What Are The Best Testosterone Boosters?

Testosterone
Testosterone. Chemical formula: C19H28O2

Question

I am researching the best testosterone boosters, and would welcome your thoughts regarding their usefulness, and what your recommendations are. My supplements are protein powder, creatine, glutamine, multi-vitamins. I am 51 years old, and currently undertaking a strenuous weights and cardio program over 6 days a week.

Thanks, Joe.

Answer

Hi Joe,


Some would say that the best testosterone booster is weight training! But if you read our article about Dr. Life then you will know that many people do like to supplement their natural testosterone levels. Some foods may help boost testosterone too.

But I have looked in a little more detail into this and come up with the following conclusions. There are many opinions on the Internet, and often these are just opinions and not what is scientifically / medically the best option.

There is a Bodybuilding.com discussion which tackles this question. Brands are mentioned but they do not give reasons. One member recommended SNS DAA based on its price. These contain Sodium-D Aspartic acid which acts as a “Natural Testosterone Elevation“. By all accounts this will help with libido too. However, some discussions online also talk about possible long-term nerve damage.

Some people prefer a product called Tomgkat Ali. This boosts testosterone by converting NDMA (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate). Two issues with this is that it will also raise estrogen levels, and also there is a risk of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate-induced neurotoxicity.

Others that are suggested by various members on Bodybuilding.com are

  • CORE Test by Core Nutritionals- “optimize endogenous hormone levels and increase your athletic performance“. Contains sodium D-aspartic acid, 3-desoxy, 7-keto DHEA, Coleus forskohlii root extract and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
  • TestoPro from Anabolic Innovations – described as a natural testosterone booster. Contains extract of fenugreek seed which supplies steroidal saponins, sapogenins and furostanol saponins, all of which boost testosterone.
  • Tribulus Terrestris (various manufacturers) – thought to be a testosterone booster, although controlled scientific studies have failed to prove that it really works. Possible side effects of Tribulus Terrestris is gynecomastia (“manboobs”) and insulin resistance.
  • T-Bol – is Oral Turinabol which has been around since the 60’s. A slow working steroid. Water retention, blood pressure, gynecomastia and liver damage are known possible problems. However, one study (need reference) apparently showed that if athletes took only 10 mg a day there are no health problems.
  • Activate Extreme by Driven Sports. Describes itself as “Complete Testosterone Enhancement”. Gets some great reviews on Bodybuilding.com. Contains Divanil, Mucuna Pruriens, Maca Root and Brassalopsis Glumerulata.
  • Triazole by Driven Sports. Uses an aromatase inhibitor and anti-estrogenic properties. Includes Tetrafene, Zinc, LetroDex, Prunella Vulgaris.

Considerations


The manufacturers of testosterone boosters carry out a lot of research and development. However, product testing deals mostly with safety rather than performance. Everybody has a preferred brand and many opinions are very subjective. Bodybuilding.com is a useful resource as many people log their progress and experience with specific “stacks” – using testosterone boosters with other supplements, which include fat burners and protein supplements.

Most supplements have known side effects of some form or other, make sure you are aware of these – read the labels. Possible risks can include raised risk of prostate cancer.

Ultimately it is down to you to find a supplement that you are happy with. If you are getting stronger, building muscle, feeling good and having little or no side effects, then there may be no problem. Feel free to let us know here what you try, and how you get on.

Further Reading

The effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league players“.
Rogerson S, Riches CJ, Jennings C, Weatherby RP, Meir RA, Marshall-Gradisnik SM. J Strength Cond Res. 2007 May;21(2):348-53.

Effects of anabolic precursors on serum testosterone concentrations and adaptations to resistance training in young men.” Brown GA, Vukovich MD, Reifenrath TA, Uhl NL, Parsons KA, Sharp RL, King DS. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000 Sep;10(3):340-59.

“Is Testosterone a Friend or a Foe of the Prostate?”
Emmanuele A. Jannini MD1,*, Giovanni L. Gravina MD, PhD1, Abraham Mortengaler MD2, Alvaro Morales MD3, Luca Incrocci MD, PhD4, Wayne J.G. Hellstrom MD, FACS5. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Volume 8, Issue 4, pages 946–955, April 2011


A Toast To Testosterone Boosters” by Jose Antonio, PhD.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *