'Testosterone Boosting' Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature

The World Journal of Men's Health
Chase G ClemeshaMary K Samplaski

Abstract

Men take testosterone (T) boosting supplements to naturally improve T levels. We evaluated the composition and advertised claims of "T boosting" supplements, and supporting published evidence. Fifty "T booster" supplements were evaluated for active ingredients and product claims, discovered via Google search. PubMed was reviewed for any literature supporting the claims, followed by review of Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and upper tolerable intake level (UL) for each component. Ninety percent of supplements claimed to "boost T", 50% "improve libido", and 48% "feel stronger". One-hundred nine unique components were found, with a mean number of 8.3 per product. On PubMed, 24.8% of supplements had data showing an increase in T with supplementation, 10.1% had data showing a decrease in T, and 18.3% had data showing no change in T. No data were found on 61.5% of supplements on their effect on T. Supplements contained a median 1,291% of the RDA for vitamin B12, 807.6% for vitamin B6, 272% of zinc, 200% of vitamin B5, and 187.5% of vitamin B3. Thirteen products exceeded the US Food and Drug Administration UL of ingredients (zinc, vitamin B3, and magnesium). Ninety percent of "T booster" supplements claimed to boost T. However, onl...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 14, 2020·Journal of Endourology·Kevin KooBrian R Matlaga
Nov 6, 2020·Advances in Nutrition·Stephen J SmithTimothy J Fairchild

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