Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness

Hello All,

I am Darrel, from Las Vegas, NV. I have been a vegan since 1989. I am an avid triathlete but have recently started increasing my weightlifting ability to counter the effects of my declining testoterone levels, I am turning 52 this year and my wife is not happy with my libido. While, I have many natural substances none have worked as of yet. I am hoping that increasing my muscle mass and altering my macronutrient intake will help.

Try some tribulus terrestris, might help there =)

Hi and welcome.

Strange, generally vegans have higher testosterone than non-vegans. You mention you've tried some natural substances. Have you tried adding a zinc supplement?

Phytates (in plants - particularly soy and legumes) may inhibit zinc absorption and vegan men lose more zinc than women... so men are more at risk for deficiency. (even moreso for athletes)

If you don't want to use supplements (cuz you don't want to get too much either), you can increase zinc absorption in beans & rice dishes by adding garlic and onion and also making sure you are getting enough vitamin D in your diet. (vitamin D is best taken with a meal). Keep in mind there is a lot more zinc in whole grains than refined - so avoid the processed foods.

Might not be a bad idea to see a physician. Often issues like these are diet related but not always. It never hurts to get checked out.

-Dylan

PS- Welcome to the group here!