A total of 10.1% contained components with data to demonstrating a negative effect on T. While different search times produced results that were not relevant to this study, such as products with exogenous T and hormones, a different search phrase may have produced a varied supplement list. In addition, only the first and most frequently appearing 50 supplements were included in the study, acknowledging that other products and supplements may be available that were not studied here. Certainly, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, which is what many of the claims seem to tout. Therefore, the increased intratesticular levels of apelin found in this study may have partly contributed to sunflower oil- and omega-3-induced decreases in male reproductive hormones and increases in antioxidant enzyme levels. This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of omega-3 and omega-6 supplementation on the levels of different adipokines and cytokines, as well as the antioxidant system, in relation to male reproductive hormones and testicular functions. While natural approaches may help support healthy testosterone levels, it's important to understand their limitations, especially for men with clinically low testosterone (hypogonadism). As testosterone levels decline with age, many men look for ways to naturally support their hormone health. MRNA levels of genes related to vitamin D metabolism in the liver (C) and kidneys (D) measured by qPCR. (A,B) mRNA levels of gastrocnemius MHC isoform genes in male (A) and female (B) mice. Figure S1 Calcipotriol increased MHC2b in gastrocnemius muscle of male SKO mice. Proper dose finding studies would be needed. Total vitamin D and free vitamin D measurements correlated well. This hypothesis is supported by recent studies (18, 24). Vitamin D deficiency is very common in women of reproductive age. Except for the androstenedione and prolactin, the direct effect of 25(OH)D on the majority of sex hormones disappeared and only indirect effect via BMI remained. We observed a mediation of BMI on the association between 25(OH)D and sex hormones. Some factors, such as genetics, microbiota, aging, or physical activity, have been demonstrated to exert a potential effect on the status of vitamin D. Another limitation of this study is the small size. First, the cross-sectional nature of this study may be one of these limitations, as we can only hypothesize based on the cross-sectional design. Serum concentrations of free fatty acids were assessed by a rat ELISA kit (Cusabio Biotech Co., Wuhan, China; Cat No. CSB-E08770r) with a sensitivity of 4 ng/mL. GnRH, prolactin, and 17β estradiol (E2) concentrations were estimated using an ELISA kit (MyBioSource Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Cat No. MBS268023, MBS , and MBS263466, respectively) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The analytical sensitivities of these assays for kisspeptin 1, FSH, LH, and testosterone were 0.039 ng/mL, 0.07 mIU/mL, 0.15 mlU/mL, and 0.06 ng/mL, respectively. The testicular homogenates for cytokines, adipokines, and hormone measurements were prepared by suspending the testes in ice-cold phosphate buffer (0.1 M, 7.4), disrupting the tissues by a homogenizer, and centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 20 min. Rats were sacrificed by rapid decapitation after overnight fasting, and trunk blood was collected and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 15 minutes at 4°C. Whether you’re buying a men’s multivitamin or testosterone booster, formulation matters.Since boosting testosterone naturally has become a sought-after goal for many, he laid out how to move the needle with supplements alone.Once you have a proper diagnosis, you can confidently move forward with natural gut health strategies.Daily Habits to Improve Gut HealthIf you are wondering about how to heal your gut naturally, the answer lies in consistency and not perfection.The vitamin D receptor and vitamin D metabolizing enzymes are widely expressed, including in the male reproductive tract 4.Overview of the main studies that investigate the correlation between vitamin D metabolites and growth in children(a) Changes in initial and final body weight and body weight gain (g) in the control, sunflower oil, and omega-3 groups. Castrated mice showed decreased levels of serum testosterone, which were restored to normal levels after TSTE supplementation (Figure 8E). Male mice exhibited markedly higher testosterone levels than female mice, and in males but not in females, the SKO genotype had higher testosterone levels than the SWT. Given the interaction between testosterone and VD on grip strength, we tested whether calcipotriol affects the expression of the AR in mice as well as serum testosterone levels. The protein levels in primary hepatocytes of male and female mice increased approximately 3‐ to 4‐fold as determined by western blot using a human CYP3A4 antibody (Figure 7C). Intervention studies In this article, you will be introduced to several studies that show how these vitamins affect your body and increase T levels. A study revealed that serum testosterone levels decreased by approximately 26 percent after one week of licorice consumption . A NCBI study demonstrated that the consumption of trans fatty acids had adverse effects on reproductive hormones and testicular volume in healthy men . Trans fats may not only elevate LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease, but they may also lower testosterone levels in the body. Further, we performed subgroup analyses of primary and secondary endpoints in study participants with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels Basal blood samples for 25(OH)D, PTH, TT, SHBG, LH, FSH, estradiol, glucose, insulin, lipids, and calcium were collected between 8.00 and 9.00 a.m. Manufacturers also fortify other foods like milk with vitamin D. If you struggle to finish the last workout at the gym or feel run down lately, these could be signs of low testosterone. You can also find Magnesium and Zinc in dietary supplements. Zinc has been a cornerstone in the dietary plans I create for my clients with low testosterone. Zinc sulfate and folic acid have helped increase sperm count among infertile and fertile men . When you consume creatine (by way of supplements or real food), it turns into creatine phosphate in your muscles. There is little risk from taking too much B12, however, high amounts may interact with certain medications. Check with your doctor to determine if multivitamins is right for you. Our results in men with normal serum TT levels suggest an adverse effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin sensitivity . Further, as we investigated a cohort of men with relatively high baseline 25(OH)D levels, we cannot exclude vitamin D effects in men with severe vitamin D deficiency. When analyses were restricted to men with 25(OH)D levels Our results demonstrating no significant effect on TT concentrations are in line with our previous data from men with normal serum TT concentrations at baseline . In this RCT among men with low serum TT concentrations at baseline, we found no significant effect of vitamin D treatment on serum TT levels or secondary end points. Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer with experience in clinical nutrition, education, research, and private practice.Self-treating with over-the-counter supplements can be ineffective and potentially unsafe.Also, as men get older, their livers make more sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone circulating in the bloodstream.25 Gut Health Hacks is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive health information from Harvard Medical School.As with any health issue, it's important to talk to your doctor to determine what's right for you.In recent years, there has been a growing interest in investigating the potential influence of vitamin D on androgens, particularly testosterone levels, in men .Indeed, half of the studies were conducted on patients with diabetes mellitus 9,10,11,12. In a large cross-sectional study of 2299 men, higher total testosterone concentration and free androgen index were significantly higher in vitamin D-sufficient compared with vitamin D-insufficient or -deficient men . A significantly higher 25(OH)D concentration was observed both after the sun exposure in winter (Sun) and oral supplementation (Supl) than in non-supplemented athletes who trained during winter in Poland (0), whereas testosterone levels were not influenced (Figure 4). Higher 25(OH)D was observed in athletes who trained during winter in Africa (higher sun exposure) or used oral supplementation, whereas the respective testosterone levels were unchanged. Depending on the state of your current micronutrient balance, it’s not uncommon to double or even triple your testosterone levels by just correcting micronutrient deficiencies and adding in a good multivitamin for testosterone. Probably one of the simplest ways to increase natural testosterone production is just to correct all of your underlying vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 1. Metabolic and Cardiovascular Side Effects Here, we shall explore natural ways to boost sperm count through daily habits that can transform your sperm health.A few supplements can help sustain healthy testosterone levels, but most supplements marketed as testosterone boosters don’t work, though some can make you believe they do by boosting your libido.For 27 individual supplements (24.8%), there was data showing an increase in T with supplementation.During a 2011 study on 54 healthy men whose Vitamin D levels were in the deficient range; those given the Vitamin D serum (for a year) saw a total testosterone increase of 10.7nmol/L to 13.4nmol/L, bringing their testosterone back to normal levels.Even after controlling for potential confounders such as body mass, the results were significant.Although the vitamins I've mentioned are easy to source and incorporate into lifestyles, there are some instances where alternatives are better preferred.Human trials consistently show fenugreek's effects are fleeting at best, with no real hormonal reset. Reducing oxidative stress benefits testosterone bioactivity because inflammation and oxidative stress can lower testosterone levels. Adding the foods on this list to your diet won't magically fix low testosterone levels. "However, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' testosterone level. The body's ideal level is influenced by age, sex, genetics, health history, and even how well you sleep or manage stress," Reeder said. The pituitary gland is central to regulating testosterone production in the body, and it's a sensitive system that can easily be thrown off. Most people who take this nutrient do so to boost testosterone, which can improve workout strength and recovery. Another common nutrient in workout multi-supplements is D-aspartic acid, which you can find in a supplement like Scorbatate Powder. Magnesium Glycinate Powder 200 Mg is an ideal source of magnesium that may support your health. To prevent this, drink magnesium-rich supplements prior-to or immediately following exercise. Without this action, recovery will be slowed, and the amount of protein that can be converted and harvested by your body will be reduced. Regarding sperm quality, the best sperm parameters were found in men with healthy serum vitamin D levels (30 to 40 ng/mL). Boosting testosterone levels naturally is attainable through mindful nutrition, adequate sunlight exposure, and a healthy lifestyle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you increase your vitamin D intake and, consequently, your testosterone levels. Preclinical data are mostly in line with the very large number of observational studies linking very poor vitamin D status with skeletal and extra-skeletal health effects (Fig. 1). Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Rat Reproductive System: Potential Benefits of Vitamin D3 Intervention This outcome suggests that either the interactions with E2 were responsible for the effects observed, or the effect of calcitriol is independent of E2 but was unobservable as the cells do not proliferate in the absence of E2. In contrast, calcitriol alone did not seem to affect these cells when added to medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) which was charcoal-dextran (CD) treated to remove estrogens. Separately, calcitriol activity in these cells was confirmed by performing RT-PCR for CYP24A1 gene transcripts that showed a dose-dependent increase following calcitriol treatment (Supplementary Fig. 2). Calcitriol affected total cell yield of T47D cells differently in 2D and 3D culture conditions, and only in the presence of E2 (0.1 nM). Finally, calcitriol elicited a non-monotonic dose response in mammary epithelial cells, as can be expected from a steroid hormone. Foods for Vitamin D One study found that zinc and vitamin B supplements improve sperm quality by 74%. They compared the hours slept to their testosterone levels. The changes can, again, result in low testosterone levels. Carbohydrates (Carbs) help optimize your testosterone levels while you engage in resistance training. You need to each enough protein to ensure healthy levels and help lose fat. 7. Serum Lipid Analysis While testosterone is often the first hormone blamed, one crucial factor that’s frequently overlooked is vitamin D insufficiency. Mean circulating 25(OH)D concentrations increased significantly by 53.5 nmol/l in the vitamin D group, but remained almost constant in the placebo group. Healthy overweight men undergoing a weight reduction program who participated in a randomized controlled trial were analyzed for testosterone levels. Hone is an online clinic that helps men and women manage their health.If these young women get pregnant, the situation changes, then, the rising levels of female steroids hormones do substantially induce hepatic synthesis of vitamin D binding protein (58) and hence free 25(OH)D is much better correlated with markers of bone metabolism (calcium, BSAP), lipid metabolism (adiponectin, LDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio) and kidney function (urea) than total 25(OH)D (32).Taken together, these data strongly support a prominent role of D-Asp in the neuroendocrine control of steroidogenesis activity.Recent evidence from the SELECT trial revealed an increased risk for PCa in the Vitamin E supplemented group.Calcipotriol boosts mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation in male SKO mice.For example, a typical supplement dose ranges from 1000 to 4000 IU daily, depending on your baseline levels. And an increased risk of heart In and of themselves, vitamins are essential elements of the body that help it maximize performance. Although no definitive studies currently exist, there is still some good evidence to suggest that Vitamin D3 does play a solid role in helping men produce more testosterone naturally. For men who are having difficulty getting lean and in shape, taking testosterone supplements has certainly helped when their own bodies do not produce them at a normal level. If you have a pre-existing health condition, you may want to seek medical advice before supplementing with vitamin D. About this, previous studies stated that circulating testosterone levels in a murine model were significantly decreased in the osteocalcin loss-of-function group and increased in the osteocalcin gain-of-function group . A first in vivo study highlighted the positive association between lower circulating testosterone levels and hypovitaminosis D in rats . Since Vitamin D appears to facilitate testosterone production, it’s understandable that adequate levels may support a healthy sex drive. This comprehensive systematic review showed that exogenous D-Asp enhances testosterone levels in male animal studies, whereas studies in human yielded inconsistent results. Some authors failed, however, to demonstrate an independent association of vitamin D and serum androgens in men. Moreover, data from 1427 infertile men indicated lower SHBG and TT/estradiol ratios but higher FT and estradiol in men with 25(OH)D levels 75 nmol/L (91). Similarly, Jorde and coworkers (84) found a significant positive association of vitamin D and TT levels (adjusted for age, BMI, season, presence of cardiovascular disease and DM and physical activity) in 893 men from the Tromsø Study. Calbindin-D 28k is a cytosolic calcium-binding protein involved not only in the regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis but also in testis hormone production (81). SHBG levels are strongly correlated with T levels but inversely correlated with glucose and insulin levels independently of T levels. The association was robust even after further adjustment for vascular risk factors, with a stronger association in women. Thus, associations between vitamin D and E2 might be more clinically meaningful in pre-menopausal women, but we were unable to test for that in our cohort. Does Green Coffee Help With Weight Loss? Scientific Evidence and Findings "We do see some reports of interaction between astaxanthin and blood pressure meds, as well as drugs which regulate blood sugar," says Gasic. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. And after taking one dose of 100 milligrams or 40 milligrams a day for four weeks, no side effects happened. But not everyone had these side effects. In another study by Joham and coworkers (48), hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamps were performed in 42 PCOS patients and 34 control women. Since insulin resistance is a prominent feature in both PCOS pathophysiology and phenotype (45), several authors aimed to investigate possible associations of vitamin D status with parameters of glycemic control. Polymorphisms of the VDR could be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS or increase the susceptibility for its development (42, 43). Furthermore, vitamin D is involved in calcium homeostasis, which is important for intracellular insulin-mediated procedures in insulin-responsive tissues (41). If you suspect low testosterone levels, consult with a healthcare provider for testing and potential treatment options. In recent years, the relationship between Vitamin D3 and testosterone levels has garnered significant attention from researchers and health enthusiasts alike. So the more vitamin E we consume, the more chance we have of achieving boosted testosterone levels. In terms of testosterone, vitamin E plays a role in the production of steroid hormones, and that includes testosterone. The only way to know for sure is with a simple blood test measuring your 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. In fact, some studies have shown that men with ED are more likely to be vitamin D deficient, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for the vitamin in supporting vascular health and performance. While not the sole cause of low testosterone, vitamin D deficiency can contribute to hormonal imbalance and amplify other underlying issues. In this article, we’ll break down what the science says about vitamin D, how it affects men’s sexual health, and what you can do if your levels are low. Effects of vitamin d supplementation on insulin sensitivity and androgen levels in vitamin-d-deficient polycystic ovary syndrome patients. As such, maintaining healthy testosterone and vitamin D quantities can prevent thinning and promote vibrant hair growth. In some instances, higher testosterone levels, supported by adequate vitamin D3, encourage stronger hair growth. Regular use of high-quality vitamin D3 supplements can benefit Canadians looking to improve their hormonal health, energy levels, and overall well being. One plausible mechanism is by increasing testosterone concentration, which is established as an important factor for athletic performance. Vitamin D is a nutrient whose active form affects tissues as a hormone and possibly enhances performance. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License, permitting all non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Correcting your vitamin and mineral deficiencies, since it’s likely that you do have some… You’d think that with the current obesity epidemic, any average Joe’s vitamin and mineral reserves should be easily topped-up, since we’re cramming foods to our mouths more than ever before… In our latitudes, many men – especially in winter – have insufficient vitamin D levels. You don't need exotic "superfoods", but a consistent care with precisely the nutrients that keep your male systems – hormones, muscles, heart, libido – functioning properly. All of this increases your need for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Men have a higher risk of heart attack and high blood pressure – often starting as early as their mid-40s. As well as concerning the effect of vitamin D on semen parameters, most of the studies agreed in the possibility that vitamin D might have a positive effect on human male fertility potential, particularly through better sperm motility. Possible bias, including age, body mass index, and baseline vitamin D status justified the differences among studies. Equally, the experimental researches not were able to state a certain relationship between vitamin D status and testis hormone production. Vitamin D treatment had no effect on serum TT levels in middle-aged healthy men with low TT levels. Vitamin D supplementation and testosterone concentrations in male human subjects. Effect of Vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Your body synthesizes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is more than just a nutrient; it functions like a hormone in the body and is critical for various biological processes. Testosterone is often referred to as the male hormone, but it is crucial for both men and women. A lack of essential nutrients has been shown to disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the male body. The importance of maintaining a balanced intake of key substances is critical for preserving long-term male health. The 2015–2020 US Dietary Guidelines recommend healthy eating patterns, "combining healthy choices from across all food groups — while paying attention to calorie limits." (Although, as always, it's a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before adding new supplements into your diet.) As well as 3g micronised creatine monohydrate, in every dose you're also getting 26 vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, which research says could increase muscle mass and strength. And if that made no sense to you, all you have to know is that this creatine supplement was designed to boost the effects of creatine as well as increase strength, endurance and performance during high intensity exercise. There's also taurine, for energy, and Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG), a compound that helps increase nitrogen oxide production, which is beneficial for muscle growth and recovery. They also pride themselves on using all-natural ingredients in their supplements. What reviewers love the most about this multivitamin is the convenient two-capsule dosage and the boost in energy that they get from the clean, natural ingredients. Additionally, Kaged Multivitamin is third-party tested, non-GMO, and Informed-Sport Certified, so you can rest easy knowing that you're getting the best ingredients for the price. Further, using these real food ingredients helps the body to better absorb key nutrients. The final study using Asian ginseng was conducted in 80 infertile men, aged between 25 and 45 y (56).To strengthen the idea that hypovitaminosis D could be partially related to an injury of calcium homeostasis, several studies stablished the relationship between decreased calcium levels and faulty male reproductive system .Ultimately, using herbs to boost testosterone levels shouldn't be a first-line strategy.For 2025, integrating outdoor workouts might also boost vitamin D while stimulating testosterone production.Results vary, but some patients report improved mood and energy in as little as 4–6 weeks following consistent supplementation or injections.Amazingly, the reverse situation is also true, suggesting that VD supplementation might increase T levels.That said, many formulas out there aren’t well-researched and may offer some unwanted side effects.Learn about the benefits of Vitamin B12, Vitamin C for boosting energy, supporting immune function, and promoting overall health. A prior study found that pre-menopausal women had higher levels of total 25(OH)D, vitamin D binding protein, and calculated free and bioavailable 25(OH)D compared to postmenopausal women, and that serum E2 levels correlated with vitamin D binding protein. Although both low 25(OH)D and low total T concentrations can be markers of poor health status, vitamin D is thought to play a causal role in T production. In a prior study from Amsterdam of older men, low vitamin D concentrations (12] Many other studies9–14 (but not all), have also linked low vitamin D levels with low T in men. Future studies are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation influences sex hormone levels Grapes for More Active Sperm People on TRT need to have their testosterone levels checked regularly. Some vitamins and minerals are added to testosterone supplements. Androstenedione is a weak anabolic steroid used to boost testosterone levels. They may also contain plant extracts, herbs and other nutrients deemed to increase the production of this hormone. This study employed a cross-sectional design to assess the relationship between serum vitamin B12 concentrations and reproductive hormones. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the association between serum vitamin B12 concentrations and reproductive hormones in a population of men experiencing infertility. However, the majority of test subjects didn’t see any changes in their testosterone levels – not in healthy young and middle-aged adults, and not in athletes of both sexes. If you have symptoms linked to low testosterone, but your blood test shows that you do indeed have normal testosterone levels, your symptoms might be related to low vitamin D levels. Whether through sun exposure, dietary changes, or supplementation, addressing vitamin D levels can be a game changer for those looking to enhance their testosterone levels and improve their overall well-being. Understand how optimizing these biomarkers influences overall health, immune function, and athletic performance. Firstly, the study group was small, so further research on a larger group of men is needed. A frequently cited study by Blomberg-Jensen et al.41 was conducted in a group of men with fertility disorders, a group that may have already had baseline impaired endocrine or exocrine testicular function. When analysing the available literature, it is worth noting that many studies have been performed in groups of men in which various pathologies already existed at baseline. Derek of MPMD believes the seven supplements he discussed have some merit. Physiologist Dr. Mike Israetel recently revealed his top-five most overrated supplements for muscle growth and fat loss. Derek hasn’t been the only high-profile YouTuber to explore the world of supplementation. This finding suggests that vitamin D supplementation may have a stabilizing effect on SHBG levels in individuals with lower vitamin D status, indicating a potential role of vitamin D in regulating the availability of sex hormones in the body. However, it is important to consider that the relatively short duration of the study (12 weeks) may have limited the ability to detect significant changes in testosterone levels over a longer-term supplementation period. The influence of vitamin D on testosterone levels has been extensively investigated in various studies. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and emphasize the importance of comprehensive investigation to enhance our understanding of the interplay between vitamin D and testosterone in the context of male reproductive health. There are many risk factors in the etiology of ED which might be directly arising from VDD. The biological link between VDD and ED exhibits several interlaced mechanisms that could suggest that the link of VD with ED appears to be independent of sex hormones . Earlier, it was proved that availability of ultraviolet-B exposure, and it's resultant VD production in skin, is highest in late spring through early fall and lowest from late fall through early spring . This study reported an increase in a testosterone metabolite linked to hair loss. Certain conditions and drugs also can interfere with absorption and increase your deficiency risk. For instance, if you have a health condition that causes excess calcium in your bloodstream (hypercalcemia), you should avoid calcium supplements. But one small study showed astaxanthin combined with saw palmetto actually increased testosterone and may help libido. Although it's less common, people with vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a prolonged poor diet may be advised to stop taking the tablets once their vitamin B12 levels have returned to normal and their diet has improved. Not only did they conclude a relationship between low levels of both existed, but they also found that supplementation with zinc can help raise testosterone levels. What's exciting is that research suggests that vitamin D levels can even be linked to cognition in healthy adults¹³. In other words, supplementing with vitamin D will only provide meaningful results if you are experiencing low testosterone levels. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to increase levels and improve health markers. Of note, the available Mendelian randomization studies were not able to predict large variations in serum 25OHD concentrations (usually only about 5% difference or less). Most RCTs and Mendelian randomization studies have been undertaken in individuals from the general population in which the rates of severe vitamin D deficiency are low. Studies in countries or population groups with severe vitamin D deficiency who need improved vitamin D status anyway might be the ideal approach to better understand the effect of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with severe vitamin D deficiency. Perhaps the vitamin D endocrine system only has a role in these extra-skeletal effects in people with prolonged and very severe vitamin D deficiency. “The potential risks of such supplementation can outweigh the benefits,” says Patel.In sensitivity analyses, we restricted the study population to controls and additionally excluded participants who reported major morbidities such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which could be an indicator for lower 25(OH)D levels.Due to the high correlation of total LTPAQ-SCI scores with mild, moderate and heavy sub-scores,19 only total LTPAQ-SCI scores were used for analysesRicotta is an excellent source of whey protein, whose amino acids inhibit cortisol, the stress hormone that can reduce testosterone.The interaction between VD and testosterone in LNCaP cells might be attributed to the shared transcription targets of AR and VDR .Regularly testing your zinc levels is ideal when supplementing. It is one of the oldest biologically active compounds in the body. Vitamin D is involved in many physiological processes in the human body. The drug used is a synthetic form of testosterone, and the treatment is called “testosterone replacement therapy or TRT.” When the symptoms become more pronounced and affect the different spheres of a man’s life to a greater extent, hormone replacement therapy is considered. With a passion for proactive health management, they are dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge.Previous studies have indicated that muscle strength is influenced by various factors, such as changes in muscle fibre type, inflammation, mitochondrial function and neuromuscular transmission .Most of them were clinical observational studies that assessed the correlation between vitamin D status and semen quality and/or spermatogenesis.One 2010 study of 2299 men found that men with sufficient levels of vitamin D had “significantly higher levels of testosterone”.Your body makes the hormone while you sleep, and your levels are usually highest first thing in the morning.This suggests that while vitamin D may influence testosterone production in those who are severely deficient, it's not a guaranteed solution for restoring low testosterone in all cases.Hormone signaling begins in the brain, continues through the endocrine system, and ends at the cellular level, where testosterone is produced and utilized. Concerning to the vitamin D metabolizing enzymes, few animal studies focused on this topic were found. Moreover, the VDR expression in the testis suggests that vitamin D might exert an autocrine and paracrine action, possibly displaying a role in the regulation of the testis function, therefore influencing male infertility. The testicular somatic or germ cells seem to be able to synthesize and degrade vitamin D locally, independently from systemic vitamin D metabolism. Nevertheless, vitamin D has been recently investigated for its role in male and female fertility. Moreover, some authors showed that VDR controls glucose metabolism and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering homocysteine levels and inducing FOXO3, an important molecule in the prevention of oxidative stress . Unfortunately, both studies recruited very few participants with severe vitamin D deficiency. The 2017–2020 megatrials (Table 1) and Mendelian randomization studies clearly confirm the lack of benefit of vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D-replete adults. The link between vitamin D status and a variety of cardiovascular events or risk factors was tested previously in mostly small-scale studies. According to the 'What Is TDS' campaign, hypogonadism is a condition where the testes produce an unusually low level of testosterone or dry up altogether. Increased testosterone offers the potential for more muscle, true, and this can be effective. Quite simply, if we didn't have testosterone, we'd all look distinctly prepubescent. Keep scrolling for the best foods to boost testosterone. This is why it's important to give your T-levels some attention every now and again. It’s a simple blood test that analyzes eight biological markers, including testosterone levels. But one of the best ways to raise testosterone levels is hormone replacement therapy. More recently, a study in the journal Nutrients found that soccer players who were exposed to 10 days of sun and six weeks of Vitamin D supplementation had significantly higher levels of testosterone (5). In fact, some studies on mice that show a stimulating effect of 1,25(OH)2D on the gene expression of the thyroid-stimulating pituitary hormone suggest that the same metabolite can interact directly on other pituitary products such as somatotropic cells 55, 56. Furthermore, both GH and IGF-1 seem to increase the activity of CYP27A1, a multifunctional cytochrome P450 enzyme that among its complex functions catalyzes the 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D in hepatoblastoma cells . By studying GHD patients who undergo GH replacement treatment, they found an increase in calcium gut absorption and urinary calcium excretion and a decrease in urinary phosphorus excretion, similar to what is normally induced by vitamin D . GH binds to the growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) to circulate in serum and to consequently interact its specific GH receptor (GHR) situated on the surface of target cells. How to Maintain Healthy Vitamin D Levels Baseline characteristics of study participants with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels Further, we performed subgroup analyses of primary and secondary endpoints in study participants with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels The secondary outcome was the change in endocrine parameters including free testosterone (FT), free androgen index (FAI), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol after vitamin D supplementation compared to placebo. The primary outcome was the change in serum TT levels after 12 weeks of vitamin D supplementation compared to placebo. The trial was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation (12 weeks) on serum TT levels in men. If you’re struggling with low energy, a drop in libido, or symptoms of low testosterone, your vitamin D status could be part of the problem. Vitamin D has long been known as the “sunshine vitamin,” playing a vital role in everything from bone health to immune function. The effect of vitamin d replacement therapy on insulin resistance and androgen levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. To support your diet, add in a multivitamin (affiliate link) for testosterone and perhaps some other vitamin and mineral supplements (though multi is the way to go and definitely enough if you’re low on cash). Fixing your vitamin and mineral imbalances for optimal testosterone production starts from optimizing the diet and then using a solid multivitamin for testosterone production. It is much more likely that you’re going to require Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) to return your body to normal and maintain that healthy hormonal balance. At Florida Men’s Health, we combine advanced hormone therapies with nutritional guidance to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your unique needs. In these cases, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help restore balance. However, modern lifestyles—spending most of the day indoors or wearing sunscreen—often limit this natural production. Despite its popularity, most scientific studies find no significant testosterone boost from Tribulus supplements in healthy men. The combined supplementation of Vitamin D3 and K2 offers a promising strategy for enhancing testosterone levels and improving men's health across several dimensions, from hormonal balance and muscle strength to bone density and heart health. By boosting Vitamin D3 intake through supplementation, especially in regions with limited sunlight exposure, men can potentially enhance their testosterone levels, thereby supporting muscle development, energy levels, and sexual health. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2, two fat-soluble vitamins, form a powerful alliance that not only supports bone health and cardiovascular wellness but also plays a significant role in enhancing testosterone levels and overall men's health. In fact, including vitamin D enhances the effect and increases testosterone levels. According to an observational study in Korea blood levels of vitamin D and testosterone were analyzed in 652 men over forty. Furthermore, such supplements could even lower natural testosterone levels in the body. At the same time, scientists from the Clinical Therapeutics journal argue that vitamin D may be important for testicular health, but there is no evidence that this nutrient can affect testosterone levels. But another study indicated that a similar approach makes no difference to testosterone levels in males who eat enough zinc. Vimaleswaran KS, Berry DJ, Lu C, Tikkanen E, Pilz S, Hiraki LT, et al. Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin d. Cross-sectional, primary care–based study of the prevalence of hypoandrogenemia in nondiabetic young men with obesity. The participants gave their written informed consent to participate in this study. Although on the other hand, an analysis across randomized groups showed that Se supplementation had no effect on adiponectin levels after six months of treatment . Since then, several longitudinal studies have failed to support a causal role of Se in T2DM, although cross-sectional studies continued to find significant associations between circulating Se levels and T2DM . For example, supplementation with Se and/or Vitamin E in the large-scale Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) did not prevent the development of PCa, rather, the incidence of newly diagnosed T2DM increased among the Se-supplemented participants 83,51. Se was shown to have strong anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on human PCa cells and to improve severe metabolic side effects in patients 144,83. Thus, there is currently no clinical evidence for the proposed improvement of ADT-induced side effects by phytoestrogens, although limitations of these studies including small cohort sizes and short treatment durations should be taken into account. In fact, vitamin D supports calcium and phosphorus absorption in the intestine, calcium reabsorption and phosphorus excretion in the kidney, and modulates the balance between bone formation and resorption in strict dependence of the circulating calcium level . The complex regulation of vitamin D metabolism is fundamental for the maintaining of a proper calciumphosphorus homeostasis. This in turn binds to the vitamin D responsive element located in the promoter regions of the target genes . The use of black cohosh in PCa patients undergoing ADT may be warranted for hot flushes, CV and osteoporotic side effects. One may speculate that its modulation of adenosine signaling may be beneficial for CV side effects of ADT , but this has yet to be investigated. However, it was recently shown to attenuate nucleoside uptake into cells and thus may have an impact on tumor treatment by nucleoside analogs . Aging 10 years increases your odds of having low testosterone by 36%, but a 4-inch increase in waist size may increase your chances by up to 75%. Building muscle mass triggers your body to produce testosterone. Certain testosterone boosters have specific side effects. Your body makes dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in your adrenal glands and uses it to make both testosterone and estrogen. Vitamin D. Your body naturally produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. This makes vitamin D-rich foods (like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy) and supplements essential for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. The majority of studies were either cross-sectional or RCTs with relatively short durations, potentially overlooking the long-term effects of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels. In conclusion, the studies examining the effects of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels have provided valuable insights, but the findings remain inconclusive. In contrast, Rafiq R et al. conducted a cross-sectional study on 643 Dutch men, which revealed a positive correlation between vitamin D (serum 25(OH)D) levels and both total and bioavailable testosterone levels. The effects of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels were inconclusive, with limited evidence of significant changes in total testosterone. The results showed vitamin D values comparable to the vitamin D values of the healthy subjects of the same age, gender, geographical origin and the season in which the diagnosis was made. In their retrospective study, Delecroix and colleagues evaluated blood 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D, GH and IGF-1 levels at diagnosis in 50 GHD patients due to pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS). The efficacy of supplemental treatment is emphasized by the fact that although the length expressed in the standard deviation score (SDS) in rachitic patients had remained lower than this length in healthy controls, the growth velocity increased significantly and exceeded the growth velocity of the control group. At baseline, the children with rickets were much shorter with worse growth velocity than the healthy controls, whereas after the vitamin D treatment, the auxological parameters (length and growth velocity) had significant improvement. Often overlooked, vitamin D is a powerhouse when it comes to boosting testosterone. Our bodies require certain vitamins to produce testosterone. That’s why it’s essential to maintain optimal levels of this hormone throughout your life. Testosterone is a key hormone in the body that plays a significant role in various physiological functions. This suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is essential, but there might be a ceiling effect where additional supplementation may not yield any further benefits. When vitamin D is metabolized in the liver and kidneys, it is converted into its active form, calcitriol, which has been shown to enhance the body's hormone-producing processes. While both forms can help improve vitamin D levels, D3 is believed to be the more effective option for maintaining adequate blood levels. In recent years, both vitamin D and testosterone have garnered significant attention in the realm of health and wellness. Optimum Nutrition is renowned for making great big tubs of powdered supplements that just work. It's micronised, blends to a super smooth drink and has the most neutral taste of all the supplements we tested. The below guide represents our carefully chosen picks of the best creatine supplements worth buying in 2026. We've flagged where supplements have extra certifications too, and paid close attention to evaluate the most important features, such as ingredients, dosage, price, and quality. All of the creatine supplements we tested and recommend below are made up of creatine monohydrate, and many are also micronised. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, so as to avoid nutritional deficiencies. If your weight is healthy, you find it easier to exercise and easier to sleep. If you exercise, you find it easier to sleep and to keep a healthy weight. There have been a few studies that suggest an increase in Vitamin D3 may very well help men produce more testosterone in their body once they begin to reach middle age.Healthy vitamin D levels have also been linked to improved cardiorespiratory fitness – that is, the ability of your heart and lungs to supply oxygen to your muscles during exercise.Claims like these can only legitimately be made for drugs, not dietary supplements.” .It also helped to raise their total and bioactive testosterone.When we eat food, this group of vitamins helps break it down to release energy to be used on the cellular level.Genetics also plays a role, but lifestyle and diet have a much stronger influence on sperm health. Most people who have had a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency will not need further monitoring unless their symptoms return or their treatment is ineffective. This is to check your haemoglobin level and the number of the immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in your blood. If a vitamin B12 deficiency is not detected and treated, it could affect your nervous system. This is because folic acid treatment can sometimes improve your symptoms so much that it masks an underlying vitamin B12 deficiency. Before you start taking folic acid, your GP will check your vitamin B12 levels to make sure they're normal. A possible explanation for these nonhomogeneous results derives from study biases and the different ways in which they were conducted. Given the improvement of the 25(OH)D values after rGH treatment, it could be hypothesized that part of this effect may be due to the increase in circulating 25(OH)D. Both Cireni and Hamza have shown in their studies an improvement in height in the SDS after 1 year of therapy with rGH 73, 78. The remaining six works are all before 1998 and considered a limited number of patients as a study population.