What is the best supplement to increase testosterone levels?

From the Guidelines

The best supplement to increase testosterone naturally is vitamin D, particularly for individuals with deficiency, as supported by recent studies 1. A daily dose of 1000-2000 IU of vitamin D3 is generally recommended, though those with severe deficiency may require higher doses initially under medical supervision. Other effective supplements include:

• Zinc (25-30mg daily)
• Magnesium (200-400mg daily)
• Ashwagandha (300-600mg daily of root extract) These supplements work by supporting the body's natural testosterone production pathways - vitamin D acts as a hormone that directly influences testosterone synthesis, zinc is essential for testicular function, magnesium helps improve free testosterone levels, and ashwagandha may reduce stress hormones that can suppress testosterone. For optimal results, combine these supplements with lifestyle changes like:
• Strength training
• Adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly)
• Stress management
• Maintaining a healthy body weight Before starting any supplement regimen, consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications, as they can help determine if you truly have low testosterone and rule out underlying medical causes 1. It's also important to note that there is no compelling evidence that testosterone has a causative role in prostate cancer, and proper monitoring with measurement of PSA and digital rectal examination should promote the early diagnosis, and thus potential cure, of most “unmasked” prostate cancers identified during testosterone treatment 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Testosterone cypionate injection, for intramuscular injection, contains testosterone cypionate which is the oil-soluble 17 (beta)-cyclopentylpropionate ester of the androgenic hormone testosterone. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Supplements to Increase Testosterone

• Several supplements have been studied for their potential to increase testosterone levels, including:
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin D (in cases of hypovitaminosis D) 2, 3, 4
  • L-arginine
  • Mucuna
  • Ashwagandha
• These supplements may have a modest effect on testosterone levels, but their clinical benefits are not well established 2
• Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to increase testosterone levels in some studies, but the evidence is not consistent 3, 4
• A study found that vitamin D supplementation increased total testosterone, bioactive testosterone, and free testosterone levels in healthy overweight men 4

Lifestyle Modifications

• In addition to supplements, lifestyle modifications such as:
  • Adequate sleep
  • Exercise
  • Weight loss in patients with obesity
• Are important for maintaining healthy testosterone levels and overall health 2

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment for low testosterone levels, and its effects on vitamin D and other health parameters have been studied 5, 6
• TRT has been shown to increase serum testosterone levels and improve symptoms of testosterone deficiency, but its long-term effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health are not well established 5
• A study found that TRT increased FGF-23 and ADMA levels, but did not significantly change vitamin D levels in patients with congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism 6