Zinc and Testosterone

A 1996 study showed a very clear relationship between zinc and testosterone levels. Young men were fed a diet including very little zinc so that they developed a zinc deficiency. Testosterone levels were measured and there was a significant decrease (almost 75 percent) after 20 weeks of a low-zinc diet.

The study also examined zinc supplementation in elderly men. Researchers showed that with increased zinc intake, testosterone levels in the elderly population almost doubled. This is pretty powerful evidence that zinc has an impact on testosterone production. If you, or your doctor, suspect you have low testosterone levels, you may want to test for zinc deficiency.

Part 7 of 9: ED and Kidney Disease
Erectile Dysfunction and Kidney Disease

The only direct evidence of zinc supplementation having an effect on ED is found in studies of men with kidney disease. Men who receive kidney dialysis often have zinc (and other nutritional) deficiencies. Men with kidney disease are also more likely to have sexual function problems.

A 2010 review of studies of sexual function in patients with kidney disease concluded that oral zinc supplements increased testosterone and improved the potency and frequency of sexual intercourse.

Part 8 of 9: Zinc Deficiency and Libido
Taste and Smell to Improve Libido

Symptoms of zinc deficiency include a loss of the ability to smell and taste. In fact, although evidence of its efficacy is scant, zinc supplements is one method of treating people who have lost their sense of taste or smell.

A 2013 study shows that sense of smell may actually be important to libido, especially in younger men. That means that zinc deficiency, which can reduce sense of smell, may also reduce libido. Zinc not only impacts the level of testosterone, but may cause a loss of the ability to detect subtle chemicals that induce arousal.

However, some zinc products sold as cold medications may actually cause loss of smell sense, rather than prevent it.

Part 9 of 9: Good Zinc Sources
Good Zinc Sources

A balanced diet full of high protein sources will often naturally contain enough zinc, which is about 11 mg a day for an adult male. Meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and chicken are all good sources of zinc. Nuts, whole grains, legumes, and yeast also contain zinc.

Zinc supplements are available in multivitamins, or as zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, or zinc acetate. But watch out for zinc toxicity. The maximum safe intake of zinc is 40 mg per day. Symptoms of too much zinc intake include:

nausea and vomiting
cramps
diarrhea
headaches

High levels of zinc can reduce available copper in the body and affect iron levels. A purely vegetarian or low-protein diet may put you at risk for zinc deficiency.


Source: The Link Between Zinc and Erectile Dysfunction

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Thanks Tom for confirming what I knew about Zinc supplement.

I take ZMA as well as eat plenty of meat, but most of that is chicken. So I'll be looking into what my zinc intake is.

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