Men who eat more meat and dairy tend to have lower testosterone levels, study finds
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Men who eat more meat and dairy products tend to have lower testosterone levels, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland studied the diets of 2,546 men aged 42 to 60 over four days, who were divided into four groups according to their animal and plant protein intake.
The results showed that those with the highest animal protein intake had total testosterone concentrations that were, on average, lower than those of men with the lowest intake.
The opposite association was seen among men who got more of their protein from plant sources such as legumes, grains, nuts and seeds.
Those with the highest plant protein intake had testosterone concentrations that were higher than those of men with the lowest intake. However experts stress that, in both cases, the difference was marginal.
Testosterone is needed to regulate sex drive, build muscle and bone strength, support energy levels and help produce red blood cells.
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland found that those with the highest animal protein intake had total testosterone concentrations that were, on average, lower than those of men with the lowest intake
According to the NHS, normal total testosterone levels in men are generally considered to be between ten and 30 nanomoles per litre.
Testosterone levels naturally decline by about 1 per cent a year after the age of 30, while obesity and type 2 diabetes can also contribute to low levels.
More detailed analyses found that higher intakes of dairy protein, particularly fermented dairy protein, were associated with lower total testosterone concentrations.
Higher intake of plant protein, especially from non-grain sources such as vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, was associated with higher total testosterone concentrations.
The researchers said it is not clear why animal and plant proteins showed opposite associations with testosterone.
One possibility is that people who eat more plant protein tend to consume more fibre and unsaturated fats and have healthier overall diets, while those who eat more animal protein may consume more saturated fat and cholesterol.
However, the authors said these factors did not fully explain the findings. They also suggested that differences in inflammation, insulin regulation and the way testosterone is transported through the bloodstream could play a role.
The study’s authors wrote: ‘Higher animal protein intake was associated with lower circulating testosterone, whereas plant protein intake showed modest positive associations.’
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