Serum trace elements are strongly linked to testosterone levels and symptom severity due to declining testosterone levels in young men, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients.¹

The cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the role of serum trace elements in the association between testosterone levels and severity of symptoms due to declining testosterone levels among young men. The participants included 225 young men in Japan who sought infertility consultation at a male infertility outpatient clinic in Japan between August 2019 and April 2022. The symptoms were self-reported and were assessed using the Aging Males' Symptoms scale (somatic, psychological, sexual) and the Erection Hardness Score. Serum levels of total and free testosterone as well as 20 serum trace elements were measured. The subjects were categorized into three groups based on testosterone levels and symptom severity followed by a comparison of trace element distributions across the categories. Cluster 1 had low testosterone levels and severe symptoms, Cluster 2 had low testosterone but minimal symptoms, and Cluster 3 had higher testosterone with few complaints.

Three distinct groups were identified: lowest testosterone levels with the highest symptom severity, an intermediate group, and highest testosterone levels with minimal symptoms. Notably, the intermediate cluster exhibited low testosterone levels but minimal symptoms.

Eleven trace elements—phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, arsenic, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, and cesium—were recognized as potential modulators of testosterone dynamics. Phosphorus, strontium, and molybdenum negatively influenced testosterone outcomes, whereas iron, sulfur, and zinc were beneficial.

These results suggest that trace elements play a key role in regulation of testosterone levels and related health issues. Identifying both beneficial and detrimental trace elements suggests the potential for targeted dietary or supplementation strategies to optimize testosterone levels. Nutritional interventions to correct trace element imbalances could offer a potentially novel approach to treating male infertility and other health consequences of declining testosterone levels.

Reference

1.   Tanaka T, et al. Distinct clusters of testosterone levels, symptoms, and serum trace elements in young men: a cross-sectional analysis. Nutrients. 2025 Feb 28;17(5):867. doi: 10.3390/nu17050867.