Eating a pro-inflammatory diet increased the likelihood of testosterone deficiency by 30% in men (2021)
Men who eat a pro-inflammatory diet – rich in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and fats – are 30 percent more likely to have low testosterone levels, a 2021 study found. Having obesity nearly doubles this risk.
Researchers analyzed dietary records of more than 4,000 men living in the United States and assigned each diet a score that reflected the inflammatory nature of the foods the men ate. In general, highly refined foods such as snacks, sugary drinks, processed meat, and fried foods are pro-inflammatory, but fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fish are anti-inflammatory. They also assessed the men’s sex hormone status.
They found that men whose diet scores indicated that they ate a pro-inflammatory diet had lower testosterone levels than those who ate an anti-inflammatory diet. Men with the highest pro-inflammatory diet scores were nearly 30 percent more likely to have low testosterone levels. After considering other factors that influence testosterone levels, such as age, race, caloric intake, smoking status, education level, and body mass index, men who had obesity and had the highest pro-inflammatory diet scores were nearly 60 percent more likely to have low testosterone levels.
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Testosterone is a male sex hormone that plays important roles in reproduction and sexual function. As many as one-half of all men living in the United States have low testosterone levels, which can cause low libido, lack of energy, and low mood. Research has shown that low testosterone levels are associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body.
The findings from this study suggest that a pro-inflammatory diet promotes low testosterone levels in men, especially those who have obesity. Other studies suggest the risk of low testosterone quadruples in the setting of obesity and a pro-inflammatory diet. Choosing foods that reduce inflammation may be beneficial in restoring testosterone levels. Check out this smoothie recipe, which is rich in anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables.