have any concerns about your health, you should discuss them with your doctor.
References
- MedlinePlus: Zinc; November 2010
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Serum Testosterone and Urinary Excretion of Steroid Hormone Metabolites After Administration of a High-dose Zinc Supplement; Koehler K, Parr MK, Geyer H, Mester J, Schänzer W.; January 2009
- "Neuro Endocrinology Letters";The effect of exhaustion exercise on thyroid hormones and testosterone levels of elite athletes receiving oral zinc; Kilic M, Baltaci AK, Gunay M, Gökbel H, Okudan N, Cicioglu I.; February-April 2006
- "Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan"; Relationship of serum and seminal plasma zinc levels and serum testosterone in oligospermic and azoospermic infertile men; Ali H, Baig M, Rana MF, Ali M, Qasim R, Khem AK; November 2005
- Cleveland Clinic: Testosterone Replacement Therapy, 2009
