Whey is a type of protein found in dairy products, and it is sold in powdered form as a nutritional supplement. Whey powders are rich in protein, with minimal carbohydrates and fat, so they may be appropriate for use when dieting or attempting to gain muscle. Current research doesn't support whey as a testosterone booster, but several nutrients in the powder may aid in enhancing testosterone.
Whey and Testosterone
Whey's effect on testosterone levels may be determined by the timing of consumption. A study published in the November 2005 edition of "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise" found that consumption of whey protein prior to a workout inhibited exercise-related increases in testosterone. However, a study from the March 2010 edition of "Amino Acids" found that consuming whey before and after workouts did not alter testosterone levels. This suggests that whey post-exercise may cause an increase that cancels out the decrease in testosterone from whey pre-exercise.
D-Aspartic Acid
D-aspartic acid is an amino acid found in whey and other protein-rich products, and this nutrient is one reason why whey may help increase your testosterone level. Research from the October 2009 issue of "Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology" found that d-aspartic acid supplementation increased testosterone levels in just 12 days. Thus, a diet rich in whey protein may support increased testosterone levels.
Carnitine
Carnitine is another amino acid naturally found in whey and other protein-rich foods, such as beef. According to research published in the July 2006 edition of "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise," consuming carnitine along with your post-workout meal can result in increased testosterone. Because carnitine is in whey, a post-workout meal containing whey would help increase your testosterone more than a meal lacking whey.
Calcium
One of the nutrients included in whey is calcium, a mineral found in many dairy products. In addition to promoting strong bones, calcium may promote increased hormone levels. A study published in the December 2008 issue of "Biological Trace and Element Research" found that calcium could significantly increase testosterone levels.
References
- "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise"; Protein Ingestion Prior to Strength Exercise Affects Blood Hormones and Metabolism"; J.J. Hulmi et al.; November 2005
- "Amino Acids"; Effect of a Proprietary Protein Supplement on Recovery Indices Following Resistance Exercise in Strength/Power Athletes; J.R. Hoffman et al.; March 2010
- "Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology"; The Role and Molecular Mechanism of D-Aspartic Acid in the Release and Synthesis of LH and Testosterone in Human and Rats; E. Topo et al.; October 2009
- "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise"; Androgenic Responses to Resistance Exercise: Effects of Feeding and L-Carnitine; W.J. Kraemer et al.; July 2006
- "Biological Trace Element Research"; Testosterone Levels in Athletes at Rest and Exhaustion: Effects of Calcium Supplementation; V. Cinar et al.; December 2008
