A scientific review published in the International Journal of Endocrinology examined biological relationships between magnesium in the system and testosterone, using data from observational and intervention studies of male subjects. ”In particular, there is evidence that magnesium exerts a positive influence on anabolic hormonal status, including testosterone, in men,” the report states. Magnesium has an effect on Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) that increases the amount of bioavailable testosterone, commonly known as “free-T” in the bloodstream. There is also a connection between magnesium deficiency and oxidative stress, leading to low-grade inflammation, and these in turn can negatively impact T levels in men, according to the report.
Pointing out that “magnesium supplementation has been shown to have an apparent beneficial effect on male gonadal system, as observed in a very recent study performed on sexually mature male rats,” the report concludes by saying“Male individuals with impaired magnesium status and T deficiency (accurately assessed) could benefit from magnesium and/or T treatment targeting physical performance.”
Reference:
Maggio M, et al. The Interplay between Magnesium and Testosterone in Modulating Physical Function in Men. Int J Endocrinol. 2014;2014:525249.