Positive effects of dietary supplementation with nutraceuticals on male subclinical hypogonadism: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle modifications (i.e., physical activity [PA] and lower dietary intake) often are not sufficient to improve testosterone (TE) levels and promote weight loss in men with metabolic hypogonadism. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a nutraceutical formulation containing myoinositol, alpha lipoic acid, folic acid and SelectSIEVE (R) as add-on treatment to lifestyle modifications in improving obesity-related subclinical hypogonadism.METHODS: Body composition, insulin resistance, testicular and erectile function were investigated in 15 males (age=39.5 +/- 14.5 years; Body Mass Index [BMI]=30.2 +/- 3.8 kg/m(2), with subclinical hypogonadism (TE levels <14 and normal luteinizing hormone [LH]). After a run-in three months unsupervised PA period (T-1), the nutraceutical supplement was administered two-times per day for three additional months (T-2). RESULTS: BMI, the percentage fat mass, insulinemia and Homeostasis Model Assessment Index (P<0.01) along with glycemia (P<0.05) were significantly reduced at T(2 )compared to T-1, respectively; fat free mass (FFM) was significantly higher at T-2 compared to T-1 (P<0.01). Also, TE, LH and 5-item international index of erectile function score were significantly increased at T2 compared to T1 (P<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of unsupervised PA and nutraceutical supplement improves body composition, insulin sensitivity and TE production in overweight-obese men with metabolic hypogonadism. Further controlled studies in the long-term are warranted to elucidate potential changes in fertility.

Automated summary

This study suggests that the combination of unsupervised physical activity and a nutraceutical supplement can improve body composition, insulin sensitivity, and testosterone production in overweight-obese men with subclinical hypogonadism. Further long-term controlled studies are necessary to elucidate the potential impact on fertility.