Testosterone production and sexual performance often decline as men age. However, according to animal studies conducted by researchers at Shenyang Agricultural University in China, taurine supplements may help to alleviate these concerns.
What is Taurine?
Taurine, although not an amino acid, is often referred to as such by the supplements industry and nutritionists. The liver, brain, and testes all synthesize taurine, but its production decreases with age. The researchers’ previous studies have shown that taurine supplementation increased the secretion of LH and testosterone in lab rats.
Experiment
The study was conducted with three groups of elderly lab rats, aged 20 months. One group was given drinking water with 1% taurine for two months, another group was given drinking water with 1% beta-alanine, which in high concentrations can eliminate taurine, and the third group was given no supplementation. The equivalent human dose of the taurine used in the study is estimated to be 7-8 g per day, though its safety in the long term is unknown.
Results
After the supplementation period, the researchers observed the rats’ sexual behavior with sexually mature females, counting the number of erections, mounts, and other sexual activity. The results showed an increase in sexual capacity in the taurine group, with the concentration of NO-synthase and NO in the penis increasing. The taurine supplementation also led to increased production of testosterone, LH, and GnRH in the rats, with no effect on estradiol or FSH levels.
Mechanism
The increased NO concentration in the penis of the taurine group was thought to be a result of the higher testosterone level, although the researchers have some doubts, as the testosterone level only increased by over 20%. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the exact mechanism.
Conclusion
The study concludes that taurine supplements can enhance sexual response and mating ability in aged male rats by increasing testosterone and NO levels, but more research is needed to determine the exact mechanism. However, the results do suggest that taurine may be a promising solution for men concerned about declining testosterone production and sexual performance as they age.
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