If you have ever had any interest in building muscle then you’ll know what whey powder is.
This protein based compound is known to boost your muscle growth but let’s find out what effect it has on your testosterone levels.
Does Protein Lower Testosterone?
There are many people who believe that protein does deplete your testosterone levels. In fact this is a result of old science and previously a justifiable viewpoint.
However, much more research has now been completed into this topic. Here are the findings:
Fact: Training Increases Testosterone
There is no disputing the fact that your testosterone levels will increase when you undertake high intensity training.
This is true whether you are a man or a woman.
It is also true that taking a protein supplement before you work out can decrease the increase in testosterone levels. This is the research that the old argument is based on.
But, this is not always the case!
To make it more complicated there are other studies which show that a high protein diet will actually lower your resting levels of testosterone. Yet more research shows the opposite to be true!
The Latest Possibility
Conflicting studies make it difficult for scientists to agree on such a decisive position.
However it has now been suggested that there is a way in which both studies can be correct.
The theory is that protein increases the total amount of testosterone in your body. But, it also facilitates the exodus of testosterone into cells; lowering the amount of free T available.
This is a good thing as you’ll have more testosterone in your cells where it is needed.
The current test is a blood sample; this would not give any indication regarding the cellular levels of testosterone.
Research Can Back This Up!
It is important to be aware that this is the early stages of research. Studies are currently being carried out using rodents which does not mean the results will be identical in humans.
Current studies at the Molecular & Applied Sciences Laboratory at Auburn University are using rats to undertake calf movements; simulating normal muscle building exercises.
As soon as they complete it they are given 500mg of whey protein. The control group is given just water. This is roughly the same as a 19g dose for a human.
Blood and muscles samples are taken 3 hours later to assess the results.
The results showed a staggering 90.5% increase in testosterone present in the cells of the exercised muscle. Levels remained fairly constant in the control group of rodents.
It‘s worth noting that some rodents were given leucine which is an amino acid and these rats did not show the same level of improvement.
Summing It Up
It is obvious that more research needs to be done before the findings can be declared as definitive.
However early indications are that whey protein can increase overall testosterone levels and decrease free testosterone levels.
In short, it is helping the testosterone get to where it needs to be!
Taking it a step further it is possible that the higher level of T in your cells will encourage the production of androgen receptors. This will increase your ability to use every bit of free testosterone you have.
Whey protein is both a muscle builder and a testosterone increaser so don’t stop taking it!
If you have ever had any interest in building muscle then you’ll know what whey powder is. 
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