Testosterone, and how some vitamins affect it.
- Zinc-deficiency lowers testosterone levels, inhibits prolactin secretion (testosterone inhibiting hormone). Supplementing increases baseline levels. 28,29,30,31
- Magnesium- makes testosterone more biologically active in the body, raises free and total testosterone levels in men..25,26,27
- Carnitine Boosts dopamine, which is directly related to testosterone levels; May prevent testosterone decline after intense physical stress.21,22,23,24
- Folate Deficiency reduces circulating testosterone; Evidence suggests testosterone may regulate folate metabolism.1,2,3
- Vitamin B6 Regulates sex hormones; Vitamin B6 reduces prolactin which stimulates hypothalamus to increase testosterone; B6 also a cofactor for dopamine synthesis which influences testosterone levels.4,5,6,7
- Vitamin K Deficiency reduces testosterone production because the rate-limiting enzyme for testosterone synthesis (Cyp11a) is vitamin K dependent. 13,14,15
- Vitamin E Long term administration of some forms of vitamin E may reduce testosterone levels.16,17
- Vitamin C Studies suggest it protects prostate from testosterone induced tumors.18,19,20
- Vitamin D Vitamin D Actually a hormone, vitamin D regulates the synthesis of testosterone; Supplementation can significantly increase total, free and bioactive testosterone levels. 8,9,10,11,12