Dietary fat serves as the primary substrate for testosterone production, making it the most critical macronutrient for hormone optimization. Zinc acts as a cofactor for multiple enzymes involved in testosterone production, while vitamin D functions more like a hormone itself, directly influencing Leydig cell function. While genetics and age play significant roles in testosterone production, nutrition remains one of the most controllable factors men can leverage to optimize their hormonal health. Elevated cortisol, the primary stress hormone, can suppress testosterone production. Adequate levels of vitamin D can contribute to increased testosterone levels. Healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are integral to hormone production and regulation, including testosterone. Magnesium appears to lower SHGB, which increases free testosterone. Like zinc, it evaporates through sweat, so if you workout, you need more than if you don't. What makes it more likely that you need supplementation is if you sweat (ie. if you exercise). In this review, we will examine the specific effect of various macronutrients and micronutrients on enhancing circulating testosterone concentrations at rest and during exercise. Further high quality RCTs with physiological doses of micronutrients in people with low baseline intakes or circulating concentrations, using robust methodology, are required to assess effects adequately. A number of studies also included additional protein making it difficult to isolate any specific effects of micronutrients from those of protein 61,132,137,144,145. One study assessed effects of zinc on IGF-1, but no studies assessed effects on androgens (androstenediol, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone and testosterone), oestrogens (E2, estradiol, estriol, and estrone), DHEA or SHBG. These micronutrients include vitamins A, C, E, the carotenoids 100,101,102,103,104,105, zinc 60,106, magnesium and selenium 57,60. Strategic carbohydrate timing around workouts helps manage cortisol response and supports recovery, both of which are crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels in active individuals. Understanding how fats, carbohydrates, and proteins individually and collectively influence testosterone allows men to fine-tune their nutrition for maximum hormonal benefit. These micronutrients work synergistically, meaning deficiencies in one area can cascade and impact overall hormone production. In conclusion, nutrient timing can significantly contribute to naturally enhancing testosterone levels. It can be a game-changer in planning and monitoring your macronutrient ratios and meal timing, which are key strategies for boosting testosterone levels. Clients who eliminate or dramatically reduce alcohol consumption see some of the most consistent testosterone improvements in my coaching practice. Even moderate drinking of two to three drinks per day measurably reduces testosterone and increases estrogen through enhanced aromatase activity and impaired liver clearance of estrogen metabolites. Supplementing with 400 to 600mg of magnesium glycinate daily addresses this deficiency while providing the best form for both bioavailability and sleep quality. Magnesium supports testosterone through multiple pathways including SHBG reduction, sleep improvement, and cortisol modulation. Subsequent research, examining an even lower energy availability (i.e., 10 kcal·kg FFM·day−1) also reported significant decreases in LH production and LH pulse frequency . The impact of low energy availability on various physiological systems in the body is not the primary scope of this paper, instead, the focus is directed on the effect of low energy availability on circulating testosterone concentration and testosterone biosynthesis. For example, an athlete training at a high intensity or prolonged duration, while attempting to lose fat mass by reducing caloric intake, may cause a low energy availability. Low energy availability may reduce the body’s energy reserves, limiting its ability to support normal physiological function needed to maintain optimal health . Energy availability is defined as the difference between energy intake and energy expenditure, relative to an individual’s fat-free mass (FFM) . They’re the unsung heroes of men’s health, particularly when it comes to hormones like testosterone. Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals your body needs in small amounts, but don’t let their size fool you. Studies show that men with vitamin D levels above 50 ng/mL have significantly higher testosterone than men below 20 ng/mL. The low-fat paradigm that dominated nutrition advice for decades directly undermined male hormonal health. So do a little bit of personal research, add the foods mentioned to your diet, and if you’re still not getting optimal amounts of the micronutrients, supplementation can help. Testosterone synthesis begins with cholesterol, which serves as the raw material for steroidogenesis—the process by which the body creates steroid hormones. The key lies in moving beyond generic "eat healthy" advice to implementing evidence-based nutritional strategies that directly support the biochemical pathways responsible for testosterone creation. Testosterone isn’t just about muscle mass and libido—it’s the cornerstone hormone that influences energy levels, mood stability, bone density, and overall male vitality. In addition to releasing a men’s health Nutrition Score to all free users for the month, we’ll be uncovering some key nutrition considerations for males to... This month, in celebration of Men’s Health Month, we’re switching gears and putting males into the spotlight to dive deeper into everything to do with men’s health. In our quest to increase testosterone naturally, we should not overlook the importance of sleep and recovery. It is also important to note that protein supplementation regardless of its source (soy or whey), when combined with resistance training can result in a significant increase in lean body mass . However, they are consistent in demonstrating that whey protein supplementation may be the superior protein supplement for enhancing the testosterone response to training. Subsequent research, using the same three groups, albeit for 12 weeks and combined with resistance exercise, also reported no significant pre- or post-training changes in serum estradiol concentrations in any of the study groups . Additionally, testosterone concentrations were significantly lower during SPS compared to both WPS and PLA during the post-exercise period.