Over The Counter Testosterone Products
For starters, they are not at all effective, and if they were, they would actually be harmful, as evidenced by the numerous side effects of the prohormones that came to the market a few years ago and were subsequently banned by the FDA as a result. Other so called testosterone boosters are still around, ZMA being the most popular, with claims of being able to significantly boost testosterone levels.
However, the only study to ever document any changes in testosterone was done by a group of researchers using football players as the test subjects. All the hype regarding this product comes from this study and this study alone, which found up to 400% increases in testosterone as a result of using ZMA. Unfortunately, as I always say, one must ask the question, ‘cui bono’,- ‘who stands to gain’ before taking any such research seriously, especially when it seems so very much tailored to sell a product.
Sure enough, the study was done by researchers that included Victor Conte, who by coincidence had stock in the first company to sell ZMA commercially as a supplement. Sadly, all other studies have not replicated any of the first studies claims, and I can honestly say, that if it was such a great product, all natural bodybuilders using it would have seriously messed up endocrine systems, the same way a regular steroid user would, and there would be a sudden surge of pimple riddled and dramatically size increased athletes on stage, (which did happen to a degree when the prohormones came out). Those are the side effects of any sudden testosterone swings, and ZMA does no such thing.
Some say it helps them sleep, but I would attribute that to the placebo effect, which is very powerful in and of itself. The bottom line is that it does not work, and you really should not want to boost your testosterone levels in the first place, as there will be serious side effects to deal with, unless you had a glandular problem, which I am sure is not the case.
Disclaimer: Information contained in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose illness, nor substitute for medical counsel, and is intended for purposes of information and education only. Consult your physician before modifying your diet and or starting any exercise program.
Warmest regards,
Kevin Richardson
Founder, Naturally Intense System of Diet & Exercise™
Naturally Intense Personal Training NYC
www.naturallyintense.net
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