Testosterone Boosting Supplements

By Bob Sweeney

Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the testes that promotes the development of male sex characteristics and regulates male reproduc­tive function. It is called the most powerful muscle-building hormone because it does just that-builds muscle and strength fast. Testosterone increases muscle protein synthesis and net muscle protein balance, result­ing in increased muscle mass. "Testosterone is one of the most effective hormones for burning fat in both men and women," states Dr. Ullis. Signs of low testosterone levels include low energy levels, muscle weakness, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Too much testosterone in males can convert into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can have adverse effects on the prostate gland plus cause hair loss, and estrogen, aromatization of which can lead to water retention, increased fat storage, and gynecomas­ha in males. It is important to measure both "free" testosterone (the active form) levels and estrogen levels to make sure there is not too much estro­gen being produced. Estrogen can halt your muscle-building efforts.

Testosterone-Boosting Supplements

Below we have listed the supplements for bodybuilding that will provide the highest Testosterone-Boost from clinical studies.

• ZMA®. ZMA is a highly specific and unique vitamin and mineral com­bination. There are certain minerals that have a positive impact on athletic performance as well as testosterone levels. ZMA is a special com­bination of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Zinc is involved in the action of several hormones, including insulin, growth hormone, testosterone, and estrogen, and in more than 200 enzymatic reactions. Research has indicated that exercising individuals have a greater need for zinc and are more prone to a zinc deficiency. It is proven to increase testosterone levels in healthy subjects. A 1996 study showed that taking 30 mg of supplemental zinc daily by healthy men experiencing moderate zinc defi­ciency doubled their testosterone levels in a six-month time frame. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, creative phosphate formation, nucleic acid synthesis, amino acid activation, cardiac and smooth muscle contractabil­ity, cyclic AMP formation, and, most importantly for strength athletes, protein synthesis. Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine and has some major implications in protein synthesis. The coenzyme form of this vita­min is associated with a vast number of enzymes, the majority as part of amino acid metabolism. B6 is necessary in glycogen catabolism to "unlock" carbohydrate energy and it has also been shown to diminish the actions of certain catabolic steroids, such as glucocorticoid hor­mones (cortisol). This can boost the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio, lead­ing to positive muscle-building effects. This product has been also combined with HMB supplements to improve its effects.

The zinc in this product is specifically formulated as zinc aspartate and zinc mono-L-methionine, which makes it more bioavailable. The magne­sium is in a chelated form bound to aspartate, which increases its bio­availabity. Research with ZMA conducted on strength athletes shows that this combination of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6 can increase total and free testosterone levels by 30 percent. A study published in Medi­cine and Science in Sports and Exercise showed that nightly supplemen­tation with ZMA also increased strength and power. Taking one dose of ZMA about thirty minutes before bedtime is recommended.

· Tribulus Terrestris.This herb, used in Ayurvedic medicine, is also known as puncture vine and has been used as a testosterone booster to increase levels natu­rally through a unique mechanism. It stimulates leutinizing hormone (LH) production from the anterior pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates testosterone production. Clinical studies have shown that Tribulus can enhance LH and free testosterone levels in healthy subjects by 70 per­cent and 40 percent, respectively. A Bulgarian study revealed that more than 200 men suffering from impotence-which is often caused by low testosterone levels-showed improved testosterone and LH levels as well as sperm production after the subjects supplemented with a prepa­ration of Tribulus terrestris. The research also shows it to be very safe. It works at a divided dose of about 750-1,500 mg per day; good times to take it are first thing in the morning and one hour before a workout.

· Eurycoma Longifolia.The root of this herb, commonly known as Tongkat Ali in Malaysia, has been used for centuries for treating fatigue, loss of sexual desire, and impotence. Plenty of research shows that it boosts sexual function as well as sexual desire. Several human studies also show that it may enhance testosterone levels through various mechanisms. The active ingredients include glycosaponins and eurypeptide compounds. Recent human clinical trials have shown that Eurycoma products from HP Ingredients and patented LongjaXTM increase IGF-1 levels and modulate natural testosterone and cortisol levels. The bioactive eurypep­tides seem to boost sex drive and function, in both men and women, by increasing testosterone levels and inhibiting sex hormone-binding glob­ulin (SHBG), so that more free testosterone remains in the blood. Human clinical research conducted by Dr. Ismail Tambi, from the Specialist Reproduction Research Center, in Malaysia, has confirmed that LJ100 increases serum testosterone and DHEA levels and decreases SHBG lev­els significantly. Eurycoma holds promise for boosting testosterone lev­els and improving general health. Recommended amounts range from 100-300 mg in divided doses daily.

For more information on supplements, please check out these links:

- Testosterone Booster

- Whey Protein Powder Supplements

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