Let’s be clear: healthy testosterone levels start with your diet, exercise, sleep, and stress habits. Eat a balanced diet, strength train, prioritize sleep, and keep your stress in check.
The right supplements only help. But they provide that edge to help men improve their energy levels, performance, and other benefits that come from healthy testosterone levels.
However, many commercial “testosterone boosters” fail because they use generic extracts or tiny doses that lack the research backing in human studies. At Kaged, we call this “pixie dusting.”
So in today’s article, we’re going to get into the research-backed ingredients you should look for if you want to naturally support your testosterone production. These ingredients are not steroids. They’re natural options that have shown to help provide that edge you’re looking for. We'll also share the dose you should look for if you want them to be effective.
1) LJ100® Tongkat Ali (200mg)
While tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) extract has rightly risen in popularity due to its emerging research, it’s important to choose the patented LJ100® form both for its backing and because it has a standardized amount of the active compounds.
Without the active compounds, generic root powder may do little for you.
Made in collaboration with researchers at MIT, patented LJ100® has been shown to have pro-androgenic effects.*
Evidence suggests that LJ100® may increase the bioavailability of testosterone by lowering the amount of sex hormone binding globulin, or SHBG, and reducing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.*
Around age 30, SHBG begins to naturally increase. This is also the age when testosterone begins to naturally decrease.
In a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, subjects with moderate stress supplemented with 200mg of LJ100®.
After four weeks, cortisol levels decreased while testosterone levels increased.*
Backed by 25+ studies, LJ100® Tongkat Ali is a key ingredient to look for if your goal is natural T support.
2) KSM-66® Ashwagandha (600mg)
Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogen, most often used for stress and cortisol support.
But at higher doses (600mg daily), it has been shown to support strength, muscle mass, and testosterone in resistance-trained men.*
For example, one 8-week trial gave healthy men 600 mg/day (split dose) alongside weightlifting.
Those taking ashwagandha saw significantly greater increases in bench-press and leg-extension strength, and greater muscle size gains
The ashwagandha group also had a much larger rise in testosterone and a bigger drop in body fat (−3.5% vs −1.5%).
In short, KSM-66 Ashwagandha not only supports a healthy stress response, which itself is helpful for testosterone, but in human trials it raised total testosterone, lean mass, and strength while reducing body fat.
Again, the dose and the form are key. KSM-66® is the research-backed form for testosterone support alongside resistance training. And anything below 600mg daily hasn’t shown to provide these results.
3) L-OptiZinc® (11-30mg Daily)
Zinc is one of the most common ingredients you’ll see in testosterone boosters. It’s a mineral that plays an essential for in testosterone production.
However, the benefits of this important mineral are dependent on the amount of zinc that is actually absorbed and utilized by the body.
L-OptiZinc®, which is zinc bound to methionine, is absorbed better and sustains higher plasma levels compared to some other zinc forms.*
After all, it’s not what you take, it’s what you absorb.
If you focus on getting ample zinc in your diet, you can skip this one. However, just going for the cheapest pharmacy zinc probably isn’t going to lead to the absorption you’re hoping for.
4) 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) (120 mg Daily)
DIM is another popular ingredient with ample research behind it.
It can help maintain estrogen levels within the healthy range. This in turn can help maintain healthy testosterone levels.*
It’s a powerful phytochemical derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Like zinc, if your diet is on point, you don’t need to supplement with it.
5) PrimeVie® Shilajit (200mg Daily)
Shilajit is an adaptogen, so like ashwagandha, it helps your body adapt to stress.
Naturally found in the Himalayan mountains, it’s rich in fulvic acid, minerals, and other organic compounds.
PrimaVie® is a well-studied, standardized shilajit that helps support testosterone levels in the healthy range.*
It contains over 40 different minerals, which you can guarantee if you choose the patented form.
While not at the top of the list for testosterone boosters, it’s a great addition to a quality supplement.
6) Vitamin D3 (~1500 IU Daily)
You probably know about this one. Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is a crucial nutrient that supports numerous bodily functions, particularly those concerning bone health and immune health. It has also been shown to support testosterone production and overall hormone balance.
Vitamin D3 can help maintain testosterone levels within the normal healthy range, contributing to strength, mood, and energy levels.*
If you’re not getting lots of sunlight, you’ll want to supplement with vitamin D3 (or find a testosterone booster that has it).
7) Boron (10mg Daily)
Boron is a trace mineral that is emerging as a potentially potent contributor to men's health and vitality.
Like LJ100®, boron can support testosterone by reducing the binding to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), making more free testosterone available in the bloodstream.
Avocados and peanuts are rich in boron. That's why they're on our list of non-protein foods that help build muscle.
If boron-rich foods aren't part of your diet, consider supplementing or start adding avocados to your meals or peanut butter to your smoothies.
8) MR-10™ Korean Dandelion & Rooibos Extract (400 mg)
At Kaged, we are always on the lookout for innovative ingredients backed by the latest science. In our most advanced test support supplement, Test Elite, we included MR-10™ Korean dandelion and rooibos extract.
We’ll admit, the research on this one is more sparse, but extremely compelling. It works through a different pathway than the supplements on this list. It helps protect Leydig Cells (special cells found in the testes) from age-related stress.
By supporting natural age-related stress, it supports free and total testosterone as well as prostate health.*
Enter: Kaged Test and Test Elite
Again, a testosterone booster isn’t for everybody, and is not a replacement for the basics. There’s no quick fix to boosting testosterone.
However, the research on these ingredients mentioned above clearly shows that the right supplements can support healthy testosterone levels.
That’s why we’ve formulated two testosterone support supplements.
Our original Kaged Test formula (formerly known as Ferodrox) contains the science-backed doses of…
- LJ100® Tongkat Ali
- KSM-66® Ashwagandha
- L-OptiZinc®
- DIM
- PrimeVie® Shilajit
- BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract (to support absorption)
Meanwhile, the more advanced option, Kaged Test Elite includes…
- MR-10™ Botanicals
- KSM-66® Ashwagandha
- L-OptiZinc®
- DIM
- Boron
- Vitamin D3
- S7™ Plant Blend (for nitric oxide support)
SHOP TESTOSTERONE SUPPORT
If you’re not sure which one is best for your goals, feel free to reach out to our team and we’ll get back to you during business hours. (We’re a small group, no AI chatbots here.)
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
