Let's examine some testosterone boosters

Dehydroepiandrostenone - DHEA

DHEA is naturally an androgenic hormone made in the adrenal cortex gland, and is two steps in the chemical pathway up from testosterone; i.e. it is a pro-hormone for testosterone. Other than being involved in testosterone manufacture, it has other direct functions including energy production, sexual maturation and muscle growth.

Clinically, DHEA is used to improve deficient immune systems. It is sold by lots of supplement companies, who report it to have numerous functions in sport. Its use has mixed reports in bodybuilding. Females and older athletes may benefit from it more, as natural DHEA levels diminish after 25 years old in males, and are much lower in females. As a supplement, it is only effective in people who have a lower level of natural DHEA, in which case it may lead to increased natural testosterone production, and has little use in subjects who use anabolic steroids.

I could find no proper evidence examining the direct effects of DHEA on improving muscle growth, but some bodybuilders claim it has had an effect. It is advised to be used with caution, and has reported side effects.

What positive evidence I have heard about DHEA has not been that amazing, but it may have a role in female bodybuilders and the over 40s. Quality research is definitely needed here for me to be convinced it has a role in bodybuilding.

Androstenedione

Androstenedione is the next step up from DHEA in the chemical synthesis of testosterone. It has also been found naturally occurring in the pollen of Scotch pine trees, so may be classed as a dietary supplement. Reasonable amounts of androstenedione in the liver will be converted to testosterone, hence the theory that this supplement works. Clinical trials have shown raised testosterone levels with supplementation of androstenedione (Benendonk 1993), but there are no trials showing a direct link between androstenedione use and an increase in muscle strength or size, nor athletic performance in humans. People who I have known to use it have reported no notable effect, though many supplement 'gurus' report it to be better than its precursor DHEA.

Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus terrestris is plant which grows in some moderate and tropical climates of the world. It is being marketed as a testosterone booster, but works in a very different way to DHEA and androstenedione which provide the raw materials for testosterone production. I think this is the only testosterone booster that may get away without being banned, as it is a herbal supplement.

Tribulus terrestris raises natural testosterone levels by increasing the gonadotrophic hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is secreted from the pituitary gland in the head as part of a negative feedback mechanism to control testosterone release. Some scientific studies have demonstrated tribulus terrestris may have the potential to increase LH production. The studies have looked at increased sperm production, testosterone production and testicular maturation, and libido, in response to taking tribulus terrestris (Zarkova 1981; Dimitrov, 1991-1992). There are no studies which have found benefits to athletic performance or muscle building form taking tribulus terrestris, but some athletes have claimed an effect.

Many supplement companies have made wild, exaggerated claims about this product, unsubstantiated, including reduced risk of diseases and disorders, in the same way that claims are made about many 'alternative' products. It has been said, though that tribulus terrestris alone will not lead to any notable results in muscle gains, but as part of a stack with DHEA and androstenedione it may be more effective. DHEA and androstenedione provide the raw materials for testosterone production, whilst tribulus terrestris raises LH levels to promote their conversion to testosterone.

Chrysin / Flavone X

This supposedly works through yet another mechanism to boost testosterone levels; it minimises the aromatisation of testosterone into oestrogen. Aromatisation is a natural process in the body, whereby the more testosterone that is present, the more is converted to oestrogen. This reduces testosterone levels, and with the raised oestrogen, some female- like side effects like gynecomastia (formation of breast tissue in males), water retention and increased fat deposition my be apparent. Theoretically, products which block aromatisation are therefore advantageous. It has also been said that Chrysin may work well with the other testosterone boosters in a stack to give a synergistic effect.

As I have already said there have been mixed reports on the effects of these 'natural' testosterone boosters, and it is doubtless that their effects are in no way nearly as strong as anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are given such bad press, and if the testosterone boosters do work as well as is claimed, their effects will be similar, therefore they may too be reported in such a negative way.

I have never personally met anyone who has used these very expensive testosterone boosters and been pleased with results. In fact, I have spoken to many who have made no gains over and above what they were making without their use. Despite this, some clinical trials do suggest they may work to a degree, and I have read a few positive anecdotal reports. The claim is that they work better synergistically in a stack, which obviously works out very expensive, and if the side effects are the same as anabolic steroids then it would be much cheaper to use drugs!

Lipoic Acid

Lipoic acid is also know as lipoate, alpha-lipoic acid and thioctic acid, and is a co-enzyme for some chemical reactions in the body. As a supplement, it is said to aid the anabolic hormone insulin in its actions. In vivo, lipoic acid has a role in glycolysis, which is the process of conversion of blood sugar into energy. Lipoic acid supports the activity of enzymes in mitochondria (small energy producing structures wi thin cells) in muscle cells.

Lipoic acid is produced naturally in the body in sufficient amounts for its actions, but like creatine, some studies suggest that by supplementing with it, there is improved utilisation of blood sugar. Most studies have been performed clinically on diabetics, and lipoic acid has been demonstrated to improve blood sugar level control (Passwater 1995), by aiding muscular uptake of sugar for storage as glycogen. In diabetics, studies have also suggested that whilst there is an increase in glucose uptake by muscle cells, there is actually a decrease in glucose uptake by fat cells at the same time (Tritschler 1995). The result of this may be more energy production in muscles and less fat stored in the body.

There are few tests on healthy, exercising subjects, but the hypothesis is that it will work in the same way. Remember in the Protein and Carbohydrates article, where I discussed insulin not only aids glucose uptake by cells, but also uptake of amino acids? Well, lipoic acid may also aid insulin here. Lipoic acid may therefore help to build muscle, lose fat, speed recovery and give fuller, more pumpable, muscles.

Like insulin, there is the side effect with lipoic acid of hypoglycaemia, i.e. low blood sugar levels, especially when you have not used the supplement before. Symptoms may be fatigue, intense hunger, jitteriness, confusion, anxiety and sweating (like those experienced by diabetics who do not plan their insulin dose correctly). Therefore, on commencing its use, start on a low dose and build up gradually. Always consume carbohydrate foods after taking it.

Whilst I do not know anyone who has used this product, the theory behind its action is sound, and it may be a useful aid in muscle building. Direct research on supplementing with lipoic acid on improving performance parameters is needed to be conclusive. Like always, however, it is very expensive.

Glucosamine Sulphate and Chondroitin Sulphate

Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are very popular nutritional supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is a precursor to glycosaminoglycan, which is used in cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin sulphate is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage, providing it with resiliency.

Glucosamine has been extensively studied for years in the treatment of osteoarthritis and its benefits are controversial, but tend to lean towards it having a beneficial effect (Conn et al 1999). Recent reviews have indicated little benefit, and argue that results of well-designed studies are inconclusive, evidence being mainly anecdotal and therefore weak (Chard & Dieppe 2000). However, I would disagree, and it has been indicated that glucosamine is a fairly powerful anti-inflammatory agent for joints (Taphadinhas, et al 1982) and also a useful cartilage regenerator (Drovanti, et al 1980).

Chondroitin sulphate has been shown to inhibit enzyme breakdown of cartilage (Acs, et al 1990), and has been reviewed to have a favourable effect on arthritic parameters (Gaby 1999).

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have been sold as supplements to strength athletes for years, as long term training causes some wear to joints; we've all experienced injuries from time to time. Best Selective Androgen Receptor ModulatorsResearch has suggested that glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation may help weight training injuries too, at a dosages of 500 - 1,000 mg and 200 - 300 mg respectively, three times daily with food. They stack well together for a synergistic effect, and are often found together in supplement

preparations.

Avoid bogus supplements like shark cartilage that are marketed for joint pains, but contain ineffective dosages of glucosamine. However, there appears to be reasonable evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate alone or stacked together can help the osteoarthritic bodybuilder get back to having some reasonable workouts, and may also have a role for all strength athletes when we experience joint troubles.

RNA

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a base component involved in many functions in cells, including protein synthesis. It is used as a supplement clinically and in sports nutrition. The theory behind it is that it helps to support the immune system during times of metabolic stress. There is excellent data of its benefits in improving clinical outcome in critically ill patients (Khun et al 1995; Kemen et al 1995; Atkinson et al 1998; Heys et al 1999), but little as to its uses in weight training stress.

I have a feeling that RNA supplementation may have a place in bodybuilding, and some MRPs contain it, but much more research is needed.

Cranberry

Cranberry juice is recommended in health medicine for treating urinary tract infections and bladder problems, and is effective (Weiner & Weiner 1994). Cranberry not only kills the bacteria causing infections, but also prevents them from sticking to cells. Cranberry juice and cranberry extract pills are being used in bodybuilding to 'detoxify' the kidneys.

I cannot see a role in sports per se, but forget the pills, and, as cranberry juice also contains lots of other useful nutrients and anutrients, it cannot hurt to have a glass now and again.