Zinc is an essential mineral involved in immune function, protein synthesis, cell growth, and normal reproductive health. It also plays a role in normal testosterone physiology.
What does the research say?
Zinc deficiency can negatively affect testosterone production and reproductive function. Correcting inadequate zinc intake or a confirmed deficiency may help restore normal physiological function.
However, taking additional zinc has not been established as an effective way to increase testosterone in men who already have adequate zinc levels.
Safety considerations
Zinc supplementation may be appropriate when dietary intake is insufficient or a healthcare professional identifies a deficiency. Excessive intake can cause nausea and interfere with copper absorption. Long-term excessive intake may lead to copper deficiency and other health problems.
Key takeaway: Zinc is essential for men's health, but more is not necessarily better. Supplementation is most likely to be useful when zinc intake or status is inadequate.