The 10 best testosterone boosters for ED

There isn’t enough scientific evidence to support the use of testosterone boosters for  erectile dysfunction (ED), but there are other proven strategies to address ED. And when ED is caused by a testosterone deficiency, there are better options out there like prescription medication. 

But if you’re set on checking out testosterone boosters for ED, keep reading to find out how these supplements work, whether they’re safe, and  which research-backed options you might be better off considering first. 

Since testosterone boosters are supplements, they aren’t regulated or approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they don’t have the same clinical safety backing of FDA-approved treatments for low T like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

This means that what each product contains (and how much) may vary, and it’s questionable if they even work. Some of the individual ingredients found in these products may be beneficial on their own, though — and could potentially help with ED, especially if the underlying cause is low T. You should discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting any of these supplements. 

Here are 10 common testosterone booster ingredients that might play a role in sexual health.

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1. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps keep our bodies functioning properly. One role zinc plays in those assigned male at birth (referred to as men from hereon out for simplicity’s sake) is balancing hormone levels, including testosterone. Studies have found that zinc deficiencies can reduce testosterone levels. 

If you’re experiencing ED due to a zinc deficiency, taking supplements to improve testosterone levels may help. More human research is needed, but animal studies have found improved erectile function in zinc-deficient rats treated with zinc. This may be why zinc is one of the most common ingredients found in testosterone boosters.

If you don’t have a zinc deficiency, though, supplementing with this mineral is unlikely to do much, for your erections or otherwise.

2. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb similar to clover that is sometimes used as an herbal remedy. While not a proven medical treatment for low testosterone, studies show that fenugreek extract can yield significant improvements in total testosterone, which may support better erectile function if low T is a contributing factor. But more research is needed to say for certain.

3. Vitamin B6

Though vitamin B6 is a common component in testosterone boosters, there’s not adequate evidence to show it does much for testosterone. However, vitamin B6 may have other sexual health benefits; one study found that dietary intake of vitamin B6 (and other B vitamins) was linked to a significantly decreased risk of ED in younger men.

4. Boron

Boron is another common ingredient in testosterone supplements, but there’s not a lot of evidence to suggest it has any real impact on sexual function. One study showed boron supplementation increased free testosterone levels in men, but this study did not comment on sexual function.  

5. Magnesium

Magnesium has become a popular supplement used for sleep, anxiety, and mood. It may also be beneficial for testosterone. Although research is limited, magnesium deficiencies have been linked to ED, and some research shows magnesium supplements may increase testosterone in the body. 

6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D, which we get through food and sunlight, is critical for building and maintaining strong bones, among other functions. While research on vitamin D and testosterone is inconclusive, studies have found vitamin D is important for erectile function.

7. D-aspartic acid

Unrelated to vitamin D, D-aspartic acid is an amino acid often marketed to boost testosterone, build muscle, and potentially improve ED. While it’s naturally produced by the body and involved in hormone regulation, research on D-aspartic acid is mixed. Some studies showed no effect, while others found D-aspartic acid actually decreased testosterone.

8. Maca

Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, maca root has long been used as a medicinal herb for low sex drive, ED, infertility, and more. There’s limited research on maca’s benefits for erectile function, though some research suggests it may improve sexual desire independent of hormonal changes. 

9. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, is another plant that’s been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It contains potentially health-promoting properties found to be beneficial for cognitive function, heart protection, and sexual health. 

Some studies have found that ashwagandha extract can increase testosterone levels in men, including those with obesity and mild fatigue. 

There’s no direct proof it works for ED, but if you’re having hormonal imbalances, ashwagandha may be something to look into as a supplement to your healthcare provider's recommended treatment.

10. DHEA

DHEA is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It’s what’s called a “precursor hormone,” which means it converts to other hormones (such as testosterone). Some testosterone boosters contain DHEA, but DHEA can also  be taken on its own in the hopes of increasing muscle strength, boosting sex drive, and reducing the effects of aging. 

Some studies have shown DHEA supplements effectively increase testosterone, though the evidence is mixed and depends on the population. So is DHEA a panacea for men’s sexual health? Probably not. Before taking it, speak with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe for you.

Even though testosterone boosters contain lots of natural ingredients that may not sound harmful at first, they come with potential risks. The biggest problem with these products is, because they’re supplements, they don’t undergo the same stringent research and testing process as FDA-approved prescription medications and treatments like TRT do.

That means doses of individual ingredients listed could be inaccurate or more powerful than advertised, which could result in unwanted or dangerous side effects. 

One review of testosterone boosters found that 13 products exceeded the FDA-recommended daily allowance of substances like zinc and magnesium. 

Consuming too much zinc can cause GI issues and impact the body’s ability to absorb other important nutrients like copper and magnesium. And taking too much magnesium can impact the heart’s natural rhythm especially in those with underlying kidney disease.

Because of the limited research on testosterone boosters for ED, we don’t know a lot about their side effects either. They may or may not be similar to the side effects and risks of FDA-approved testosterone therapies, which include:

• Acne and other skin issues

• Hormone imbalances

• Mood changes

• Weight gain

• Hair loss

• Disrupted sleep 

• Increased risk for blood clots such as pulmonary embolism

Any supplement, including testosterone boosters, can interact with certain medications. If you want to try a testosterone supplement and have an underlying health condition or are taking prescription medication, speak to a healthcare provider first to determine if they’re safe for you to use. 

While decreases in testosterone are more common as you get older (oh, the joys of aging), there are some lifestyle changes you can implement that may help balance or support your  hormone levels. Note that if you have been diagnosed with low T, lifestyle changes will promote overall health, but medical treatments like TRT may still be needed.

Here are the lifestyle changes most likely to benefit testosterone:

• Manage stress: Increased cortisol, a stress hormone, can negatively impact testosterone levels. Finding stress management techniques that work for you — such as meditation, yoga, stretching, spending time in nature, or working with a therapist — may help improve testosterone levels, alleviate ED, and support overall sexual health. 

• Get enough sleep: Your body works hard while you’re sleeping, including regenerating cells and producing hormones like testosterone. Short sleep duration has been linked to low testosterone and erectile dysfunction. So getting adequate sleep is important for numerous aspects of sexual function. 

• Reduce alcohol use: Heavy drinking over time negatively impacts testosterone in men, as chronic alcohol use can damage internal structures in the testicles, which are responsible for testosterone production.

• Exercise: Getting regular physical activity is always beneficial for overall health, but certain types might specifically help with testosterone. Exercises like high-intensity interval training and weightlifting that focus on building muscle may encourage testosterone production in the short term. That being said, it’s unknown whether exercise alone would lead to sustainable increases in baseline testosterone.

• Diet: Eating a nutritious diet with plenty of whole foods (rather than fried or processed foods) is important for all aspects of health, including sexual health. The Mediterranean diet in particular, full of leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish, has been found to support testosterone in some studies. However these findings haven’t been consistent across all research so more evidence is needed.

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Testosterone boosters may contain ingredients that show promise on their own, but there isn’t enough evidence to prove these supplements are safe and effective for increasing testosterone levels or improving ED symptoms. Here’s what you should know:

• Testosterone boosters aren’t regulated like prescription medications. Without FDA oversight, testosterone boosters may contain unknown ingredients at varying quantities, potentially causing more harm than good.

• TRT is a proven medical option for low T. These FDA-approved treatments require a prescription from a healthcare provider after a thorough medical evaluation.

• Natural lifestyle strategies can also help boost testosterone and overall health. These strategies include getting enough exercise, following a healthy diet, lowering your stress levels, and getting quality sleep.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or suspect you have low T, your best bet is to speak with a healthcare provider who can check your levels and recommend an appropriate course of treatment if needed.