The term "free testosterone" refers to levels of this hormone that are created naturally, as opposed to being forced into the human body artificially. Synthetic drugs—both prescription and over-the-counter treatments—and anabolic steroids are two strong examples of artificially created testosterone being inflicted on hormonal systems. Truly free testosterone is built steadily using herbs and nutrients, one of which is zinc. This cheap and readily available dietary supplement helps to elevate testosterone freely in most users.

1. Refrain from using multi-nutrient products. Although benefits can be attributed to taking a combination of different vitamins and minerals, this is not always the best option. When the predominant goal is to increase levels of free testosterone, a pure and isolated zinc supplement is the most preferable way of doing this.

2. Buy a stand-alone zinc supplement. This mineral is used far more often for its capacity as a major player in repelling cold and flu symptoms than for hormonal balancing. Because of this, it is extremely easy to purchase—just about any supermarket or drugstore stocks zinc supplements. Bulk packs are cheaply priced as well, normally only costing about $10 for a three-month supply.

3. Select zinc citrate. This form is bonded with citric acid, and such a formula is consequently absorbed to the fullest extent, providing maximum potential to zinc's very powerful free-testosterone-boosting effects. According to the website of the University of Washington, “Testosterone, the most effective anabolic our bodies naturally produce, is known to be closely interrelated with zinc.”

4. Complement only with copper. This mineral works in close synergy with zinc, both in relation to testosterone function and most other benefits as well. It’s a fair bit more obscure than zinc, but most health stores likely stock at least one brand of copper supplement. The Oregon State University Micronutrient Information Center points out, “Taking large quantities of zinc (50 mg/day or more) over a period of weeks can interfere with copper bioavailability. High intake of zinc induces the intestinal synthesis of a copper-binding protein called metallothionein. Metallothionein traps copper within intestinal cells and prevents its systemic absorption.”

5. Allow the time that’s required. Testosterone, when raised in a genuinely free form, does not increase all that quickly. Wait at least several weeks before expecting to see vast benefits from your zinc usage. The official website of the State of Idaho says, “Serum testosterone levels rise gradually, and a steady state is achieved after two to three days.”