There are several supplements often promoted for increasing free testosterone levels. However, it's important to note that not all claims made by supplement manufacturers are supported by scientific evidence.

1. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): Studies have shown that DHEA, a precursor to testosterone, can increase free testosterone levels in middle-aged men, particularly during recovery from high-intensity interval training¹. It is important to remember that DHEA supplementation may not affect total testosterone levels.

2. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Some testosterone-boosting supplements contain high doses of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, B6, zinc, vitamin B5, and vitamin B3. However, while these supplements claim to boost testosterone, scientific evidence supporting these claims is inconsistent. Only a small percentage of testosterone-boosting supplements have been found to contain ingredients proven to raise testosterone levels².

It's crucial to approach testosterone-boosting supplements with caution and consult with healthcare professionals to understand their potential benefits and risks. Most importantly, individual needs and health conditions should be considered before starting any supplement regimen.

Footnotes

1. Te-Chih Liu, "Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval training," PubMed, 2013. ↩

2. Chase G Clemesha, "‘Testosterone Boosting’ Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature - PubMed," World Journal of Men's Health, 2020. ↩

Boron supplementation has been studied for its potential effects on hormone levels, particularly in postmenopausal women. An important study examined the impact of boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism. In this study, 12 postmenopausal women were given a dietary boron supplement of 3 mg/day¹. The findings indicated that boron significantly elevated serum concentrations of testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol. These effects were more pronounced when dietary magnesium intake was low¹.

Boron appears to reduce the urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium, suggesting that it may help prevent calcium loss and bone demineralization, which are critical considerations for postmenopausal women¹. However, it's important to note that while these results are promising, they are specific to postmenopausal women and the study involved a relatively small sample size.

For more comprehensive insights into how boron affects testosterone levels and its long-term implications, further studies involving larger and more diverse populations, including men, would be beneficial.

Footnotes

1. F H Nielsen, "Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women," PubMed. ↩ ↩² ↩³