The Acute Effect of Protein or Carbohydrate Intake on Testosterone Levels and Food Intake in Children and Adolescent Boys

Acute Decrease in Serum Testosterone After Glucose and Protein Beverages in Adolescent Males

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acute protein and glucose intake on testosterone levels measured in adolescent boys and determine whether changes in testosterone levels are associated with alterations in short-term food intake. It was hypothesized that 1) ingestion of a protein beverage would result in no change of testosterone levels whereas glucose would result in a significant decrease of testosterone levels 60 minutes after ingestion and 2) decreases of testosterone levels as a result of the glucose preload would predict food intake for boys of similar body size. The first objective was to investigate the effect of an acute protein or glucose drink on testosterone levels and the second objective was to determine whether changes of testosterone levels associate with food intake.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 9-18 years, healthy, male.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of prematurity, chronic illness, were taking any medications known to affect glucose homeostasis, appetite or pubertal development.