Evidence supporting the use of: Lipids
For the body system: Testosterone

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lipids, particularly certain types of dietary fats, play a scientifically validated role in supporting testosterone production in the body. Testosterone is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol, a lipid-derived molecule. Multiple studies have demonstrated that very low-fat diets can reduce serum testosterone levels, while diets containing moderate amounts of fat, especially saturated and monounsaturated fats, are associated with higher testosterone concentrations. For example, a 1997 study by Volek et al. in "Journal of Applied Physiology" found that men consuming higher proportions of dietary fat had significantly higher testosterone levels than those consuming low-fat diets. Additionally, cholesterol serves as the direct biochemical precursor to all steroid hormones, including testosterone.

However, not all lipids have the same effect. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-6s, may have a negative impact on testosterone, while saturated and monounsaturated fats (like those in olive oil and animal fats) are more consistently linked to increased testosterone synthesis. The mechanism involves the availability of cholesterol for steroidogenesis and the influence of membrane lipids on hormone signaling. While the evidence does not support extreme fat consumption, a balanced intake of healthy lipids is important for optimal testosterone production. Thus, the use of lipids to support the testosterone body system is grounded in scientific evidence, though the effect size is moderate and individual results may vary.

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