Quick answer

For men, the most relevant are zinc for a normal testosterone level, selenium and iodine for the thyroid, as well as magnesium for muscle function and melatonin for the time taken to fall asleep. Traditionally used plants such as fadogia or ginseng can complement the routine, but do not replace a healthy lifestyle.

Men often make high demands of their bodies – at work, in sport, in everyday family life – but statistically look after their nutrient supply actively less often than women. Yet it is precisely here that a sober, honest look pays off: which nutrients are actually backed by EU-approved statements for typical men's topics such as energy, muscles, hormone balance and sleep? And which traditionally used plants suit them without having to attribute anything to them? In this guide we classify this and present suitable products from the Scheunengut range – without muscle marketing, without testosterone myths and without empty promises, but with a clear basis for your decision. Because especially on the topic of men's health, many exaggerated claims circulate online that have more to do with sales pressure than with substance – instead, we want to give you the sober facts with which you can weigh things up well for yourself.

What matters for the goal of men

These assessed nutrient statements are particularly interesting for many men, because they concern areas that play a role in everyday life:

  • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood and to normal fertility and reproduction.
  • Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis and to normal thyroid function.
  • Iodine contributes to normal thyroid function and to a normal energy-yielding metabolism.
  • Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
  • Melatonin contributes to the reduction of the time taken to fall asleep (with 1 mg shortly before bedtime).

On the topic of testosterone, an honest classification pays off, because a lot of marketing is in circulation here: the authorised zinc claim speaks of the maintenance of a normal level when supply is adequate – not of an increase into the supernatural. A nutrient can compensate for a deficiency but cannot artificially drive a healthy value upwards. Anyone who understands this falls less often for exaggerated advertising promises.

Traditionally used plants such as Fadogia agrestis, ashwagandha and ginseng have long played a role in men's routines in many cultures. There are no authorised health claims for them – we therefore describe them honestly as traditional companions and not as promises of effect. This too is part of serious buying advice.

One topic that men statistically often underestimate is the role of sleep and recovery. Many optimise training and diet down to the last detail but skimp precisely on regeneration – yet it is exactly during this time that hormonal recovery and muscle building take place. The thyroid too, which is connected to the energy-yielding metabolism via iodine and selenium, rarely comes into focus, although it noticeably co-determines drive. Anyone who takes these inconspicuous areas seriously often gets more out of it than from the next supposed testosterone booster. That is precisely why the following recommendations deliberately cover more than just the one buzzword.

Our product recommendations

From the range, the following products suit classic men's concerns – from strength and energy to the thyroid to sleep.

Fadogia strength complex with ashwagandha & zinc

This complex combines the traditionally used 10:1 extract of Fadogia agrestis with ashwagandha and zinc, which contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood and to normal fertility and reproduction. It thus couples two traditionally used plants with an assessed nutrient claim. At 1000 mg per daily dose it is a high-dose choice for men who want to unite traditional plant knowledge and a reliable nutrient basis in one product.

View Fadogia strength complex

Thyroid Intenso – iodine-selenium complex with thyme

The thyroid and energy balance are closely linked, but are often overlooked in men. This complex provides iodine and selenium, both of which contribute to normal thyroid function; iodine additionally supports a normal energy-yielding metabolism and selenium normal spermatogenesis. The formulation is rounded off by traditionally used thyme. A sensible choice if you want to specifically focus on your basic supply of these two trace elements.

View Thyroid Intenso

Red Panax Ginseng – 10:1 extract with piperine

Ginseng (Panax) is among the best-known traditionally used roots of all and has a centuries-long history in Asia as a companion of active people. Our high-dose root extract provides 1200 mg per daily dose with 20% ginsenosides – the characteristic constituents of the root – and is supplemented with piperine. For men who want to rely on a tradition-rich plant in tested, standardised quality made in Germany, this is an obvious choice.

View Red Panax Ginseng

Melatonin sleep complex with magnesium

Good sleep is the underestimated foundation for energy, regeneration and performance – and influences the hormone balance more strongly than most capsules. Melatonin contributes to the reduction of the time taken to fall asleep (with 1 mg shortly before bedtime), and the supplementary magnesium contributes to normal muscle function. With 365 tablets it is a practical year's supply for the evening routine.

View melatonin complex

Which combination makes sense for you depends on your focus. If the topic of strength and vitality is at the forefront, the Fadogia complex is an obvious start. If you are more concerned with energy and basic supply, Thyroid Intenso and good sleep are the stronger levers. Don't combine everything at random all at once, but start with what best suits your everyday life, and give each change a few weeks. That way you also better recognise what actually does you good.

Fundamentals first

As much as men like to search for the one decisive capsule – the real levers are known and unspectacular, and there is no way around them. Strength training two to three times a week maintains muscle and supports the metabolism, especially with increasing age. Enough and regular sleep influences energy and hormone balance more strongly than any single preparation. A protein-rich, vegetable-focused diet already covers most of the nutrients mentioned above. Alcohol in moderation, a conscious approach to stress and regular check-ups round off the picture – the latter is often put off too long by men. Supplementation can specifically close gaps where they arise in everyday life; but it is the last building block on a solid foundation, not the first.

If you want to get going, keep it simple and honest: tackle one area – such as better sleep or a targeted basic supply – and start there instead of buying half a shelf of preparations at once. Give each change a few weeks and observe concretely whether energy, regeneration and focus change. Measure your progress on traceable things like training performance, sleep quality and well-being rather than on vague promises from the packaging. And don't let yourself be unsettled by the loud corner of the market where the next miracle cure is constantly being proclaimed. Anyone who sticks to the fundamentals and supplements in a targeted way is ultimately better positioned than someone who chases every new trend – and saves money in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does zinc increase my testosterone level?

According to the EU, zinc contributes to the maintenance of a normal testosterone level in the blood – that is a statement about maintaining the norm when supply is adequate, not about an increase beyond it. It should be communicated exactly this honestly, instead of promising miracles.

What is Fadogia agrestis good for?

Fadogia agrestis is a traditionally used plant without an authorised health claim. In our complex it is combined with zinc, for which an assessed claim applies. In this way tradition and a provable nutrient basis are combined.

Are these products suitable for athletes?

The nutrients they contain, such as magnesium and zinc, are also relevant for active men. For competitive sport, additionally pay attention to any requirements of your federation and, in general, to tested product quality.

Can I take ginseng permanently?

Ginseng is traditionally used rather in courses. Stick to the consumption recommendation on the product and take breaks as needed. In the case of pre-existing conditions or concurrent medication, you should clarify use with your doctor beforehand.

Do I as a man even need supplementation?

Not necessarily. Anyone who eats a balanced diet and is active is often well supplied. Supplementation becomes sensible where concrete gaps remain in everyday life or special concerns exist – not as a blanket obligation. A look at your own blood values on occasion helps to answer this question individually and honestly for you, rather than deciding it by gut feeling or advertising.

Note: Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet or for medical treatment. If you have persistent complaints, are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, please talk to your doctor beforehand.

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Health notice: This guide is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual medical or pharmaceutical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you have health concerns, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist. How our guides are created →

Sources

  1. EU Register of authorised health claims — Europäische Kommission, 2024
  2. Scientific assessments of nutrients and health claims — Europäische Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit (EFSA), 2023
  3. Reference values and recommendations for nutrient intake — Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung, 2024
  4. Consumer information on food supplements — Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, 2023