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Limited evidenceMen's health

Oyster Extract

A zinc-rich shellfish concentrate sold for testosterone. Whatever it does is most likely the zinc doing it, and the oyster-specific testosterone data are entirely from cells and rodents.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Testosterone Limited evidence

    Oyster-derived dipeptides increased testosterone synthesis in cultured Leydig cells, and oyster peptide supplementation improved hormonal markers in a rat model of late-onset hypogonadism. There is no human trial of oyster extract on testosterone.

  • It is essentially a zinc supplement Limited evidence

    Zinc supplementation raises testosterone reliably only in men who are zinc-deficient or hypogonadal, as shown in a study of men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In men with normal zinc status there is no good reason to expect a hormonal effect from any zinc source, oyster included.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTypical label doses are 500–1500 mg of oyster extract daily, supplying roughly 5–15 mg of zinc. No dose has been tested in a human trial.
SafetyA shellfish product, so it must be avoided by anyone with a shellfish allergy. Zinc content adds to total intake; sustained intakes above about 40 mg/day of elemental zinc from all sources can cause copper deficiency. Oysters concentrate cadmium and other metals, so sourcing matters.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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