Beta sitosterol is a plant steroid with a similar structure to cholesterol. It is found in various plants and vegetables, including rice bran, wheat germ, peanuts, corn oils, and soybeans.
Beta sitosterol has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels and improving benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether it may also lower testosterone levels.
Evidence suggesting beta sitosterol may lower testosterone:
- A few animal studies have found reductions in blood testosterone levels after taking high doses of beta sitosterol. For example, one study in rats taking 0.6% beta sitosterol for 45 days showed a 51% decrease in serum testosterone.
- A small human trial in bodybuilders taking 750 mg/day of beta sitosterol for four weeks showed a non-significant 10% drop in testosterone levels. Estrogen levels also increased.
- Beta sitosterol may inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into its more potent form DHT. Lower DHT could theoretically impact testosterone production.
Evidence that beta sitosterol does NOT affect testosterone:
- Most human studies show beta sitosterol has no impact on testosterone levels.
- A trial in 32 men taking 135 mg/day for two months found no change in total or free testosterone.
- A review covering four trials and 261 men concluded beta sitosterol had no impact on testosterone.
- Animal studies using normal supplemental doses in rats (0.6% of diet) and ostriches (0.5% of diet) did not alter testosterone levels.
- Beta sitosterol had no effects on reproductive organs in toxicity studies, suggesting it is unlikely to impact androgen status.
In summary, evidence suggests
beta sitosterol does NOT lower testosterone levels when used at normal supplemental human doses.
Animal studies showing reduced testosterone used extremely high, unrealistic intakes. Most human trials show beta sitosterol has zero impact on testosterone or reproductive function.
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Some key points:
- Evidence is mixed, but most studies in humans show no change in testosterone levels with normal beta sitosterol supplementation.
- Animal studies showing testosterone-lowering effects used extremely high, unrealistic doses (0.6% of diet).
- Our hormone specialists can help optimize testosterone levels with customized treatment plans.
In conclusion, beta sitosterol likely
does NOT affect testosterone levels when taken as a supplement by humans at normal doses. Those concerned should get their hormone levels tested by an expert.
If struggling with low testosterone or fertility issues, the physicians at
Second Spring Hormone Clinic can help diagnose potential causes and craft tailored treatment plans involving medications, supplements, diet and lifestyle changes.
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