GNC Mega Men Testosterone Booster Review
GNC Mega Men
My GNC Mega Men Testosterone Booster Review First Look:
What concerns me about this product is that it says it is physician endorsed.
Well…okay, well anyone can buy an endorsement from a ‘physician’, so do not pin your hopes on it being a quality product because of that. It is hardly a hallmark for precious metals.
My other concern is the sheer amount of ingredients and tablets one has to consume each day, it is reminiscent of the Animal Stak which has a bag full of pills to take each day as if we are going through chemotherapy.
Ingredients: The Science
This is a lot of ingredients, it’s not so much a testosterone booster, more of a juice plus 30 portions of fruit and veg pills that people flog aggressively to their friends for 50% of their monthly income.
Trans-Reservatrol
In tests resveratrol improved inflammatory and atherogenic status in subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease, as well as in patients with established coronary heart disease.
However, its bioavailability is relatively low because it is rapidly metabolized and eliminated. Clinical trials in healthy people are limited.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/resveratrol
Lycopene
This is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage. This is why there is a lot of research interest in lycopene’s role, if any, in preventing cancer.
However, there’s still not a great deal of evidence for all of its supposed remedial effects as of yet.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-554-lycopene.aspx?activeingredientid=554&
Zinc
An aphrodisiac and Testosterone Booster, but it will only raise testosterone levels if the user is deficient in zinc.
Zinc is also very important for the functioning of the enzyme, hormone, and immune systems.
In very high doses, zinc can act as an aromatase inhibitor and reduce estrogen levels.
It is also a potent antioxidant and can provide benefits for prostate issues.
What is strange here is that they use Zinc Oxide, I have looked at some research on rats which would suggest that supplementation of Zinc Oxide can cause immune toxicity.
https://examine.com/supplements/Zinc/
http://www.isca.in/rjrs/archive/v3/i4/3.ISCA-RJRS-2013-531.pdf
Selenium
No conclusive proof even when supplemented with Zinc that selenium increases testosterone levels.
Btea-Sitosterols
Research supports the fact that phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, can reduce cholesterol levels.
Some studies suggest that phytosterols may reduce the risk of some cancers, but more research is needed to know how well they really work.
http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ug1904spec
Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seeds are great for Magnesium which is good for testosterone production.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20352370
L-Arginine
This is found in many pre workout supplements or products designed to make you more vascular.
L-Arginine opens up the blood vessels and arteries to assist with blood flow, nothing really to do with testosterone but may assist with any impotency issues that are not helping you attain that hot chick in the gym who is 15 years your junior but only if you have 5g a day!
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-875-l-arginine.aspx?activeingredientid=875&
Nettle
Good for reducing inflammation and an enlarged prostate but has no effect on testosterone.
https://examine.com/supplements/stinging-nettle/
Yohimbe
Related to Yohimbine, Yohimbe is a powerful stimulant and used to increase fat loss as well as assist with erectile dysfunction.
https://examine.com/supplements/yohimbine/
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
A hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands. The body uses DHEA to make androgens and estrogens, the male and female sex hormones.
DHEA levels peak at about age 25, then go down steadily as you get older. By the time people are 70 to 80 years old, their DHEA levels are only 10 to 20% those in young adults.
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/dehydroepiandrosterone
However, there is little evidence to show that DHEA has any effect on enhancing muscle strength.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/dhea-supplements
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/331.html
Horny Goat Weed
Epimedium, the suspected active component of horny goat weed, appears to act as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, similar to some drugs used for erectile dysfunction.
It does not, however, stimulate testosterone production.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551978/
Maca Root
This Peruvian strain of ginseng is great for lifting libido and mood, however, when it comes to raising testosterone levels it has no effect at all.
No significant influences on testosterone in any tested demographic I’m afraid.
https://examine.com/supplements/Maca/
Muira Puama
Again there’s no real scholarly studies or evidence available from reliable sources that would suggest that this stimulates testosterone production.
Avena Sativa (Oat)
This is a type of oat that has been seen to raise luteinzing hormones in the body, which are a precursor to testosterone and growth hormone.
Not a great deal of real, heavy evidence if anything at all but the hallmarks of something good are there. A bit of a gamble. In plenty of T-Boosters that do not work.
Damiana
This has seen to sexually invigorate rat test subjects. Evidence on Damiana Leaf is lacklustre.
Not too many studies have been conducted on it.
https://examine.com/supplements/damiana-leaf/
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is key for good vision, a healthy immune system, and cell growth.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-vitamin-a
Vitamin C
Its antioxidant properties mean vitamin C provides neuroprotective effects and benefits for blood flow.
By protecting the testes from oxidative stress, vitamin C can also preserve testosterone levels.
https://examine.com/supplements/vitamin-c/
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
Helps the body’s cells change carbohydrates into energy. The main role of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and nervous system.
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002401.htm
Niacin
Higher amounts of niacin can improve cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular risks.
However, the jury is out on these real benefits.
https://examine.com/supplements/vitamin-b3/
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 helps testosterone levels by stimulating androgen (a steroid hormone that acts as a precursor for testosterone) receptors in your body, making your testes produce testosterone.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6727359
Vitamin D3
Research by the US Library of Medicine has shown that testosterone productions are increased with Vitamin D3 supplementation.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3712348/
Vitamin E
Humans in tests have shown to have low testosterone if they are deficient of Vitamin E.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6816576
Vitamin K
It is best known for its role in helping blood clot, or coagulate, properly.
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-k
Folic Acid (Vit. B9)
There’s many benefits of Folic Acid, treating kidney problems is one of them. Folic acid can also help produce more testosterone along with B12 but also necessary to form red blood cells and is also necessary in the formation of DNA.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1017-folic%20acid.aspx?activeingredientid=1017&
Vitamin B12
Studies show that people who are anaemic tend not to have high levels of testosterone because they cannot absorb vitamin B12.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2645631/
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
One of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body uses to produce energy.
These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, also help the body use fats and protein. B complex vitamins are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver.
They also help the nervous system function properly and is critical to the manufacture of red blood cells.
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid
Riboflavin
Important for body growth and red blood cell production. It also aids in the release of energy from proteins.
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002411.htm
Biotin
Biotin is an important component of enzymes in the body that break down certain substances like fats, carbohydrates, and others.
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/313.html
Calcium
Results show that training results in increased testosterone levels in athletes and that the increase is greater if accompanied by calcium supplementation.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19099204
However, a recent study has warned against calcium supplementation due to the increased risk of a heart attack.
http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/49788/20161016/beware-calcium-supplement-risk-heart.htm
Copper
studies have shown that people with high amounts of copper actually have lower testosterone levels; it always puzzles me as to why manufacturers would include this.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21671089
Chromium
Chromium supplements are promoted as being helpful in building muscle and burning fat and in helping the body use carbohydrates.
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/chromium-topic-overview
Iodine
Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormone which regulates many important biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis and enzymatic activity, and are critical determinants of metabolic activity.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/
Manganese
A number of manganese-activated enzymes play important roles in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol.
However, when supplemented with calcium and magnesium it lowers the bio-availability of Manganese.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/manganese
Molybdenum
L-Taurine
It has been touted that Taurine can help mental performance. Early clinical research suggested that taurine, in combination with caffeine, glucuronolactone, and B vitamins, can improve attention and reasoning in adolescents, but does not improve memory.
However, there is insufficient evidence to prove this is always the case.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1024-taurine.aspx?activeingredientid=1024&
L-Carnitine
Improvements in general cognitive capacity has been noted in elderly persons and in disease models (hepatic encepalopathy); there is a lack of evidence supporting the case for healthy youth. Doses are usually in the 500-2000mg range.
https://examine.com/supplements/l-carnitine/
L-Glutamine
It is generally touted as a Muscle Builder, but has not been proven to enhance muscle building in healthy individuals; only those suffering from physical trauma such as burns or muscular wounds (knife wounds) or in disease states in which muscle wasting occurs, such as AIDS.
https://examine.com/supplements/glutamine/
L-Methionine
An amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks that our bodies use to make proteins.
Methionine is found in meat, fish, and dairy products, and it plays an important role in many cell functions.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-42-methionine.aspx?activeingredientid=42&
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant made by the body. It is found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy.
Antioxidants attack “free radicals,” waste products created when the body turns food into energy.
Free radicals cause harmful chemical reactions that can damage cells, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/alphalipoic-acid
Green Tea
well known to have many powerful health benefits.
Clinical studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat.
One study found that the combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss and maintenance in people who were overweight and moderately obese.
Some researchers think that substances in green tea known as catechins are responsible for the herb’s fat-burning effect.
Green tea extract is found in many a good fat burning supplement.
http://news.psu.edu/story/310179/2014/04/02/research/research-suggests-green-tea-exercise-boost-weight-loss-health
Cognizin (citicoline)
Studies have shown that it can have beneficial effects both in degenerative and in vascular cognitive decline.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4562749/
Inositol
A small molecule structurally similar to glucose that is involved in cellular signalling.
It appears to be an effective anxiolytic at higher doses, and is quite effective in treating insulin resistance
https://examine.com/supplements/inositol/
Silica
Compelling data suggest that silica is essential for health although no RDI has been established.
However, deficiency induces deformities in skull and peripheral bones, poorly formed joints, reduced contents of cartilage, collagen, and disruption of mineral balance in the femur and vertebrae.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17435951
Boron
Boron is great for the older lifter or those doing high weight low rep work as it helps to reduce inflammation, something that is found in PrimeMale, which I am a fan of.
Lutein
Used it to prevent eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and retinitis pigmentosa. Although it isn’t completely conclusive yet.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-754-lutein.aspx?activeingredientid=754&
Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin, found together in many vegetables, are potent antioxidants.
In humans, they occur in high concentrations in the eye, including the lens, retina, and macula.
http://bjo.bmj.com/content/82/8/907.full
Astaxanthin
Touted to aid in eye health and inflammation. Limited human evidence, but it appears to be a better carotenoid than the more researched lutein and zeaxanthin.
https://examine.com/supplements/astaxanthin/
Vanadium
Essential to some species, including humans, although we need very little.
We take in just 0.01 milligrams each day, and this is more than sufficient for our needs. In some compounds vanadium can become toxic.
http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/23/vanadium
Tribulus
Once marveled, now known to have no effect on testosterone levels, by now supplement manufacturers should really let go.
Avoid like a medieval plague if you are looking for muscular gainz.
https://examine.com/supplements/Tribulus+terrestris/
Indole-3-carbinol
This is a negative regulator of estrogen.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12840226
Tongkat Ali – Eurycoma (LongJack) is a pro-fertility agent and aphrodisiac that appears to have a large body of evidence supporting this role and some evidence suggesting it may be an anti-estrogen and pro-erectile agent. Evidence also shows that a daily dose of 200mg can increase testosterone levels.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3433727/
Fenugreek Seed (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum)
It is claimed by researchers that fenugreek works to increase testosterone or androgen levels, which decrease as you age.
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Fenugreek-extract-shows-benefits-for-the-male-menopause-Human-data
DIM (Diindolylmethane)
Diindolylmethane appears to promote a healthy balance of testosterone in the body and is found in vegetables such as broccoli.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/411813-diindolylmethane-benefits/
Dose:
This, just like Animal stack feeds you with a multiple of pills, 7 daily in fact.
That’s a whole lot of pills, not quite as many as ‘prescribed’ by TEST1FY which requires a dose of 8 pills!
We normally suggest 4 pills being a good dose to constantly get a nice continuous stream of nutrients for you body to work with throughout the day.
If you get too much of certain ingredients, that what the body doesn’t need at the time will be wasted and you will not feel the benefit.
Therefore, if you have a massive dose of Magnesium for instance yet your body is still processing and utilizing Magnesium from a meal you’ve recently had it will only use what is required.
What the body doesn’t require at the time will let it pass. Thus, a higher chance of waste and less benefits.
It is better to have a continued trickle effect.
Pros:
What strikes me as odd with this product is that the same ingredients seem to be duplicated, sometimes in slightly different forms like zinc oxide, selenium, and broccoli or the bit we want from broccoli known as DIIM, also Lycopene, pumpkin and tongkat ali.
It is a bit strange if you ask me.
Dose it once and dose it properly.
And, we have most things covered here for testosterone production, I would almost hazard a guess and say we could exist merely on these pills but we would probably look like a vegan…
However, what concerns me is that to say we have this plethora of ingredients we still have certain, proven one’s missing such as:
- Ashwagandha
- Fenugreek
- Boron
In addition to this, zinc oxide isn’t as effective as zinc aspartate, we have the inclusion of tribulus which is ridiculous considering that this has been physician approved, and a whole host of other ingredients that are commonly found but do not work.
This is also low on the Vitamin D3 front too.
So, to a degree, this will be effective, but not as effective as others out there.
Cons:
For all of its positives, and there are lots of positives here, it misses out on some of the best ingredients to stimulate testosterone.
Why would GNC have tribulus instead of D-Aspartic Acid? Why DHEA which has shown not to increase strength or increase performance instead of Oyster?
Why have zinc oxide when I have looked at some research on rats which would suggest that supplementation of Zinc Oxide can cause immune toxicity? Or copper which can lead to lower testosterone?
I understand if GNC are offering a full blown, multivitamin here but it is advertised as a testosterone supplement so having some of these ingredients that are not going to help blows my mind a little.
The price is $45.99 and you may think this is reasonable considering the amount of vitamins you are getting.
Well yes and no…
It is true, there is a wealth of vitamins and minerals but much of them can be had with a multivitamin bought cheaply from a grocery store.
Much of the other ingredients do not really benefit you a great deal, and the really important one’s for stimulating testosterone are either missing or in lower doses than the competition.
My Conclusion:
There’s too much going on here which isn’t necessary.
Yes, this has some good ingredients but it isn’t the most effective way of increasing testosterone production as there are a few things missing or lacking, yet in their place are unproven ingredients that are not very well regarded.
It’s like being offered a Pogo stick instead of a bicycle to travel 10 miles under your own steam. It’s quicker than walking but not the most efficient mode of transport.
Take a look at what works to maximize your workouts.
> Increase Natural Testosterone Production
> Build Slabs Of Muscle
> More Energy
> Increase Strength
> Improve Overall Well Being
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
> Increase Natural Testosterone Production
> Build Slabs Of Muscle
> More Energy
> Increase Strength
> Improve Overall Well Being
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
