Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, particularly in glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and overall metabolic health. While naturally present in foods such as whole grains, broccoli, green beans, and lean meats, chromium supplementation has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits, such as improving glucose metabolism, regulating serum lipid levels, and reducing body fat parameters that often decline with aging. The most bio-available form, chromium picolinate, has been extensively studied for its impact on men’s health, including its influence on testosterone production, muscle growth, weight management, and cardiovascular function.
One of the primary benefits of chromium for men is its potential to support testosterone levels. Studies suggest that chromium enhances insulin sensitivity, which plays a key role in regulating sex hormones, including testosterone. Insulin resistance has been linked to lower testosterone levels, contributing to issues such as reduced libido, fatigue, and muscle loss. By improving insulin function, chromium supplementation may help maintain optimal testosterone levels, particularly in men with metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity.
Additionally, chromium’s role in reducing oxidative stress may support testicular function and sperm quality. Research indicates that oxidative damage negatively impacts sperm motility and viability. Chromium’s antioxidant properties help protect reproductive cells from free radical damage, thus contributing to better reproductive health.

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia), also known as longjack or Malaysian ginseng, is an herb from Southeast Asia. The main bioactive components in tongkat ali are the quassinoid compounds (eurycomanone and eurycomanol), eurycolactones, canthin-6-one metabolites, eurylene and teurilene (derivatives of squalene) and eurypeptides. Supplementation may increase total testosterone in healthy and hypogonadal men, improve erectile function and alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction, increase fertility, and enhance sexual function and well-being. One study found evidence of an anxiolytic (anxiety and stress-reducing) effect of tongkat ali.
Tongkat ali’s effects on male sexual enhancement are primarily attributed to eurycomanone, which has steroidogenic activity. Eurycomanone has been shown to have anti-estrogenic effects. It inhibits the aromatase enzyme and prevents the conversion of testosterone to estrogen in the Leydig cells of the testes, the primary site of sperm production in men.
When given in a dose of 200-600 mg/day, Tongkat ali appears to increase free and total testosterone levels in men, although effects seem to be most noticeable in men with hypogonadism (testosterone levels <300 ng/mL).

Zinc is an essential mineral and has a multitude of biological roles because it is a functional component of over 300 enzymes that rely on zinc to be able to catalyze chemical reactions. Zinc also participates in the structure of important proteins and is involved in the regulation of gene expression.
Zinc is obtained from the diet. Oysters contain substantially more zinc than any other food, although red meat (e.g., beef, pork) and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet. Other good sources of zinc are legumes, nuts, and dairy products. In some countries, the flour used in cereals are fortified with zinc.
The potential benefits derived from supplementation with zinc seem to be at least partly attributable to zinc’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the duration of respiratory tract infections and the common cold.
Adequate dietary intake of zinc is essential for proper growth and development during pregnancy and throughout infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Additionally, zinc is required for normal development, activity, and function of both innate and adaptive immune cells; proper function of pancreatic beta-cells and glucose uptake; and spermatogenesis and normal sperm physiology (e.g., sperm motility).
In the brain, zinc ions inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which is relevant to depression because this condition is characterized by elevated glutamatergic neurotransmission (to which NMDA receptors contribute). Zinc may also benefit depression by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels.

Among the most revered medicinal herbs is ginseng, a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia and North America. Ginseng is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits, including its ability to enhance cognitive function, boost energy levels, strengthen the immune system, and support metabolic health.