Testosterone boosters, test boosters, or T-boosters – whichever name you know them as – are one popular over-the-counter supplement among men. They are often marketed as an easy way to boost the levels of testosterone. Is this claim however true? Can testosterone boosters truly alleviate the symptoms of low testosterone? To understand the efficacy of these supplements, you must first learn about testosterone, the boosters and how they work.
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone associated with male sexuality. According to a study, testosterone is associated with masculinity features such as muscle mass, bone density, facial hair, libido, and sperm production – it plays an important role in men’s health throughout their lives.
However, it is common for testosterone levels to naturally decline with age. According to one research, four out of every ten men over the age of 45 have low testosterone levels. Men can either experience low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism or a more severe testosterone deficiency. Reduced testosterone levels have been linked to a variety of undesirable symptoms, including low libido, receding hairline, reduced muscle mass, low stamina, lowered mood, diminished sex drive, decreased sperm count and even erectile dysfunction.
Depending on the severity of the drop, treatment may involve supplementing with actual testosterone via various forms of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) or taking testosterone boosters to support testosterone levels.
Commercially sold testosterone boosters are designed to supplement testosterone levels in the blood. They do not essentially contain testosterone, but rather agents such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs that work together to promote testosterone production. According to a review published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, the common agents present in most T-boosters include tribulus terrestris, eurycoma longifolia (longjack plant), fenugreek, zinc, maca, ashwaganda (“Indian ginseng”), larginine, aspartate, horny goat weed, and yohimbine, among others.
Despite the controversy surrounding the efficacy of testosterone supplements, a substantial body of research confirms that their constituents are primarily and individually ‘testosterone-boosting’ agents that help with hypogonadism. So, what is known about the most widely used agents?
Tribulus terrestris is a plant extract frequently used in T-boosters. According to a study, it contains active metabolites (furostan saponin and protodioscin) that presumably increase T levels, though the Journal of Dietary Supplements states that this effect can only be observed when combined with other agents.
Other plant extracts studied to be beneficial as testosterone supplements include fenugreek seed extracts, ashwagandha root extracts, maca and forskohlii root extracts. A study found ashwagandha to augment testosterone levels in males over 8 weeks. It increased muscle mass and strength when added to a training regimen. Maca has traditionally been used to treat erectile dysfunction and to increase physical activity. A recent study discovered that fenugreek extract even improves libido in females.
Zinc and vitamin D are constituent micronutrients that have been studied to be associated with T levels. The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) claims that these are the primary testosterone-boosting ingredients in these supplements. Although there’s scant evidence that T-boosters work, these ingredients work together to improve testicular health, energy levels, and overall well-being.
In conclusion, T-boosters can help augment testosterone levels in the body. Their effectiveness, however, may depend on the individual taking them, dosage and duration of the treatment. The ideal T-booster combines several beneficial boosting agents to deliver on its claim. Nonetheless, do not expect these amazing results overnight. Most products tend to encourage testosterone production to a moderate level – say by 20 to 50 per cent. At an older age, T-boosters tend to maintain optimal T levels, especially when combined with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. The top 3 best selling testosterone boosters at All Supplements for over 10 years have been Alpha Max (capsules) by Performax, as well as Test Freak (capsules) by Pharmafreak and Fortitude by Ans Perfor
mance. These products have been tested and trialled with athletes and regular people, through blood work and their own testimonals. Sources
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658772/
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