The effects of a low carbohydrate diet on erectile function and serum testosterone levels in hypogonadal men with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

Plain Language Summary

Metabolic syndrome has been associated with low testosterone levels. Low-carbohydrate diets have been associated with weight loss. However, no studies have looked at the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on testosterone levels and erectile function. This open-label randomised clinical trial investigated the impact of a low carbohydrate diet on erectile function and testosterone levels in men (n=18) with hypogonadism (low testosterone) and metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes) compared to a control group.

The results showed that after three months, those in the low carbohydrate diet group experienced significant improvements across all measured outcomes compared to the control group. Improvements in body measurements including weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, were seen only in the low carbohydrate diet group, not in controls. In the intervention group, erectile function and low testosterone levels improved significantly. Most notably, both total serum testosterone and calculated free testosterone increased significantly in the low carbohydrate diet group compared to controls.

In conclusion, a low carbohydrate diet may increase testosterone levels and improve erectile function and hypogonadism symptoms in men with metabolic syndrome. Healthcare professionals may find these results of interest when considering dietary approaches for men with hypogonadism and metabolic syndrome, particularly where testosterone replacement therapy may not be suitable. However, the very small sample size, open-label design, and single-centre setting mean that findings should be interpreted with caution.