Testosterone boosting supplements: do they work?

Richard Wayman

BSc (Hons), RNMH, NMP

Advanced nurse practitioner

Search online for testosterone boosters and you'll be faced with thousands of products from various companies. Many claim their supplements can increase your testosterone levels, reduce fatigue, build muscle, and enhance your sex drive.

Navigating this vast market can be overwhelming, so we’re here to clear things up.

Contents

• What are T-boosters?
• Do T-boosters work?
• Are T-boosters safe?
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) vs T-boosters
• Should you take T-boosters?

What are testosterone boosters (T-boosters)?

T-boosters encompass a range of products aimed at increasing or maintaining testosterone production and levels. Sold as food supplements, not medications, these products are largely unregulated. Many claim benefits such as boosting energy, improving sexual performance, and increasing muscle mass.

Common ingredients include [1]:

• Fenugreek
• Zinc
• Maca
• Boron
• Melatonin
• Ashwagandha
• Tribulus terrestris
• Tongkat ali extract
• Horny goat weed
• Ginseng root extract
• Ginkgo biloba leaf extract
• Saw palmetto extract
• Nettle extract

Do T-boosters work?

Studies on T-boosters often focus on individual ingredients since final products vary significantly [2]. This means that conclusions on the effectiveness of T-boosters should be interpreted with caution, as they assume that individually tested ingredients’ benefits still stand when mixed with other ingredients – and that might not be the case. 

Here’s a summary of the proposed effects of common ingredients: 

Are T-boosters safe?

The simple answer is we don't fully know if all or any T-boosters are safe. Researchers need to conduct more large-scale research over extended periods to truly assess the safety.

But, if T-boosters contain natural ingredients, how can they not be safe? Natural ingredients don't necessarily equal safe, especially without dosage limits [24].

Some reports of severe liver injury, kidney injury and neurological damage exist (2, 26). While some ingredients, such as melatonin, have no reported adverse effects, not all ingredients can make the same claim. For example, researchers have barely explored the safety profile of maca.  

A recent study evaluating the highest-rated and most frequently reviewed T-boosters on Amazon.com discovered that several manufacturers did not report the exact quantities of the active ingredients in their supplements [24].

Another safety aspect relates to the concern over the legitimacy of the ingredient lists. A study by Jędrejko et al. discovered that several workout, weight loss, brain function, and hormone supplements have harmful substances. [25]. Some of the ingredients are banned in sports for being considered doping by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) vs T-boosters

TRT is a hormonal medication used under medical supervision to treat testosterone imbalances. There is strong evidence supporting TRT for treating testosterone deficiency, with benefits including increased cardiovascular health, improved bone density, and enhanced sexual function. In contrast, evidence for T-boosters is inconsistent and often limited to individual ingredients. A doctor will also prescribe and monitor TRT, unlike T-boosters.

Numerous internationally recognised guidelines exist to aid clinicians in the use of these medications, such as the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) guidelines on adult testosterone deficiency [27].

Key proven benefits of TRT include:

• Increased cardiovascular health
• Reduced progression to type 2 diabetes from pre-diabetes
• Improvement in anaemia
• Increases in bone mineral density.
• Improvement in lean muscle mass
• Improvement in sexual function

Should I take T-boosters?

Consider two questions: Can you come to harm? Is there a proven benefit?

From a safety perspective, concerns exist over the non-standardisation of ingredients and potential contamination. From an efficacy perspective, high-quality, long-term studies are lacking.

If you suspect that you have low testosterone or want to investigate symptoms, a Testosterone Blood Test is a great start. Let your doctor know about any symptoms you're experiencing too so they can best interpret your test results.

There are natural ways to help increase your testosterone through dietary and lifestyle changes. Otherwise, you may be suitable for TRT under the guidance of a medical expert. 

If your levels of testosterone are healthy, but you are interested in taking T-boosters to optimise them further, then make sure you are fully informed about what you plan to take and explore the legitimacy of any claims.

How can I increase my testosterone levels naturally?

Effective strategies include quality sleep, exercising regularly, and reducing body fat [27,28]. Moderating alcohol intake can also be effective as drinking excessively can reduce your testosterone level.

Before starting any testosterone-boosting treatment, check your testosterone levels to understand your baseline. Our home Testosterone Blood Test can help you get started.

References

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