If you are considering taking a testosterone boosting supplement you should scrutinize what is in the capsule. This article looks at what ingredients are most effective and what you should look out for.
What Will I Learn
Discover 7 Of The Best Testosterone Boosting Ingredients
Nature has been very kind to us. It has provided us with some very effective natural testosterone boosting ingredients.
When taken in supplement form work alongside our regular hormonal processes to kickstart and boost production of the most male of all hormones – Testosterone.
Following on from our article about ingredients to avoid – this article focuses on the ones to include.
Here Are 7 Essential T-boosting ingredients that you should be looking for.
Recommended Reading: Which Test Boosters are the most effective? Best testosterone boosting pills revealed.
D-Aspartic Acid
Without doubt, one of the most crucial (many would say THE most) testosterone boosting ingredients in any T-booster.
Some of the market leading brands such as Testogen T booster include them in their capsule formula.
Sometimes listed on ingredient labels as DAA or D-asp.
It is one of only a handful of natural ingredients to have been subjected to intensive testing on both animals and humans.
What Is D-Aspartic Acid?
DAA is actually a non essential amino acid.
It is made in the body naturally to a certain extent.
There are actually two forms of Aspartic acid – L-Aspartic and D-aspartic, the former is often found in our diet.
D-aspartic acid however is not so commonly found in our diet and therefore needs to be boosted by supplementation.
For boosting purposes, it is the D-aspartic acid form that is the most essential.
Studies carried out in Italy discovered that DAA works in the brain to stimulate the release of luteinising hormone (LH).
This is a precursor to testosterone production and is actually the stimulant that triggers the testes into making more.
Theses studies showed that daily supplementation of DAA can in fact boost testosterone by 42%
One of only a handful of natural boosting ingredients that have been truly tried and tested under clinical conditions.
These trials have ensured that D-aspartic acid has earned its place at the top of the test boosting tree.
It is a powerful source of LH and by direct result, the increased production of free testosterone.
It can be found in good testosterone boosters, look for a daily dose of between 1600mg and 2300mg for maximum effect.
One other thing to look out for, and this fact applies more to guys with low T.
The form to look for when checking ingredient labels is D-Aspartic Acid Calcium Chelate.
This has a better bioavailability, its absorbed easier than other types and allows more of the ingredient to get into the blood stream where it works its magic.
Furthermore you don’t need to take quite as much to get the same results.
Vitamin D
Often referred to as the sunshine vitamin.
Officially classed as a hormone, vitamin D is considered an essential vitamin that is crucial to our good health and well being.
Most of us get our Vitamin D from exposure to the sun, although it is also present in small amounts in certain foods including eggs, dairy products and fish.
It has lots of health benefits and helps to maintain our bone growth and strength.
There is also benefits to our mood, fertility, strength, sex drive along with our overall bodily health.
It is also though to have anti cancer properties.
Defines in class as a fat soluble nutrient, one of a group of no less than 24 micronutrients that are essential for our health.
Vitamin D comes from cholesterol. Its production is triggered by exposure to the suns UV rays.
Now depending on where you live in the world, you may not be getting sufficient exposure to the sun on a daily basis to fully maintain your Vitamin D levels without supplementation.
Even if you do get a lot of sun, the sensible use of sunscreen can disrupt the beneficial effects of the sun’s UV.
“It has been shown that men with low testosterone are usually Vitamin D deficient”
How Much Vitamin D Should I Be Getting Daily?
Experts tell us that the minimum amount of Vitamin D is between 400 an 800 iu (International Units) per day.
But this does depend on where you live in the world in relation to the equator.
Those living far north of the equator (say in northern Canada or Scandinavia) should ideally be taking up to 4000iu per day.
Further south in the mid USA or Europe for instance, this could reduce down to 2000iu
There are some limits to how much you can take however, doses that exceed 15000-20000iu per day could be toxic.
Of all the forms of Vitamin D, the best absorbed and therefore deemed the most effective is Vitamin D3.
Also seen on ingredient labels as Colecalciferol.
Vitamin D3 is another of only a small number of testosterone boosting ingredients that has been stringently studied and tested.
“Vitamin D3 Boosted Testosterone Production By 30% In Clinical Trials”
One double-blind study saw 165 men taking 3332iu of Vitamin D3 each day.
After the test period was over, their testosterone levels were checked against their pre-trial results and they discovered that their levels had risen an average of 30%
Why Take Vitamin D3
There are many reasons why everybody should be taking Vitamin D3 daily.
Apart from boosting testosterone production it will also help:
- Boost Longevity
- Reduce The Chance Of developing Certain Cancers
- Boost Vitality, Fertility and Sex Drive
- Increase Muscle Mass and Strength
- Improve Cognitive Function
- Fight Depression
- Improve Heart Healthy
Its effects are far reaching and is a crucial addition to your daily supplementation regardless of age, sex or requirements..
Zinc
Another of the 24 micronutrients essential for our survival.
Zinc is found in good amounts in our food, with most meats, eggs, beans, nuts and pulses being the key sources.
It is also found in large amounts in certain shellfish particularly Oysters.
These contain the largest amounts of zinc of any food stuffs (up to 5x the amount found in lean red beef.
It has many key uses in the body, it boosts immune system, helps to regulate and maintain healthy hormonal balance.
Zinc also also helps boost fertility by maintaining sperm production.
It can also help reduce the testosterone killing effects of the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone into the female hormone Estrogen.
Zinc Supplementation
Taking zinc daily can really help boost any shortfalls of this essential mineral, for most men a dose of between 5 and 10mg is sufficient.
Some people who are severely deficient can (only under doctors guidance) superload zinc for no more than 8 weeks with a daily dose of up to 100mg
Experts tell us that the best form to take for its bioavailability and effectiveness is Zinc Citrate
Zinc And Testosterone
Zinc is excellent at helping men with low testosterone improve their natural hormone production.
After taking Zinc daily for 2 weeks, men with low T have record some noticeable increases in testosterone production.
Natural Zinc levels are linked with the amount of serum testosterone in the blood.
It helps to convert lipids and cholesterol precursors into testosterone and other sex hormones.
Studies looking into the testosterone boosting effect of Zinc saw that taking 250mg for 6 weeks produced increases in production of up to 84%.
It has to be said that men with perfectly normal testosterone production do not see such great improvements.
What Zinc can do in any one however is help boost fertility, sexual response alongside these other benefits:
- Treating depression
- Improving Appetite
- Increasing Memory and General Cognitive function
- Reducing Bad Cholesterol
- Boost Heart Health
- Reduce Symptoms of ADHD
To Sum up, Zinc is one of natures crucial testosterone boosting ingredients.
Always choose a T booster that uses Zinc in its formula, look for a daily dose of around 10mg for best results.
Magnesium
The second most common electrolyte in the body.
Magnesium has a crucial role to play as a dietary mineral.
Commonly used for its ability to lower blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity.
It is also a major player in the process of boosting Testosterone.
In our diet, we can get Magnesium from foods like nuts, grains and leafy greens.
It is one mineral that we can get sufficient amounts of from our diet (if we eat correctly).
Taking Magnesium In Supplement Form
Magnesium is known for its ability to help improve many health issues such as:
- High Blood Sugar Levels
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Insulin Sensitivity
- Poor Sleep
- Asthma
- Bad Cholesterol
- Migraines
- Muscle Cramps
Taking Magnesium To Boost Testosterone
“If a T-booster doesn’t contain Magnesium in its formula – Its not worth taking”
Magnesium can be found in most good T boosters.
In fact we would state right now that if it doesn’t contain magnesium, then do not take it.
It is considered one of the essential testosterone boosting ingredients and can improve athletic performance.
It is often grouped together with Zinc and Vitamin B6 in a combination known in bodybuilding circles as ZMA
There have been a number of studies into the testo boosting effects of Magnesium.
One particular study showed that 10mg of Magnesium taken 5 times daily for 4 weeks saw increases in both serum and free testosterone of between 104 and 108%.
When looking at supplement labels, try to choose one that uses Magnesium Citrate.
It is the most bioavailable and therefore considered more effective than some other weaker forms.
Boron
Previously thought to be a boring mineral, Boron is actually far from that.
Found in many food stuffs that include:
- Onions
- Avocado
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Broccoli Stalks
- Flour and Parsley..
It is also found in small amounts in:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Rice
- Cheese and various dairy products
Uses For Boron
Boron is regularly used in the treatment of various conditions such as osteoarthritis and hormonal changes in menopausal women.
It has also been used to treat hormone imbalances in teenagers.
It can help treat Kidney stones and also is thought to help improve cognitive function
The most effective at doses range between 3 and 10mg daily
Boron And Testosterone
“Boron reduces the levels of ‘testosterone killer’ SHBG in the blood, leaving more free testosterone available to work its magic”
At first it was believed that Boron did not have any effect on T boosting.
There were a few initial studies that failed to show any benefits whatsoever.
However, A landmark study held in 2015 turned all this on its head.
It was the most thorough and revealing study of its type, and earned Boron its rightful place in our top testosterone boosting ingredients list.
The study involved 8 test subjects who took 10mg of Boron daily over a week.
What the research scientists saw was that within 6 hours of ingesting the Boron, the levels of testosterone reducing SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin which renders it ineffective) had dramatically reduced.
This left increased amounts of free testosterone in the blood.
So while Boron does not actually boost T production in its own right.
Its effects on reducing SHBG allows greater amounts of testosterone to remain in the blood.
This allows men to enjoy all the benefits associated with increased testosterone.
Fenugreek
Most of us have heard of Fenugreek, particularly if you like Indian and Arabic foods.
Used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years, its known for its ability to help boost libido and overall masculinity.
It can sometimes appear of ingredient labels as Trigonella Foecum-Graecum or Fenugreek seeds.
It has a whole lot of uses.
Its seeds can be crushed and used in flour, they can also be processed into an oil and the leaves can also be used to make a form of tea.
Fenugreek contains a substance called 4-hydroxyisoleucine which helps to regulate and balance glucose metabolism in the body.
This makes it exceptionally useful in the treatment of diabetes.
It does have one rather strange property in that it can make sweat and urine smell like maple syrup.
Fenugreek is best taken at daily doses of between 500 and 600mg per day.
Fenugreek and Testosterone
There have been a number of studies that looked into how Fenugreek works.
These results encouraged us to mention it on this list of testosterone boosting ingredients..
One trial looked at 60 healthy men, aged between 25 and 52.
Half the group took 600mg of fenugreek for 6 weeks, the other half a simple placebo.
At the end of the trial period, the men were checked.
It was discovered that the group taking the fenugreek had experienced noticeable increases in sexual arousal and improved orgasms.
They also noticed a positive effect on muscle strength and general well being.
It was concluded that fenugreek had in fact boosted the levels of sex hormones including Testosterone.
The bottom line is that Fenugreek can help boost testosterone in men when low levels of the hormone are present.
It does not appear to have much of a direct T boosting effect on younger men with healthy testosterone levels.
That said, virtually all men enjoyed an increase in sexual arousal, erection quality and overall performance.
So its benefits are 100% worthwhile whatever your age.
In the correct doses, fenugreek should always be considered when looking at boosting testosterone.
As its benefits far outweigh any small concerns.
Risk Of Allergies
There are some reports of people being allergic to Fenugreek, it appears that if you cannot eat chickpeas for instance, you should avoid Fenugreek.
Also it’s not advisable for women who are pregnant to take Fenugreek.
There have been isolated cases of spontaneous abortion in the third trimester after taking Fenugreek.
Although these cases are very rare, its best to avoid in these circumstances.
Luteolin
Luteolin is now starting to appear in some of the better T-boosting supplements.
It is a rather late addition to our list of the best testosterone boosting ingredients.
Luteolin is a type of flavaoid called a flavone.
It is found in number of food stuffs, namely vegetables like Celery, Broccoli, Carrots, and Green Peppers.
It is also present in Oranges, and also certain herbs including Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley and Peppermint.
Luteolin has a number of uses, its an effective antioxidant, and it can help to modulate the immune system.
It has also been suggested to have certain cancer treating abilities.
Luteolin and Testosterone
Luteolin does not actually boost testosterone in its own right.
Instead it tackles the main enemy, namely Estrogen.
When Estrogen levels in the blood increase, it releases an enzyme called aromatase.
This attacks any free testosterone in the blood and turns it into Estrogen.
This increase in the female sex hormone actually causes us to put on belly fat.
We can also develop man boobs and also lose our strength and muscle tone.
By reducing the amount of testosterone being converted into estrogen, the negative effects can be reduced.
“This leaves more testosterone free in the blood to do its ‘manly’ work.”
It can also help reduce cellular damage caused by oxidative stress.
This is another precursor to disrupted production.
Luteolin is one ingredient that is only included in a handful of premium t-boosters, in time we expect to see it in a whole lot more.
What are the Best Testosterone Boosting Ingredients Summary
There you have it – 7 of the best natural Testosterone boosting ingredients, there are more out there, but if you look for a product that contains some, or even better all of these 7, you will be onto a sure fire winner.