Health · Medical Research · 1 hr ago
Study links more animal protein with slightly lower testosterone in men
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland studied 2,546 men aged 42 to 60 and compared their protein intake with their testosterone levels.
The men recorded their diets over four days and were grouped by how much protein they got from animal and plant sources.
Men with the highest animal protein intake had lower average testosterone than those with the lowest intake.
The opposite pattern appeared among men who ate the most plant protein, including legumes, nuts and seeds.
The differences were marginal, and the study does not show that protein choices caused the changes.
The researchers said the reasons for the associations are unclear, and differences in overall diet or how the body regulates testosterone could play a role.
A study of 2,546 men found that higher animal protein intake was associated with slightly lower total testosterone.
The participants were aged 42 to 60 and their diets were assessed over four days.
Higher plant protein intake was associated with higher testosterone concentrations.
The researchers said the differences were marginal and the reasons for the associations were unclear.
Higher dairy protein intake, particularly fermented dairy protein, was also associated with lower testosterone.
- Who
- Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland studied 2,546 men aged 42 to 60.
- What
- The study found that higher animal protein intake was associated with slightly lower testosterone, while higher plant protein intake was associated with higher levels.
- When
- The study’s publication date is not stated.
- Where
- The University of Eastern Finland conducted the research; the participants’ location is not stated.
- Why
- The reasons for the associations are unclear. The researchers suggested that diet composition and differences in inflammation, insulin regulation or testosterone transport could play a role.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers assessed the diets of 2,546 men aged 42 to 60.
The Daily Mail published its report on the study.
- Participants
- 2,546 men aged 42 to 60
- Diet assessment
- Four days
- Animal protein
- Higher intake was associated with lower total testosterone
- Plant protein
- Higher intake was associated with higher total testosterone
- Dairy protein
- Higher intake, particularly fermented dairy protein, was associated with lower total testosterone
What people are saying
Higher animal protein intake was associated with lower circulating testosterone, whereas plant protein intake showed modest positive associations.