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Cited by 41Hormonal and reproductive studiesTrace Elements in HealthSperm and Testicular Function

Use of medicinal doses of zinc as a safe and efficient coadjutant in the treatment of male hypogonadism

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Santos, Heitor O., Teixeira, Filipe J.·2020·The Aging Male
DOI 10.1080/13685538.2019.1573220
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Abstract

Hypogonadism affects an extensive part of the male population, especially among the elderly. The quest for treatment regarding low levels of serum testosterone and male infertility has, therefore, worldwide relevance. Zinc has important biological actions insofar as the male reproductive physiology and endocrine system. In general, a common and safe recommendation for zinc in the treatment of male hypogonadism is 220 mg of zinc sulfate (equivalent to 50 mg of elemental zinc) twice a day, over one to four months. Additionally, it may be further required to extend, both the treatment, dose and daily fractionation of this mineral. Albeit medicinal doses of zinc may increase total testosterone and improve sperm count, the current body of evidence does not suggest broad recommendations regarding the use of zinc for all types of hypogonadism. In many cases, the use of zinc supplements is insufficient, with the use of surgery and drugs being required for an effective treatment.

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  • Studies suggest that use of zinc alone is ineffective in increasing testosterone levels.

    “Similarly, studies suggest that the use of zinc alone is ineffective in increasing testosterone levels (49).”

    From Non-testosterone management of male hypogonadism: an examination of the existing literature (2020) · cites this paper as [49]

    In “The highest dose of zinc used to increase total testosterone” (page not available), the paper reports increases in total testosterone after zinc sulfate administration, including 350 ng/dL at 660 mg/day. “The use of high doses of zinc and total testosterone increase in men” notes that some shorter interventions found no increase, but it also reports increases with other zinc doses. The paper therefore does not support the general claim that zinc alone is ineffective. (LLM, conf=0.89)

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Santos, H. O., & Teixeira, F. J.
Affiliations
  • Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (BR)
  • University of Lisbon (PT)
Corresponding author
Santos, Heitor O.
ORCID
Venue
The Aging Male
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2019-02-15
Volume
23
Issue
5
Pages
669-678
ISSN
  • 1368-5538 (ISSN-L)
  • 1473-0790
DOI
10.1080/13685538.2019.1573220
OpenAlex
W2912207680
Cited by
41
References
9
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 1
FWCI
3.46
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • The Aging Male (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Hormonal and reproductive studies
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Trace Elements in Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Sperm and Testicular Function
Keywords
zinc supplementation, male hypogonadism, zinc sulfate, testosterone, male infertility, sperm count, male reproductive physiology, older men
MeSH terms
Aged, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Humans, Hypogonadism, Infertility, Male, Male, Testosterone, Zinc

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