Excess Vitamin A Increases Testosterone Levels By Seven Fold In Mice

[Constatine]

Long-term dietary intake of excessive vitamin A impairs spermatogenesis in mice

Vitamin A when fed in excess to mice dramatically increased serum testosterone levels while nearly halting spermatogenesis. Of course one shouldn't overconsume vitamin A as there are quite a lot of side effects (including bone problems and of course damaged sperm production), however this study does imply that both Ray Peat and others on this forum are correct in recommending vitamin A for increased steroidogenesis.

Edit:
"Serum testosterone levels were significantly higher in VAE males (mean ± S.E.: 35.1 ± 16.4 ng/mL) than in control males (mean ± S.E.: 5.2 ± 1.8 ng/mL; P < 0.05;"
I had to re-read this several times to make sure 35.1 ng/mL was not a mistake. That's in the anabolic steroid range. Thats 3500 ng/dl. Its on the high end of even anabolic steroid use. I'm still convinced I'm misreading this.

 

[Nicolas Noyola]

that's interesting but it doesn't necessarily mean anything. People on here have said that serum testosterone doesn't represent the whole portrait of androgenic activity
tissue vs. blood test etc just going off of what i've read here

the testes were smaller in the VAE males. that reflects poorly, suggestive to me that the 35.1 ng/mL doens't necessarily mean anything since testis volume correlates well with androgenic activity
Organ weight (g)/Body weight (g) AIN-93G (N = 10) VAE (N = 7) Significance
Accessory gland (9.2 ± 0.5) × 10-3 (7.9 ± 1.0) × 10-3
Left Testis (3.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10-3 P < 0.001
Right Testis (3.4 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.6 ± 0.1) × 10-3 P < 0.001
Left Epididymis (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3
Right Epididymis (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3

 

[Constatine]

that's interesting but it doesn't necessarily mean anything. People on here have said that serum testosterone doesn't represent the whole portrait of androgenic activity
tissue vs. blood test etc just going off of what i've read here

the testes were smaller in the VAE males. that reflects poorly, suggestive to me that the 35.1 ng/mL doens't necessarily mean anything since testis volume correlates well with androgenic activity
Organ weight (g)/Body weight (g) AIN-93G (N = 10) VAE (N = 7) Significance
Accessory gland (9.2 ± 0.5) × 10-3 (7.9 ± 1.0) × 10-3
Left Testis (3.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10-3 P < 0.001
Right Testis (3.4 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.6 ± 0.1) × 10-3 P < 0.001
Left Epididymis (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3
Right Epididymis (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3

True, though in other studies vitamin A at more reasonable doses results in larger testicles (at least compared to vitamin A deficient rats). The reduced testicle weight isn't necessarily due to differences in androgenic activity, it could be due to oxidative stress or what not. An interesting note is that the authors suggested that the excessive steroid production was a reason for the poor sperm production/quality. Its pretty reasonable that excessive testosterone (and other steroid) production can reduce testicle weight partially through oxidative stress.

 

[Hugh Johnson]

"Taking excessive amounts of vitamin A is like taking tons of roids. But you totally should not do it because it is bad for your bones or something."

Jesus Christ man, it's like one of those alcohol ads showing people partying with super hot girls and then telling them "Drink responsibly".

 

[Constatine]

"Taking excessive amounts of vitamin A is like taking tons of roids. But you totally should not do it because it is bad for your bones or something."

Jesus Christ man, it's like one of those alcohol ads showing people partying with super hot girls and then telling them "Drink responsibly".

This made me laugh for a good five minutes.

Its worth noting that really high doses of vitamin A might be neurotoxic so I really don't recommend anyone taking megadoses. Though reasonable doses of vitamin A should still raise testosterone. This study just happens to be an extreme example.

 

[Amazoniac]

the testes were smaller in the VAE males. that reflects poorly, suggestive to me that the 35.1 ng/mL doens't necessarily mean anything since testis volume correlates well with androgenic activity
Organ weight (g)/Body weight (g) AIN-93G (N = 10) VAE (N = 7) Significance
Accessory gland (9.2 ± 0.5) × 10-3 (7.9 ± 1.0) × 10-3
Left Testis (3.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10-3 P < 0.001
Right Testis (3.4 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.6 ± 0.1) × 10-3 P < 0.001
Left Epididymis (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3
Right Epididymis (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3 (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-3

Spoiler

There would be doubt on what weight is this if it was ecstatichamster.

 

[vulture]

Their testiscles were smaller, although they had way higher T. Strange.

 

[methylenewhite]

What is HED ?

 

[Iceman2016]

What is HED ?

Human Equivalent Dose

 

[PhilParma]

Sorry, I'm confused. What is Vitamin A? Do you mean Poison A?

 

[lampofred]

It might increase serum testosterone but I think it would increase estradiol and prostaglandins in the brain. Vitamin A should be in balance with vitamin D.

 

[methylenewhite]

Human Equivalent Dose

I know what it is. I'm asking if someone knowns HED based on the dose used in the study.

 

[Troubles]

This thread made me laugh uncontrollably, it's pure comedy. Guys, are you professional comedians?

 

[maillol]

I know what it is. I'm asking if someone knowns HED based on the dose used in the study.

It's a bit tricky to work out because they dose it per g of food. If you ate a similar balance of macros and 2500kcal per day I've got it at about 240,000iu per day HED.

 

[Frankdee20]

Vitamin A and Thyroid are required to convert Cholesterol to Pregnenalone, why does this surprise anyone ?

 

[Frankdee20]

This made me laugh for a good five minutes.

Its worth noting that really high doses of vitamin A might be neurotoxic so I really don't recommend anyone taking megadoses. Though reasonable doses of vitamin A should still raise testosterone. This study just happens to be an extreme example.[/QUOTE

what is really high ? I take 25K IU about twice a week

 

[ecstatichamster]

Some take 125k per day for acne. Seems fine.

 

[baccheion]

I've been wondering about a frozen orange juice concentrate, liver, and oysters diet. Enough oysters to balance zinc:copper. And megadose vitamin D3, K2, and magnesium.

 

[Dr. B]

This made me laugh for a good five minutes.

Its worth noting that really high doses of vitamin A might be neurotoxic so I really don't recommend anyone taking megadoses. Though reasonable doses of vitamin A should still raise testosterone. This study just happens to be an extreme example.

what if you get it all from diet like whole grass fed milk? also there is the D to A interaction is it better to minimize oral vitamin D intake to maximize the effects of oral A intake