A number of micronutrients act as endogenous antioxidants with the capacity to reduce ROS and circulating inflammatory cytokines. Micronutrients are potentially important for sex hormone synthesis and metabolism, particularly during the age-related decline in the endocrine system. Therefore, increasing concentrations of circulating IGF-1 and sex hormones may be potentially beneficial for preventing sarcopenia as well as certain non-communicable diseases and conditions of aging. DHEAS , which is converted into the active forms of testosterone and oestrogen, and stimulates production of IGF-1 , declines with age and relates to loss of muscle mass and strength . The missing link in male health isn't complicated—it's the nutrients your body needs to maintain healthy hormone production. Micronutrient blood tests identify deficiencies in hormone supporting nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, and magnesium. Several additional micronutrients contribute to optimal testosterone production. One study demonstrated that men taking 3,332 IU of vitamin D daily for a year increased their testosterone levels by 25% . Vitamin D functions more like a hormone than a traditional vitamin, making it uniquely positioned to influence testosterone production. This communication tells these organs to reduce hormone production, preventing testosterone levels from climbing too high . The answer may lie in the nutrients your body needs to maintain healthy hormone production naturally. Men with zinc deficiency show consistently lower testosterone levels, while supplementation in deficient individuals can restore hormone production to healthy ranges. Despite our systematic search including a large range of relevant micronutrients and hormones, we only identified studies that investigated effects of vitamin D, multi-nutrients, the carotenoids, selenium, vitamin E, and zinc, on sex hormones and IGF-1. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for RCTs reporting the effects of different micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, or E; carotenoids; iron; copper; zinc; magnesium; selenium; and potassium) on sex hormones or IGF-1. One can improve their testosterone levels and general health by taking vitamins D, B6, K2, zinc, magnesium, and selenium in appropriate amounts. Optimizing nutrition for testosterone production requires a strategic balance of macronutrients and micronutrients that fuel the body’s natural hormone synthesis pathways. One study found that magnesium supplementation can help return testosterone levels to normal if the cause of the decrease is a deficiency. Zinc supplementation may increase testosterone levels, but only if the body is deficient in zinc In women, testosterone is produced in much smaller amounts, primarily from the adrenal glands and the ovaries 2,6. Structurally, testosterone has a characteristic four ring C18 steroid structure and is synthesized from cholesterol through an enzymatic multistep process primarily within the Leydig cells (~95%), which are located in the interstitium of the testes. They are important hormones for various biological processes and are vital for the development and maintenance of secondary male characteristics. Testosterone, together with its potent metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are the principal androgens in the circulation of mature male mammals, including humans. An optimal follow-up time has yet to be elucidated but we would recommend a minimum of 6 months, and that endocrine and nutritional measurements be taken at 3 month intervals until the study is complete. Other known lifestyle factors that affect circulating sex hormones and IGF-1, such as smoking habit and BMI should also be recorded 146,147. This would clarify whether micronutrient supplementation is only beneficial to depleted individuals or whether it can provide additional benefit to those with adequate micronutrient status. Recent evidence suggests that certain micronutrients may be protective for sarcopenia, and also important for hormone synthesis and metabolism, particularly during the decrease in endogenous secretion that occurs during aging . All trials had significant methodological limitations making effects of micronutrient supplementation on sex hormones unclear. We aimed to carry out a systematic review of RCTs investigating effects of increasing dietary or supplemental micronutrient intake on sex hormones and IGF-1 in individuals aged 45 years or older. When cortisol is chronically elevated, testosterone production is directly suppressed.
