Do Low-Fat Diets Result in Decreased Testosterone Key Points
- Low-fat diets have been found to result in decreased testosterone, but this effect is modest. Low fat diets are often accompanied by mineral deficiencies such as zinc, magnesium, and Vitamin D, which are important for testosterone production.
- Types of fats consumed can impact testosterone. Higher saturated and monounsaturated fats have been found to increase testosterone, whereas higher polyunsaturated fats can result in decreased testosterone.
- Many low-fat studies found reduced testosterone did not use resistance exercise. Studies have found that when comparing low-fat and high-fat diet with equal protein and calories result in similar increases in muscle mass.
- You can gain muscle on a low-fat diet as long as adequate calories, protein, and nutrients are consumed in conjunction with resistance exercise.
Introduction: Low fat Diets and Decreased Testosterone
Testosterone, a hormone vital for male health, plays a crucial role in various aspects of well-being, including physical strength, sexual health, and mental fitness. Testosterone (T) is fundamental to male physiology and reproductive health. Low endogenous T levels are associated with a higher risk of chronic disease; (Corona et al., 2018; Yao et al., 2018) and all-cause mortality. (Araujo et al., 2011) Several studies in Western and other modernized countries have found an age-independent population decline in men’s serum total testosterone (TT) of approximately 1% per year, beginning in the 1970s.(Mazur et al., 2013; Travison et al., 2007)
Obesity is suspected to be the reason for the trend in decline in testosterone, but obesity is only partly explained. Some other factors for the decrease in testosterone, such as the rise in processed food consumption and sedentary behavior, are more than doubling in Western countries. (Chodick et al., 2020) A study by Tremellen et al. found that ingesting a high-fat “fast food” mixed meal resulted in a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels within an hour of eating. (Tremellen et al., 2019)
Diet, particularly the consumption of fats, can significantly influence testosterone levels. (Whittaker & Wu, 2021) This article will delve into the relationship between low-fat diets and testosterone, highlighting the importance of the type of fats consumed for testosterone production and the role of resistance exercise.
The Connection Between Low-Fat Diets and Decreased Testosterone
Low-fat diets have gained popularity in health and fitness circles due to their potential benefits in weight management and cardiovascular health. However, recent research suggests that these diets may lead to a modest decrease in testosterone levels in men. (Whittaker & Wu, 2021) The relationship between low-fat diets and testosterone levels is complex; not all studies have found a decrease in testosterone with low-fat diets.
Some studies have found that low-fat diets can increase testosterone. (Hill et al., 1980) This may be due to the types of fat consumed and the subjects’ starting weight (i.e., overweight or obese). Generally, weight loss causes an increase in testosterone in overweight subjects and a decrease in testosterone in calorie-restricted normal-weight subjects. (Hammoud et al., 2012; Kaukua et al., 2003; Moran et al., 2016; Schulte et al., 2013)
The Role of Different Types of Fats and Testosterone
Including a variety of healthy fats in your diet is essential for maintaining optimal testosterone levels. Saturated fats and monounsaturated fats play a crucial role in testosterone production, while polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-6 fatty acids, may have a negative impact on testosterone levels if consumed in excess. Sources of healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts can support hormone balance and promote the production of testosterone. Balancing fat intake and choosing the right types of fats is vital for overall health and maintaining optimal testosterone levels.
How do different fats impact testosterone levels?
Different types of fats, including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, constitute a diverse group of nutrients. You can typically find saturated fats in animal products and processed foods, while foods like olive oil, avocados, and nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats. Fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds contain polyunsaturated fats, which include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Numerous studies show that consuming various types of fats can influence testosterone production.
Saturated Fats
- Short-chain saturated fatty acids: Dairy products like butter and cheese, as well as some plant-based foods like coconut and palm oil, have high concentrations of short-chain saturated fatty acids.
- Medium-chain saturated fatty acids: Medium-chain saturated fatty acids are present in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, and you can also find them in dairy products like butter and cheese.
- Long-chain saturated fatty acids: Animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, and plant-based foods like palm and coconut, contain long-chain saturated fatty acids.
Polyunsaturated Fats
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. They are also found in some plant-based foods, such as flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and walnuts.
- Omega-6 fatty acids: These are found in vegetable oils, such as corn oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. They are also found in some nuts and seeds, such as almonds and peanuts.
Monounsaturated Fats
Oleic acid: This is the most common type of monounsaturated fat. It is found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
Palmitoleic acid: This is found in high concentrations in beef, lamb, and pork. It is also found in some plant-based foods, such as avocados and olives.
Stearidon acid: This is a rare type of monounsaturated fat. It is found in small amounts in some plant-based foods, such as avocados and olives.
Studies
A recent 2021 study on low-fat diets found that low-fat diets moderately affected decreasing testosterone. Interesting observations that were obtained from the meta-analysis were:
• The 2 studies with the largest decrease in total testosterone were seen in the 2 studies with vegetarian low-fat diets. These diets may have been lower in zinc, a common feature of vegetarian diets, and marginal zinc deficiency has been found to decrease total testosterone. Therefore, maintaining adequate zinc levels is important for optimal testosterone production.
• Diets high in saturated fats raise cholesterol levels, but we don’t fully understand this relationship. Testosterone production requires a specific cholesterol threshold, but it doesn’t benefit from excessively high levels. Zhang et al. (2014) found that high cholesterol levels in the blood (hypercholesterolemia) correlate with lower total testosterone levels. When fed high-cholesterol diets, rodents show decreased testosterone levels because of the downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes. (Yu et al., 2019) Therefore, the evidence suggests that high cholesterol levels or diets decrease testosterone levels rather than increase them.
Impact of Different Fats on Testosterone Levels
Interestingly, not all fats impact testosterone levels in the same way. Research suggests that diets lower in saturated and monounsaturated fats and higher in polyunsaturated fats tend to decrease testosterone more than diets with higher levels of saturated and monounsaturated fats. (Derouiche et al., 2013; Raben et al., 1992)
The Raben et al. study found that decreasing mono and saturated fats and increasing the polyunsaturated to saturated fats ratio while keeping total fat intake stable decreased total testosterone by 15%. The Derouiche et al. study found that replacing 25g/day of butter with either olive or argan oil (i.e., rich sources of monounsaturated fats) increased total testosterone.
This suggests that the type of fat consumed is a crucial factor in determining the impact of a low-fat diet on testosterone levels. Furthermore, Omega-6 polyunsaturated fat intake is inversely correlated to testicular volume, suggesting a direct adverse effect on testicular function. (L et al., 2017)
Resistance Exercise and Diet
Despite all the studies finding that low-fat diets can decrease testosterone, studies comparing low-fat and high-fat diets in conjunction with resistance exercise have generally found similar increases in muscle mass as long as calorie intake remains the same. (Hu et al., 2021; Vargas-Molina et al., 2022) Most low-fat studies have found decreases in testosterone, but the subjects were not involved in any exercise. Testosterone production is related to calorie surplus.
Conclusion
Including a balance of healthy fats in your diet is crucial for maintaining optimal hormone function. Low-fat diets that eliminate all fats, including healthy fats, may lead to decreased testosterone levels. However, healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil are essential for hormone production and can actually increase testosterone levels.
With the right nutritional guidelines and by consuming appropriate fats and nutrients/vitamins, an individual can gain muscle and boost testosterone levels on a low-fat diet. We need further research to comprehensively understand these connections and to create dietary guidelines that promote healthy testosterone levels. Before making significant alterations to their diet or exercise routine, individuals must seek advice from healthcare professionals (MD).
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to determine the best diet plan for your individual needs and goals. Remember that overall lifestyle factors, including exercise, stress management, and sleep, also play a role in testosterone levels.
References
Araujo, A. B., Dixon, J. M., Suarez, E. A., Murad, M. H., Guey, L. T., & Wittert, G. A. (2011). Clinical review: Endogenous testosterone and mortality in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 96(10), 3007-3019. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2011-1137
Chodick, G., Epstein, S., & Shalev, V. (2020). Secular Trends in Testosterone- Findings From a Large State-Mandate Care Provider. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-020-00575-2
Corona, G., Rastrelli, G., Di Pasquale, G., Sforza, A., Mannucci, E., & Maggi, M. (2018). Endogenous Testosterone Levels and Cardiovascular Risk: Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. J Sex Med, 15(9), 1260-1271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.06.012
Derouiche, A., Jafri, A., Driouch, I., El Khasmi, M., Adlouni, A., Benajiba, N., Bamou, Y., Saile, R., & Benouhoud, M. (2013). Effect of argan and olive oil consumption on the hormonal profile of androgens among healthy adult Moroccan men. Nat Prod Commun, 8(1), 51-53.
Hammoud, A. O., Meikle, A. W., Reis, L. O., Gibson, M., Peterson, C. M., & Carrell, D. T. (2012). Obesity and Male Infertility: A Practical Approach. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1328877
References
Hill, P., Wynder, E., Garbaczewski, L., Garnes, H., Walker, A. R., & Helman, P. (1980). Plasma hormones and lipids in men at different risk for coronary heart disease. Am J Clin Nutr, 33(5), 1010-1018. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/33.5.1010
Hu, J., Wang, Z., Lei, B., Li, J., & Wang, R. (2021). Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet Combined with High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition and Maximal Oxygen Uptake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(20), 10740. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/20/10740
Kaukua, J., Pekkarinen, T., Sane, T., & Mustajoki, P. (2003). Sex Hormones and Sexual Function in Obese Men Losing Weight. Obesity Research. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2003.98
L, M. I.-A., Chavarro, J. E., Mendiola, J., Roca, M., Tanrikut, C., Vioque, J., Jørgensen, N., & Torres-Cantero, A. M. (2017). Fatty acid intake in relation to reproductive hormones and testicular volume among young healthy men. Asian J Androl, 19(2), 184-190. https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682x.190323
References
Mazur, A., Westerman, R., & Mueller, U. (2013). Is Rising Obesity Causing a Secular (Age-Independent) Decline in Testosterone among American Men? PLoS One, 8(10), e76178. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0076178
Moran, L. J., Brinkworth, G. D., Martin, S., Wycherley, T. P., Stuckey, B., Lutze, J., Clifton, P. M., Wittert, G. A., & Noakes, M. (2016). Long-Term Effects of a Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing High Protein or High Carbohydrate Weight Loss Diets on Testosterone, SHBG, Erectile and Urinary Function in Overweight and Obese Men. PLoS One, 11(9), e0161297. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161297
Raben, A., Kiens, B., Richter, E. A., Rasmussen, L. B., Svenstrup, B., Micic, S., & Bennett, P. (1992). Serum sex hormones and endurance performance after a lacto-ovo vegetarian and a mixed diet. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 24(11), 1290-1297.
Schulte, D., Hahn, M., Oberhauser, F., Malchau, G., Schubert, M., Heppner, C., Müller, N., Güdelhöfer, H., Faust, M., Krone, W., & Laudes, M. (2013). Caloric Restriction Increases Serum Testosterone Concentrations in Obese Male Subjects by Two Distinct Mechanisms. Hormone and Metabolic Research. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1358678
Travison, T. G., Araujo, A. B., O’Donnell, A. B., Kupelian, V., & McKinlay, J. B. (2007). A population-level decline in serum testosterone levels in American men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 92(1), 196-202. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2006-1375
References
Tremellen, K., Hill, A. L., & Pearce, K. (2019). Mechanistic Insights Into the Aetiology of Post‐prandial Decline in Testosterone in Reproductive‐aged Men. Andrologia. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.13418
Vargas-Molina, S., Gómez-Urquiza, J. L., García-Romero, J., & Benítez-Porres, J. (2022). Effects of the Ketogenic Diet on Muscle Hypertrophy in Resistance-Trained Men and Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 19(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912629
Whittaker, J., & Wu, K. (2021). Low-fat diets and testosterone in men: Systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol, 210, 105878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105878
Yao, Q. M., Wang, B., An, X. F., Zhang, J. A., & Ding, L. (2018). Testosterone level and risk of type 2 diabetes in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocr Connect, 7(1), 220-231. https://doi.org/10.1530/ec-17-0253
Yu, C., Jiang, F., Zhang, M., Luo, D., Shao, S., Zhao, J., Gao, L., Zuo, C., & Guan, Q. (2019). HC diet inhibited testosterone synthesis by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress in testicular Leydig cells. J Cell Mol Med, 23(5), 3140-3150. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.14143
Zhang, N., Zhang, H., Zhang, X., Zhang, B., Wang, F., Wang, C., Zhao, M., Yu, C., Gao, L., Zhao, J., & Guan, Q. (2014). The relationship between endogenous testosterone and lipid profile in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men. European Journal of Endocrinology, 170(4), 487-494. https://doi.org/10.1530/eje-13-0802
What are the symptoms of decreased testosterone?
Symptoms of decreased testosterone include fatigue, reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depression, irritability, and loss of muscle mass. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Additional Information
Low-fat diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, often touted for their potential benefits in weight management and heart health. However, these diets can have unintended consequences, particularly for men. One of the most significant effects is a potential decrease in testosterone levels, a crucial hormone for male health.
Testosterone, produced primarily in the testicles, plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions. It’s responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty, such as facial and body hair growth. It also regulates facial hair, sperm production, sex drive, bone density, and fat distribution. Low levels of testosterone, a condition known as hypogonadism, can lead to various symptoms, including erectile dysfunction, erection difficulty, reduced libido, and changes in mood and body composition. Men often receive hormone therapy, such as testosterone treatment, to restore normal levels.
Decreased Testosterone and Low Fat Diets
Doctors typically measure testosterone levels using a blood test, usually conducted in the morning when testosterone levels peak. The lab analyzing the blood sample can influence the normal range, but most consider a testosterone level of less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) to be low.
Low-fat diets can lead to deficiencies in specific nutrients, such as Vitamin D, Zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for testosterone production. This deficiency can result in low testosterone levels, which can profoundly impact men’s health.
Decreased Testosterone and Health
Low testosterone levels can lead to several health issues. For instance, it can cause sexual dysfunction, including gynecomastia, reduced sex drive, and erectile dysfunction. It can also lead to decreased sperm production, which can impact fertility. Moreover, low testosterone levels can affect the pituitary gland, which regulates the production of testosterone and sperm production through the hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH. Prolactin, another hormone regulated by the hypothalamus, can also be affect low testosterone levels.
In the realm of urology, low testosterone levels are often occur with certain medical conditions. For example, Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition in men, often results in hypogonadism. Conditions like sleep apnea and high blood pressure can also lead to low testosterone levels.
Testosterone deficiency is not just a concern for older men. It can affect adult men of all ages and can have serious health implications. For instance, low testosterone levels can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and increased risk of heart attack. It can also lead to increased body fat and decreased muscle mass, affecting overall metabolism.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Doctors commonly use Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) to treat low testosterone levels. They can administer this therapy through injections, gels, or pellets. However, it’s crucial to understand that testosterone therapy can cause side effects. These side effects might include sleep apnea, acne, an increased red blood cell count, and even the stimulation of prostate cancer cell growth.
Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates testosterone therapy. The FDA recommends using testosterone therapy only for men with blood test-confirmed low testosterone levels who also show symptoms of low testosterone.
In conclusion, while low-fat diets can have certain health benefits, it’s essential to consider their potential impact on testosterone levels. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new diet or treatment options, especially for those with existing medical conditions or those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.
Remember, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and managing stress are all crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels and overall health.
About The Author
