When some men or women want to lose fat and raise their muscle mass, and both exercise and dieting aren’t cutting it, they take testosterone boosting supplements.
In particular, men have various reasons for wanting higher levels of this hormone in their system, especially as they grow older. Chief among them is gaining vigor and, of course – restoring their libido.
At the age of 40, testosterone production in men gradually declines, and with it, their energy levels and sex drive.
One of the most popular brands promising improved vitality in both the gym and bedroom is Nugenix with its Total-T.
After its 2012 launch, the brand continued to gain a considerable following, and Total-T became known for its testosterone-boosting formula.
Since then, a lot has happened, and several competitors have entered the market with products offering similar results. With its hefty price, can Total-T still hold its own against these upstarts?
Continue reading our Nugenix review of its Total-T supplement to find out.
Highlights
One Container: 30 servings
Serving size: 3 Capsules
Pros
- Great for increasing libido
- Provides an extra energy boost
- May improve cardiovascular health
- A possible remedy for erectile dysfunction
- Provides a moderate gain in testosterone levels
Cons
- Doesn’t contain a high enough ingredient dosage compared to pre-workout supplements
- Expensive compared to other alternative products
Nugenix Ingredients
To understand how it does its job as a testosterone booster, let’s take a closer look at Total-T’s ingredients listed on its label. It would help to take note of Ugenix’s recommended daily serving of three (3) capsules.
Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
One of the factors causing the lack of energy and sexual drive is reduced blood circulation due to clogged veins and arteries.
It impedes the natural supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body from the blood. The effects can be poor cardiovascular health, reduced metabolism, and even erectile dysfunction.
Although the entire spectrum of Vitamin B has a role in testosterone production, you should look out for three primary ones. These are vitamins B3, B6, and B12.
Vitamin B6 performs several vital functions in the body. There’s often a link between its deficiency and increased cholesterol levels in the blood.
Studies show it also helps rid the body of excess homocysteine that leads to blood clotting. Moreover, the vitamin also improves circulation in the capillaries, which are the tiniest blood vessels.
With reduced cholesterol, there will be fewer symptoms and a lower risk of heart disease associated with poor blood flow.
Not only that, there’s an established correlation between decreased androgens (including testosterone) and vitamin B6 deficiency. When the body lacks this vitamin, it increases the production of estrogen instead.
These are the reasons why you see vitamin B6 added in most pre-workout supplements.
The 2mg dosage should be enough for your body to absorb more than 100% of the vitamin’s RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) even if a considerable amount is wasted or excreted.
Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin)
Deficiency in vitamins B6 and B12 usually go hand in hand. The lack of this vitamin can have severe repercussions for your health.
Besides other vital roles, it’s essential to form red blood cells that supply oxygen to the body and transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs. The lack of it will make you weak, decrease your energy production, and increase fatigue.
B12 deficiency will also result in a significant drop in testosterone levels because it helps maintain testicular health, sperm count, and quality.
Besides supplements, meat, yeast, and soy products are the only sources of the vitamin, which can pose a problem for vegetarians.
Again, the seemingly small amount of 2.4mcg is enough to get a 100% RDA of vitamin B12.
Zinc (as Zinc Chelate)
Another mainstay in energy and testosterone boost supplements is zinc.
It’s essential in cardiac function, thus improving blood circulation and metabolism. It will give you more energy to work out regularly, resulting in improved muscle mass and endurance.
One study shows that taking 30mg daily would raise testosterone levels in men. Another one discovered that you don’t get the boost if you already have adequate amounts in your body.
That’s important to consider in avoiding any side effects from overdosing with zinc. Too much of it can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, flu, and diarrhea.
You could also develop a copper deficiency, which can cause blood issues such as anemia. There’s also a danger of a reduction of HDL, which is beneficial cholesterol.
In the right amounts, zinc also helps maintain the prostate’s health. That, coupled with increased testosterone and blood circulation, can improve sexual performance in men.
The 1mg given is only 9% of the RDA of 11mg and may be too small to produce any significant effect, especially if you don’t have enough zinc in your body.
Citrulline Malate
L-citrulline is vital for the kidneys to transform it into another amino acid called L-arginine. The latter necessary in the production of protein and nitric oxide.
Besides other functions, protein is a building block of the bones, muscles, and other body structures. On the other hand, nitrogen oxide helps relax and dilate the blood vessels to improve blood circulation.
Thus, more L-arginine will allow you to exercise more vigorously because of improved cardiovascular health. At the same time, the increased protein will help you build more muscle mass. That’s why you see citrulline malate in most pre-workout formulas.
Another benefit of improved circulation is to help prevent or deal with erectile dysfunction. As you can imagine, blood needs to flow freely into the penis and create enough pressure to attain an erection.
Poor circulation due to constricted blood vessels will impede the process and even cause erection failure. However, you might be wondering what it has to do with testosterone.
Sure enough, more testosterone can restore your libido, but it will be pointless from a sexual standpoint if your penis won’t cooperate. Men need both functions to work to have more fun in bed, and citrulline malate can help.
It’s safe enough to take daily but only in the correct dosages. However, because it lowers blood pressure by opening the blood vessels, it’s not advisable for people who suffer from hypotension.
Most pre-workout formulas have 4-8g of citrulline malate in line with the RDA of 8g. Total-T provides a daily dose of only 1.125g, which is on the small side, even when taking the recommended three capsules.
If you’re not into bodybuilding or a professional athlete, it should be okay to help you stay fit.
Fenugreek Extract (seed) (50% Fenuside™) (Testofen®)
Fenugreek is a plant that grows annually and round in North Africa and India and has many medicinal properties. Lately, it has become a popular source of extract fenuside™ used by several supplement manufacturers.
Testofen® is a patented extract from company Gencor standardized with 50% fenuside™ from the fenugreek seeds. They also coined the trademark fenuside™ for the extract.
The company claims it helps reduce andropause in men by increasing free testosterone. There are clinical studies done on humans and animals that back these claims.
However, some research suggests it does nothing. The extract needs more independent analysis to confirm it as a testosterone booster.
Total-T contains 600mg of Testofen®.
elevATP® Blend (Ancient Peat Extract (trace minerals) and Apple Fruit Extract)
Another patented ingredient of Total-T is elevATP® Blend from FutureCeuticals that contains apple polyphenols ancient peat extracts.
Polyphenols are considered micronutrients filled with antioxidants and other health benefits. Extracts from ancient peat increase ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and give cells more energy.
ATP is the primary source of energy that powers the body. Most of the activities you do depend on how much ATP you have in your body.
For those reasons, the proprietary blend is marketed as an energy supplement. While it doesn’t increase testosterone, it can work in conjunction with the hormone’s boosters to give you a complete workout solution.
You’ll have more energy to take advantage of the spike in testosterone levels. It’s significant, especially if you’re building your physique from scratch or approaching middle-age when vitality starts fading.
There are no known side effects unless you’re allergic to the plant sources. Total-T contains 150mg of elevATP®.
Eurycoma longifolia Extract (root)
The longjack or Eurycoma Longifolia is a medium-sized flowering shrub found in Indochina and Southeast Asia.
People have been using the root and bark’s essence to remedy erectile dysfunction and increase libido.
That’s because some of its chemicals increase testosterone. It does this on two fronts. First, it helps boost testosterone production in the gonads. Second, it decreases cortisol, a hormone known to cause stress even if it regulates several vital body processes.
As you may know, stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on men’s ability to generate an erection, more so when they’re not in shape or get older.
The RDA for longjack is 300mg for three months. Total-T contains 100mg taken from root extracts.
It may be sufficient considering the other ingredients included that also does the same thing. However, it’s not clear if it will be potent enough to reduce stress at that amount.
Boron (as Boron Glycinate)
Boron is a common mineral around the world and has many applications, such as in manufacturing ceramics.
One surprising benefit is that it helps balance testosterone’s natural production and the estrogen-type estradiol hormone.
It has piqued the interest of men who have erectile dysfunction, low testosterone levels, or both. However, it only works with ED if the cause is low testosterone.
The RDA for boron is 6mg and a maximum of 20mg for men aged 19 and above. It can be dangerous and even fatal if taken more than that.
Results might manifest after a week. Total-T contains 10mg of boron glycinate and should be a safe enough dosage.
Other Ingredients
- Gelatin – vegetable capsule
- Rice Flour – serves as filler
- Magnesium Stearate – acts as a quickly dissolving binder
- Silica – flow and anticaking agent
Who Makes It?
Holding company Adaptive Health LLC based in Charlotte, North Carolina, owns several brands, including Nugenix, launched in 2012. It soon after became a famous brand.
Today, it sells Total-T through retailers like GNC, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Healthy Directions, etc.
Since people know these retailers only sell top-notch brands, it gives a lot of credence to Total-T. You can also buy Total-T and other Nugenix products directly from its official website.
The brand specializes in testosterone boosting supplements, and they also sell multivitamins and recovery enhancers.
What are the Benefits of Nugenix Total-T?
Nugenix markets Total-T as a “comprehensive testosterone support” that allows men to “experience better results in the bedroom and in the gym.” Does it live up to the brand’s promises?
Increased Libido
The combination of testosterone boost and improved blood circulation will likely help restore libido.
The logical solution to regain lost sexual desire due to this diminished hormone is to replenish it. In most cases, it works and has become one of the generally accepted remedies to the problem.
In this aspect, Total-T shines, and most online buyer Nugenix reviews on Total-T validate this claim. It also contains some ingredients geared towards addressing this specific problem.
Enhanced Sexual Performance
Of course, a restored sexual drive helps improve the mood, but that’s only part of the equation.
Increased endurance brought about by a healthier cardiovascular system, plus more energy will also be quite beneficial in bed.
Better blood flow and reduced stress might also help those experiencing difficulty having erections. That would be a tremendous benefit that would complement increased sexual desire.
What good is desire if you can’t even keep up? After all, it takes two to tango. You and your partner won’t enjoy the experience if you don’t have the staying power and can’t recover quickly.
In that sense, Total-T may prove to be worthwhile as a potent sexual performance supplement. However, several product alternatives that specialize in restoring lost virility are more affordable.
Increase Energy and Vitality
The added ingredients to increase vitality that help physical performance are a nice touch.
When coupled with increased testosterone, it’s possible to achieve some reasonable fitness gains even with dosages smaller than pre-workout supplements.
However, it’s almost sure that advanced gym rats will need a more potent alternative providing even better results. And again, many of them won’t burn a hole in your pockets.
Who Should Buy Nugenix Total-T?
They say, “Life begins at 40.” Unfortunately for men, testosterone production in their bodies is all downhill from there.
The truth is, testosterone’s slow and inevitable descent begins around the age of 30. However, its effects only become more manifest during middle-age.
Along with it drops muscle mass and physical performance. It also diminishes sex drive that, in turn, negatively affects sexual performance.
Of course, anyone can try to stay fit with exercise and eat food that improves testosterone levels. However, at that age, it gets more challenging and frustrating as the years wind down.
Middle-aged and senior men can try testosterone-boosting supplements to restore their lost energy, vitality, physical performance, and libido.
The market for these supplements continues to grow as the 40 something demographic expands. Among them, Nugenix Total-T has emerged as one of the most popular.
Based on the ingredient dosages, it leaves the impression that Total-T leans more toward the romance aspect of testosterone boosting.
It’s not a pre-workout supplement. Although, the company markets the product with pictures of middle age men on gym equipment.
It jives with online buyer feedback. Most of the positive reviews are for the libido boost they got. On the other hand, negative comments were from those who felt no significant gains in their workout performance.
That doesn’t mean it’s useless in the gym. It would be sufficient for most men’s needs who aren’t out to look like a bodybuilder but only want to stay fit and trim.
Nevertheless, more potent alternatives can provide a boost to get the chiseled body you want. And they would help lose the fat a lot quicker.
How Do I Pick the Best Testosterone Supplements?
The best way to pick the best testosterone boosting supplement is to read the label and to compare the ingredients.
You can research online the benefits of each substance used to make it easier for yourself by reading online reviews. It’s usually done for you by professional reviewers like our Nugenix review here or their product Total-T.
It’s crucial to note the dosages and compare each serving’s price to determine which one will best give you your money’s worth.
A lower price tag doesn’t always mean it’s cheaper, and buying an affordable one won’t guarantee you’ll get the good stuff.
Look for supplements that don’t contain any Genetically Modified Organisms (non-GMO). Also, pick the ones without any artificial ingredients and preservatives, gluten, soy, and allergens.
You can also try to read some buyer feedback on online selling sites like Amazon and eBay. You’ll know from firsthand impressions if it will be a worthy purchase or not.
Side Effects
Most of the side effects are what you’d come to expect from increased testosterone count and usually nothing severe. In other words, it’s a given.
It could be mood swings, balding, acne, headaches, and others that emerge from overdosing. Too much of anything, including testosterone, can’t be good for you. So always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions.
Some of the ingredients can be harmful if taken more than the RDA or for people with particular ailments, such as hypotension. However, from what’s on the label, Total-T is more underdosed, if anything.
Your best bet would be to consult with your physician on whatever supplement you plan on taking.
Recommended Dosage
Nugenix recommends only adult men take three capsules a day, regardless of meals. A bottle containing 90 capsules would last you only a month.
When dosing any supplement, it’s better to visit your physician and ask about it to be on the safe side. That way, you can avoid any harmful complications.
FAQs
What is Nugenix Total-T?
Total-T is a testosterone boosting supplement. Nugenix promotes it as having a new and improved formula that’s safe and provides a more comprehensive increase of testosterone levels in men.
Is Nugenix Total-T safe?
Taking Total-T capsules is safe when following the recommended daily serving of three capsules. It would be best to consult with your physician to be sure.
How do you take Nugenix Total-T supplements?
Nugenix recommends that you take three (3) capsules daily to get the full effect and with or without food. Again, consult with your doctor before consuming any supplements.
How do you store Nugenix Total-T supplements properly?
It will help if you store the bottle somewhere out of reach of children, in a dark, dry, and cool spot like a drawer or medicine cabinet.
Recap
From examining the ingredients and their doses, it became clear that Nugenix Total-T is more beneficial as a sexual performance and libido booster.
If that’s your primary motivation in buying a testosterone supplement, Total-T can help. But remember that there are more specialized products that also provide similar benefits.
These alternatives will most likely offer better results at lower prices, even though they don’t necessarily boost testosterone.
Moreover, other testosterone supplements in the market will help improve physical performance better, such as pre-workout supplements.
While Total-T can offer mild to moderate gains of the masculine hormone, it won’t be enough for the needs of more advanced fitness buffs, bodybuilders, or athletes.
We recommend this formulation for the average Joe who only works out in the gym to keep fit and trim and wants improved sexual performance.
It’s not a product for the prime Arnold Schwarzeneggers of the world. It can help in a weight-loss routine but not as effective as more potent boosters.
We hope this comprehensive review of the Nugenix Total-T testosterone boosting supplement, has helped you in any way. Be sure to look out for our future Nugenix reviews.
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