Nutrient Deficiency and Testosterone
Nutritional deficiencies can lower testosterone levels by interfering with how the body makes this hormone. Testosterone production starts in the testes with cholesterol, which enters the mitochondria—tiny power plants inside cells. There, cholesterol turns into pregnenolone, a building block that leads to testosterone through enzyme steps. This process needs key nutrients like zinc for enzymes, magnesium for mitochondrial energy, and vitamin D for hormone control; without them, production slows. Low LDL-C ("bad" cholesterol) limits the source material, while low HDL-C ("good" cholesterol) hinders hormone movement, worsening the drop in levels.
Before starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), it's wise to check for these deficiencies through blood tests, as correcting them with targeted supplementation might naturally restore your levels without needing external hormones. For instance, optimizing zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and cholesterol balance could address the root cause. After beginning supplementation, retest your testosterone levels in 3-6 months to monitor improvements.
Zinc
Expected ~93% increase.
Correcting marginal zinc deficiency through supplementation increases serum testosterone levels in normal elderly men, with significant correlation between cellular zinc and testosterone.
Suggested Dose: 30 mg elemental zinc daily.
Proof Quality: Moderate (Consistent in deficiency states; limited large-scale RCTs).
See proofVitamine-D
Expected ~25% increase.
Vitamin D supplementation in deficient men significantly raises total, bioactive, and free testosterone levels.
Suggested Dose: 4000 IU or more daily.
Proof Quality: Moderate (Some RCTs show benefits in deficient individuals; conflicting reviews on broader efficacy).
See proofMagnesium
Expected significant increase (higher with exercise).
Magnesium supplementation elevates free and total testosterone in both sedentary individuals and athletes, with greater effects in active subjects.
Suggested Dose: 400-420 mg daily.
Proof Quality: Moderate (Supportive studies in active populations; needs more large trials).
See proofAshwagandha Supplementation
Expected 10-22% increase in T-levels.
Ashwagandha root extract supplementation significantly increases serum testosterone levels in men, improving strength and reducing body fat.
Suggested Dose: 300-600 mg extract twice daily.
Proof Quality: High (Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses support efficacy).
See proofFenugreek Supplementation
Expected ~12-20% increase in free T-levels.
Fenugreek extract boosts free and total testosterone levels, enhances strength, and reduces body fat in resistance-trained men.
Suggested Dose: 500-600 mg daily.
Proof Quality: Moderate (Several RCTs; some variability in results across studies).
See proofD-Aspartic Acid Supplementation
Expected 30-60% temporary increase in T-levels.
D-Aspartic acid temporarily elevates testosterone levels by stimulating hormone release, though effects may diminish over time.
Suggested Dose: 3 grams daily.
Proof Quality: Low-Moderate (Mixed results; short-term benefits in some trials, but inconsistent long-term evidence).
See proofDHEA Supplementation
Expected 20-50% increase in T-levels.
DHEA supplementation raises testosterone levels, particularly in older adults, by serving as a precursor hormone.
Suggested Dose: 50 mg or more daily.
Proof Quality: Moderate (RCTs show benefits in aging populations; variable in younger groups).
See proofBoron Supplementation
Expected ~28% increase in free T-levels.
Boron supplementation increases free testosterone and decreases estrogen levels in healthy men.
Suggested Dose: 6 mg daily.
Proof Quality: Low (Limited small-scale studies; needs more robust confirmation).
See proofNutrient Deficiency Check (Testosterone Specific)
Nutrient Deficiency Check
Enter the blood values you recently measured:
Results:
Change diet and/or start supplementing and/or stop cholesterol lowering medications when deficiencies are present and measure again in 3 months.