Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you willing to improve your physical and sexual health with a naturally occurring element?
Well, it’s none other than Zinc. Because, this essential trace element zinc plays a dominant in proper growth, maintenance and in the regulation of the immune system. In addition to that, with the ongoing research zinc has also proved its effectivity in boosting testosterone levels among men.
With the increase in age, the level of testosterone declines at a gradual speed, thereby giving rise to symptoms like Erectile Dysfunction, decreased libido, infertility, receding hairline, increased body fat, reduced muscle mass, man-boobs, depression, fatigue and the unending distress.
Therefore, if you ever examine the ingredient list of testosterone boosters, you are most likely to discover that almost every ‘T’ booster includes zinc in their composition. And, that itself evokes interest among men because this important trace element can be easily obtained through foods items such as Oyster, lamb, beef, pork, chicken, beans, spinach, toasted wheat germ, mushroom and the list is surprisingly lengthy.
Now, the common question remains, how does zinc impact the production of testosterone. Right?
Well, friends, this article will solve all your scepticism about the role of zinc in boosting testosterone levels in men. Every information put forward by this article has been supported by scientific evidence.
Facts you’ll explore in this article on the role of zinc in increasing testosterone are:
Zinc & its Relation to the Human Body
Zinc, chemically abbreviated as Zn is a naturally occurring chemical element and a trace mineral that is essential to the human body in various ways. Classified as a micronutrient, this mineral is found in every cell of the body as it acts as a defence against the immune system.
Being one of the 24 micronutrients, zinc is important for survival and is responsible for carrying out important processes like:
- Cell Division
- Cell Growth
- Thyroid Functioning
- Healing of Wounds
- Blood clotting
- Brain Development and Functioning
- Regulating Immune Functioning
- Breakdown of Carbohydrates
- Treating Diarrhoea
- Aids in Learning and Memory
- Treatment
- Remedy for the common cold
- Reducing the risks of chronic age-related diseases
- Improves fertility
- Prevents age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Therefore, every adult male requires 11 mg of zinc per day, whereas an adult woman requires 8 mg for proper functioning.
Clinical Study conducted on the Role of Zinc for Male Health
Study 1: Role of Zinc and Serum Testosterone Levels of Healthy Adults
In a study conducted by the US National Library of Medicine, 40 normal men of age 20 to 80 were studied. Where serum testosterone levels were measured in 4 young men (aged 27.5 +) both before and during marginal zinc deficiency was induced on purpose by restricting dietary zinc intake. Simultaneously, serum testosterone levels were also measured in nine senior men (64 +/- 9 y) who were reported to be marginally zinc deficient.
But after these senior men were administered with a daily dose of 459 mmol/ d oral zinc for 3 to 6 months the results reported an increase in serum testosterone from 8.3 +/- 6.3 to 16.0 +/- 4.4 nmol/L (p = 0.02). Hence, it was concluded that zinc plays a vital role in modulating serum testosterone levels in normal men.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8875519
Foods Rich in Zinc
Since this article focuses on the importance of zinc in increasing testosterone levels in men, let’s find out about the foods that hold the highest concentration of zinc. Because unlike other testosterone boosting ingredients zinc can be easily obtained through a healthy diet and foods like:
- Seafood like Oyster, Crab and Lobster
- Beef and Lamb
- Wheat Germ
- Spinach
- Pumpkin and Squash Seeds
- Nuts: Cashew, pin nuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts and hazelnuts.
- Chocolate and Cocoa
- Lean Pork and Chicken
- Beans
- Mushrooms
- Yogurt.
How does Zinc Affect Testosterone?
Besides the countless benefits of zinc, science has proven this mineral to have a direct impact on male reproductive health and the level of testosterone production. Since testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for the functioning and regulation of male health. This male sex hormone is thereby accountable for maintaining sex drive, muscle mass, bone density, strength etc.
Hence, this androgenic mineral helps
What is the Recommended Dosage of Zinc for Boosting “T” Levels in Men?
For men who are 18 years and above, the recommended daily allowance of Zinc is 11 milligrams. However, over-consumption of the same that is beyond 40 milligrams per day may lead to toxicity and symptoms might include nausea, headaches, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, etc.
Hence, make sure to check the ingredient list before you pick a zinc supplement for yourself. So that you are well aware of what exactly you are calling in for yourself.
Does Zinc have any Side Effects?
Even though this mineral is a must for good health, but consuming it over the recommended dosage can cause side effects, as mentioned before. Hence, make sure not to overdose (above 40 mg daily when taken orally) in order to stave off side effects.
Some Precautionary Measures while using Zinc Supplements
There are a few foods that should be avoided for a couple of hours when taking zinc supplements. And these foods include
- Bran
- Fibre-containing foods
- Phosphorus-containing foods such as milk or poultry.
- Whole-grain bread and cereals.
On the other hand, if you are taking zinc supplements without a prescription then make sure to follow the label and stick to the dosage as prescribed by its manufacturers.
Note: And make sure to consult a healthcare personnel in case you are allergic to certain ingredients, pregnant, breastfeeding or is under the use of certain medication. Because, the supplement might interact with your prescribed drug, thereby causing adverse effects.
Final Conclusion; Who Should take Zinc
Zinc supplements can be orally ingested by any man over 18 years of age. However, individuals suffering from low testosterone levels, low sex drive, and prolactin levels should consider taking zinc supplements. Besides, zinc also enables the production of prostatic fluid, which is accountable for contributing to the volume of semen. Thereby, positively impacting sexual competency in men.
Popular Zinc Supplements
There is an ‘n’ number of zinc supplements in the market, but after conducting an in-depth study we have listed a few potent Zinc based testosterone boosting supplements which you can count on and they are:
- TestoFuel
- PrimeMal
And these 2 top the list because the TestoFUEL includes 10mg of zinc in their composition in addition to other t-boosting ingredients like Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, D-Aspartic Acid, Siberian Ginseng, Fenugreek seeds, Oyster Extracts and others.
Whereas, PrimeMale, on the other hand, uses 30mg zinc citrate as it is not just mere testosterone boosting supplement, but also acts as Anti-Ageing formula for elderly men. And other ingredients in this Anti-Ageing ‘T’ Boosting Formula includes Boron, Nettle Root Extract, Mucuna Pruriens, Luteolin, Asian Red Ginseng, D-Aspartic Acid, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, Vitamin B6, Magnesium and BioPerine.
To read detailed reviews about the respective natural zinc-based testosterone boosters for men read visit here>>
References:
- https://www.besttestosteroneboosterguide.com/ingredients/zinc/
- https://www.testofuel.com/tf/zinc-benefits-for-men/
- http://www.testosteroneboostersreview.com/research/zinc/
John Paul has been in the fitness field for over ten years. Now, he is exploring the new natural products and treatments for low testosterone and growth hormones. He loves to read medical books and research papers and summarise them in his free time.