Written by Smith Jonathan - January 05, 2023
Studies have shown that eggs can lower testosterone levels in men. This is largely due to the fact that egg yolks are high in dietary cholesterol which can interfere with the body's ability to produce testosterone. Additionally, egg whites contain a compound called avidin which binds to biotin and prevents its absorption in the body; biotin is an essential cofactor for the enzyme 5α-reductase which is responsible for producing testosterone from its precursor molecule dihydrotestosterone.
How Does Cholesterol Lower Testosterone?
Cholesterol plays an important role in hormone production, and when there is too much of it in the body it can interfere with normal testosterone production. The hormone cholesterol is converted into testosterone via an enzyme known as HMG CoA reductase, however high levels of dietary cholesterol can inhibit this enzyme which leads to reduced production of testosterone from cholesterol molecules.
Egg yolks contain high concentrations of dietary cholesterol because they are high in saturated fat. Saturated fat increases LDL (bad) cholesterol while simultaneously decreasing HDL (good) cholesterol, both of which lead to increased overall levels of dietary cholesterol entering your bloodstream. This in turn can lead to higher levels of circulating hormones like estrogen and cortisol, both of which have been linked to decreased levels of testosterone.
Avidin is a glycoprotein found in egg whites that binds to biotin very tightly and prevents its absorption by the body; Biotin is a B vitamin that functions as a cofactor for 5α reductase which produces testosterone from its precursor molecule dihydrotestosterone. As such, consuming large quantities of egg whites can reduce biotin availability thereby decreasing overall production of circulating testosterone.
Low levels of testosterone can result in several negative health effects including reductions in muscle mass & strength, decreased libido & sexual performance, fatigue & cognitive impairment and even depression & anxiety symptoms. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications such as increasing physical activity or reducing stress levels as well as hormone replacement therapy, such as Peptide therapy center offers through our carefully formulated treatments tailored specifically for each individual patient to help restore their optimal hormonal balance .
Despite their potential effect on lowering testosterone levels, eggs are still generally considered part of a balanced diet due its many essential vitamins and minerals:
Additionally, eating pastured eggs has been shown to improve overall nutrient content compared regular store bought varieties so incorporating them into your diet may not be a bad idea if done so judiciously and within moderation!