Formula #029: Here're 5 supplements that boost testosterone by over 20% in human studies (not rats).

Welcome back to another edition of the formula.

In today's issue, you'll learn:

• Quote of the day

• 3 major pitfalls of most scientific studies done on testosterone

• 5 supplements proven to boost testosterone by over 20% in humans (not rats)

Read time: 4:50 minutes.

Let's dive in.

Quote of The Day

As men, we are born with no inherent worth.

We must earn our worth through pain and sacrifice.

The real flex in life is learning to struggle well.

That’s how we become resilient and men of worth.

Once you truly recognise the value in this, you’ll become unstoppable.

3 Undervalued Pitfalls of Most Testosterone Studies You Need to Know.

What might surprise some of you is this:

All studies are not created equal.

For example, when you read a newspaper headline,

“Eating meat gives you cancer”

1. It’s deliberately provocative and polarising to grab your attention.

2. 99% of the time, they are referencing survey-based science A.K.A epidemiology science

And guess what?

Most epidemiology studies have huge flaws with their design and therefore, the quality of outcomes is severely distorted.

And an even more disturbing truth?

Over 65% of health studies are funded by industry or big pharma.

Scientists go where money flows, as most studies are extremely expensive.

You can appreciate, Pharma and/or industry won’t invest millions of dollars unless it’ll benefit their bottom line.

Here’re 3 other key pitfalls you need to know:

1. Confounding variables:

   In survey based, epidemiology studies, it's challenging to control for all variables that may impact the outcome being studied.

   For example, other factors may be at play that are not being measured or accounted for in the study, which could impact the results.

   These variables are known as confounding variables and can lead to inaccurate or misleading results.

   For example, diet and lifestyle factors like smoking or drinking status.

2. Bias:

   Bias can also impact the credibility of epidemiology studies.

   Bias occurs when there is a systematic error in the design, conduct, or analysis of a study that leads to a distorted or inaccurate result.

   For example, Dr Ancel Keys used bias for his infamous saturated fat study that led to the consequent demonisation of saturated fat.

   He literally cherry picked countries to fit his hypothesis that completely corrupted the outcomes.

3. Causation vs. correlation:

   Epidemiology studies can only show an association between exposure and outcome, and cannot prove causation.

   In other words, just because two things are correlated does not necessarily mean that one caused the other.

   Other factors may be at play that are not being accounted for in the study.

   Therefore, it is important to be cautious when interpreting epidemiology studies and to consider other evidence before drawing conclusions about causality.

Whereas, the “creme de le creme” of science concerns human based, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). They are superior to any other scientific study design.

Why?

Because they use a rigorous and systematic approach to minimize the influence of confounding variables and biases.

Here are three reasons why RCTs are often considered the gold standard in clinical research:

1. Minimize selection bias:

   RCTs use randomization to assign participants to treatment or control groups, which helps to minimize selection bias.

   Selection bias can occur when certain participants are more likely to be assigned to one group or the other, which could influence the study's results.

2. Control for confounding variables:

   RCTs are designed to control for confounding variables, which are factors that could affect the outcome being studied (like lifestyle and diet) but are not related to the treatment being tested.

   By using randomization to assign participants to groups, RCTs ensure that confounding variables are distributed evenly between the treatment and control groups.

3. Allow for causal inference: 

   RCTs allow for causal inference, which means that they can demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship between the treatment and the outcome being studied.

   Because RCTs control for confounding variables and biases, they provide strong evidence that any observed differences in outcomes between the treatment and control groups are due to the treatment being tested.

Overall, RCTs are superior to other study designs because they provide rigorous and systematic control of confounding variables and biases, which allows for stronger conclusions to be drawn about cause-and-effect relationships.

Here're 5 supplements that boost testosterone by over 20% in RCTs using humans (not rats).

1. Shilajit:

   Shilajit is a natural substance found in the Himalayas that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

   Several RCTs have shown that supplementation with shilajit can increase testosterone levels in men.

   One study found that daily supplementation with shilajit for 90 days increased testosterone levels by 20%.

   My personal favourite is Lajit Gold. If you don’t want to use an aff link, click here.

2. Creatine:

   Creatine is a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders that has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength.

   Several RCTs have also found that creatine supplementation can increase testosterone levels.

   One study found that supplementing with creatine for six weeks increased testosterone levels by 22%.

   My personal favourite is Creapure Creatine (no aff).

3. Vitamin D3:

   Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a role in many biological processes, including bone health, immune function, and hormone regulation.

   Several RCTs have shown that supplementing with vitamin D3 can increase testosterone levels in men.

   One study found that supplementing with 3,332 IU of vitamin D3 per day for one year increased testosterone levels by 25%.

   My personal favourite is Seeing Health’s D3 (no aff).

4. Boron:

   Boron is a trace mineral that is found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

   Several RCTs have found that boron supplementation can increase testosterone levels in men.

   One study found that supplementing with 10 mg of boron per day for seven days increased testosterone levels by 28%.

   I haven’t used it personally, so I won’t make a recommendation.

5. Magnesium:

   Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in many biological processes, including muscle and nerve function, energy metabolism, and bone health.

   Several RCTs have found that magnesium supplementation can increase testosterone levels in men.

   One study found that supplementing with 750 mg of magnesium per day for four weeks increased testosterone levels by 26%.

Make your own for less than $25 here:

In conclusion, if you're looking to naturally boost your testosterone levels, these five supplements - shilajit, creatine, vitamin D3, boron, and magnesium - have been shown to be effective in human-based RCTs.

However, whilst they may help, it is important to note that the bulk of testosterone and health optimisation comes from sunlight, regular movement, animal based eating, and adequate sleep.

This is not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any supplementation regimen.

That’s all for this Monday.

If you’re not getting value out of these tips, please consider unsubscribing.

I won’t mind and there are no hard feelings.

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Otherwise, see you again next week - same time, same place.

Your, Simmo.

P.S:

Here’s my pre-newsletter draft meal. 6 eggs fried in coconut oil.

P.S.S:

If you’re an executive or entrepreneur between 35-50 struggling with:

• Low energy

• Erectile issues

• Sleep problems

• Insecurity around women

• Low self-esteem or confidence

• Body-conscious (skinny or overweight)

Odds are, you may have low testosterone.

If you’d like to have an informal, confidential chat about your situation to better understand whether my 7-pillar system may be appropriate for you.

Book a free discovery call here.