Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays a key role in building muscle mass, maintaining bone density, fueling libido, and generally keeping you healthy. When testosterone levels drop too low, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression, and extreme fatigue.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant with a reputation for being able to help with a variety of health conditions. Also called thioctic acid, ALA is a powerful antioxidant that can also regenerate other antioxidants.
So, can alpha-lipoic acid increase testosterone? This article explores the current scientific evidence related to ALA and testosterone levels. We’ll look at both animal and human studies, and we’ll consider the mechanisms through which ALA might affect testosterone production. Finally, we’ll evaluate whether ALA has potential as a therapeutic intervention.