BODYDATA
Research
Study type: Randomized controlled trialConfidence: Moderate

Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Testosterone Levels and Immune Function

Prasad AS, et al.

Year1996
Sample sizen=40
JournalNutrition
AuthorsPrasad AS, et al.

Evidence is still building up

Summary

Summary

An RCT examining the effects of zinc supplementation (45 mg/day, 6 months) on testosterone and immune function in zinc-deficient young and older men. Testosterone was significantly lower in zinc-deficient individuals and recovered to normal range with supplementation. Immune markers (NK cell activity, IL-2, etc.) also improved.

Source (read the original)

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DOI: 10.1016/s0899-9007(96)00182-5

Key Findings

Key findings

  • 1

    In zinc-deficient older men, testosterone approximately doubled with supplementation (recovery within normal range)

  • 2

    Immune function markers—NK cell activity, T-cell proliferation, and IL-2 production—improved significantly

  • 3

    No testosterone increase was observed in men with normal zinc status from additional supplementation

  • 4

    Small sample size (n=40) limits generalizability

Last checked: 2026-06-24