World J Mens Health.  2020 Jan;38(1):115-122. 10.5534/wjmh.190043.

‘Testosterone Boosting’ Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature

• Clemesha C
• Thaker H
• Samplaski

• KMID: 2465416
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.190043

Abstract

PURPOSE
Men take testosterone (T) boosting supplements to naturally improve T levels. We evaluated the composition and advertised claims of "T boosting" supplements, and supporting published evidence.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty "T booster" supplements were evaluated for active ingredients and product claims, discovered via Google search. PubMed was reviewed for any literature supporting the claims, followed by review of Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and upper tolerable intake level (UL) for each component.
RESULTS
Ninety percent of supplements claimed to "boost T", 50% "improve libido", and 48% "feel stronger". One-hundred nine unique components were found, with a mean number of 8.3 per product. On PubMed, 24.8% of supplements had data showing an increase in T with supplementation, 10.1% had data showing a decrease in T, and 18.3% had data showing no change in T. No data were found on 61.5% of supplements on their effect on T. Supplements contained a median 1,291% of the RDA for vitamin B12, 807.6% for vitamin B6, 272% of zinc, 200% of vitamin B5, and 187.5% of vitamin B3. Thirteen products exceeded the US Food and Drug Administration UL of ingredients (zinc, vitamin B3, and magnesium).
CONCLUSIONS
Ninety percent of "T booster" supplements claimed to boost T. However, only 24.8% of these had data to support these claims. A total of 10.1% contained components with data suggesting a negative effect on T. Many had supra-therapeutic doses of vitamins and minerals, occasionally over the UL. Patients should be informed that "T booster" supplements may not have ingredients to support their claims.

Keyword

Supplements; Testosterone deficiency; Testosterone supplements; United States Food and Drug Administration

MeSH Terms

Humans
Male
Minerals
Miners
Niacinamide
Pantothenic Acid
Recommended Dietary Allowances
Testosterone
United States Food and Drug Administration
Vitamin B 12
Vitamin B 6
Vitamins
Zinc
Minerals
Niacinamide
Pantothenic Acid
Testosterone
Vitamin B 12
Vitamin B 6
Vitamins
Zinc

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