How Does Magnesium Deficiency Affect Testosterone Levels?
Kobi NathanShare
Magnesium deficiency can significantly impact testosterone levels in males, which in turn affects male sexual health, including erectile function, sperm quality, and hormonal balance.
Magnesium is crucial for the regulation of testosterone levels.
A study by Maggio et al. demonstrated that magnesium positively influences anabolic hormonal status, including testosterone, in men.[1]
This relationship is particularly important as testosterone plays a key role in male sexual function, including libido, erectile function, and spermatogenesis.
Rotter et al. found that men with testosterone deficiency had significantly lower concentrations of magnesium.[2]
This suggests that adequate magnesium levels are necessary for maintaining normal testosterone levels.
Furthermore, Cinar et al. showed that magnesium supplementation increased both free and total testosterone levels in athletes and sedentary individuals, indicating that magnesium can enhance testosterone bioactivity.[3]
Magnesium deficiency can also lead to increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the testes, as shown in a study by Merker et al., which can impair spermatogenesis and sperm quality.[4]
This underscores the importance of magnesium in maintaining testicular health and optimal sperm function.
In summary, magnesium deficiency negatively affects testosterone levels in males, which can lead to compromised erectile function, reduced sperm quality, and overall hormonal imbalance.
Ensuring adequate magnesium intake is essential for maintaining male sexual health.
References:
- The Interplay Between Magnesium and Testosterone in Modulating Physical Function in Men. Maggio M, De Vita F, Lauretani F, et al. International Journal of Endocrinology. 2014;2014:525249. doi:10.1155/2014/525249.
- Analysis of the Relationship Between the Blood Concentration of Several Metals, Macro- And Micronutrients and Endocrine Disorders Associated With Male Aging. Rotter I, Kosik-Bogacka DI, Dołęgowska B, et al. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. 2016;38(3):749-61. doi:10.1007/s10653-015-9758-0.
- Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Testosterone Levels of Athletes and Sedentary Subjects at Rest and After Exhaustion. Cinar V, Polat Y, Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R. Biological Trace Element Research. 2011;140(1):18-23. doi:10.1007/s12011-010-8676-3.
- Lipid Peroxidation and Morphology of Rat Testis in Magnesium Deficiency. Merker HJ, Günther T, Höllriegl V, Vormann J, Schümann K. Andrologia. 1996 Jan-Feb;28(1):43-51. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.1996.tb02756.x.