Dr Max Powers: Does It Really Raise Testosterone? See The Evidence. You Decide

Update 3/3/20. Dr. Max Powers provides a line of supplements that appear to be mainly marketed to bodybuilders and those who lift weights. This review will be about  Dr. Max Powers Testosterone Boost, which is billed as “an all-natural herbal alternative to synthetic anabolic testosterone steroids.” The supplement is said to “enhance the production of the luteinizing hormone (LH) for the natural production of testosterone. “ I'll explain what that all means below. The part about enhancing luteinizing hormone is a hint at what's in the Testosterone Boost, but more to the point, does it really work? Does it really raise luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels? In this review, I'm going to look at the research. Keep reading and let's see what we can discover.

 

Max Powers Testosterone Boost Ingredients

From the product website (Dr.MaxPowers.com) I learned that this supplement has just one ingredient – Tribulus Terrestris. As can be seen from the product label, 1 tablet contains 1000 mg (1g gram) of a 20% extract of Tribulus Terrestris (pronounced “Trib-U-less Ter-res-triss”)

Other ingredients listed are:

• Magnesium stearate
• Stearic acid
• Microcrystalline cellulose

These other ingredients play no role in the effectiveness of the product.

 

 

What Is Tribulus Terrestris?

It's a plant that has been around a long time and finds its way mainly into bodybuilding supplements, male performance supplements and products marketed to men over 40. In all the cases, the idea is that Tribulus is supposed to raise testosterone levels. By raising testosterone, the hope is that muscles will get bigger and other muscles – “south of the border” – start to work better.

Another name for Tribulus is “puncture vine” a reference to the little spikes of the plant that have been rumored to pop the tires of bicycles that run over it.

Rumor also has it that in olden days, warriors would spread Tribulus out on the field of battle so that it would get stuck in the hooves of the horses, slowing their enemy's attack (think road spikes!).

 

 

How Does Tribulus  Work?

The plant is said to increase a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). The LH hormone signals the testes to make testosterone. So, the idea is Tribulus stimulates LH, which in turn ramps up testosterone production.

Tip: it's been my experience that whenever a company makes the claim that its supplement can raise luteinzing hormone, it's a tip off that it contains tribulus terrestris.

 

Sounds simple enough so, does Tribulus really raise luteinizing hormone?

Tribulus Testosterone Research

In a 2016 study of 30 men with fertility problems, noted that 750 mg of Tribulus, given for 3 months, did not raise either testosterone or luteinizing hormone.

In a 2013 study, Rats that were addicted to morphine were given Tribulus for 4 weeks. This study noted that Tribulus increased luteinizing hormone.

So, does Tribulus really raise luteinizing hormone in healthy younger or older men?

 

Tribulus And Testosterone Levels

Do Tribulus supplements raise testosterone levels?  Here's the research:

In a 2016 study, researchers noted that 750 mg of Tribulus given to 30 men for 3 months did increase testosterone levels. This is odd, however, because this is the same 2016 study of 30 men mentioned above which noted it did not raise testosterone or luteinizing hormone.

 

This is basically the same study of 30 people mentioned above in the luteinzing hormone section, although it has a different title and published in a different journal. In one journal, tribulus worked, while in another it didn't work.

 

In a 2008 study of 2 women given 500 mg of Tribulus, 3 times a day (1500 mg total) for 2 days, there was no change in testosterone or other anabolic hormones.  This study was done to see if Tribulus would put athletes over the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) limits for anabolic hormones. It's a very small study but, since it involved humans, I thought it was worth mentioning. Still, because the study only lasted 2 days, I'd like to see this carried out for a longer time period.

In a 2007 study of rugby players, 450 mg a day of Tribulus, given for 5 weeks, did not raise testosterone levels.

 

In a 2005 study, 21 young men were either given tribulus or a placebo for 4 weeks.  The study noted no differences in testosterone levels or LH levels. While the authors didn't specifically tell us how much Tribulus these men used, they did say that they took between 10 and 20 mg per kilogram.

 

If Tribulus really does raise testosterone levels, the research so far would suggest that it might take more than 750 mg per day. Dr. Max Powers Testosterone Boost contains 1000 mg of Tribulus per tablet. While this is more than most published research appears to have used, one has to wonder what proof is there that 1000 mg will raise testosterone or the LH hormone?

 

Does Tribulus Make Muscles Stronger?

I remain unconvinced. Proof the herb improves muscle strength or muscle size is very limited. For more insights see these reviews:

• Nugenix (click to read review)

• Syntheroid  (click to read review)

• Regimen (click to read review)

• GenF20 (click to read review)

• Androzene  (click to read review)

 

Despite it's use in supplements, uncovering proof that tribulus actually does what it's reputed to do, remains elusive.

See the review of the research of Tribulus and strength training.

 

Dr. Max Powers Testosterone Boost Research

I searched the product website (DrMaxPowers.com) for published, clinical research conducted on the product showing it raised testosterone levels. I could not find any.  I then performed a general google search for “Dr Max Powers Testosterone Boost Research.” I did not turn up any research.

I then searched ClincalTrials.gov to see if any studies were in the works but not yet completed. I saw none. Likewise, clinical databases did not turn up any research either.

 

Who Is Dr. Max Powers?

When contacted, the company stated, “Dr. Max Powers is a brand name that was started from a doctor in sports medicine.” In other words, Dr. Max Powers might just be a catchy name rather than an actual person.

 

Who Makes Max Powers Supplements

The company is called Face Organics LLC. They are located at 310 W 56 Street | New York, NY 10019.   The product website lists this contact phone number: 646 629 1805.

Interestingly, this contact number is also found on the websites “Made From Earth” (MadeFromEarth.com) which has skincare products and Shielo (Shielo.com) which is about hair care products.

 

How To Contact Max Powers

Face Organics LLC, the company in charge of Max Powers supplements can be reached by calling 646 629 1805.

 

Does It Contain Sugar?

No. The product website states that Dr. Max Powers Testosterone Boost contains “no yeast, no sugar, no starch, no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

 

Dr. Max Powers Side Effects

Side effects in healthy people may be few and far in between. For more insights see ee My Experiment With Tribulus for more insights.

Here are a few things to consider. This list is not complete

• Start with less than recommended for the first week
• The supplement is not intended for those whose testosterone is already high
• Stop taking at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Talk to your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding
• If taking any medications, speak to your doctor

 

 

Raising Testosterone Naturally

When it comes to natural ways to enhance testosterone levels, the best evidence is for:

• Weight loss

• Resistance training

There's more poof for these than for T booster supplements.

 

Gaining weight is associated with lower testosterone levels. Weight loss should be slow and gradual. Reduce calorie intake by 250-500 calories per day should be sufficient for many people. There is no best diet. Any lower calorie eating plan you can follow will be best for you.

Exercise does raise testosterone but the effect seems to be short term, maybe lasting a few minutes to an hour or so.  That doesn't mean it's useless because testosterone – even a short increase – might activate various genes that have a wide range of positive effects.

Exercises that use big muscle groups are better than smaller muscle groups. For example, a leg press machine would be better than performing a biceps curl.

Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. They are highest in the morning. Because of this, some might wonder if working out in the morning would result in an even greater surge of testosterone by taking advantage of its naturally higher levels in the morning.

At least one study has noted that the time of day one works out does not alter overall testosterone levels throughout the day. Regardless of when testosterone level is highest, I say workout when you can and don't worry about this.

Is it better to do strength training first or cardio first – some research finds performing aerobic exercise before strength training might lead to a longer elevation of testosterone levels. More research is needed.

 

Does It Work?

Without research on the product itself, it's not possible to know if Dr. Max Powers Testosterone Boost works or not. Before trying ANY testosterone supplement, know what your baseline levels are first. Measure your T levels first and again a month later.

Heres a test kit you can do at home. 

What Do You Think?