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DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone in the body produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA’s job is to make other hormones including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. During a person’s twenties, the production of DHEA reaches peak levels and slowly declines thereafter. A decrease in DHEA production can result in muscle and bone loss, decreased strength, and decreased sex drive. Therefore, DHEA is considered a “hormone of youth,” which is why some people turn to supplemental DHEA when they get older.

The form of DHEA found in supplements is synthetic, meaning that it is man-made. DHEA can actually be manufactured from chemicals found in wild yam and soy bean plants. However, it is important to note that a person cannot directly acquire DHEA from consuming these plants.

 

Claimed Health Benefits

  • Delays onset of aging

  • Enhances sex drive

  • Acts as an energy-booster

  • Improves memory

  • Aids in weight loss

  • Helps relieve depression

  • Improves muscle mass and strength

 

Food Sources

None

 

Dosage

The limited studies that exist on DHEA find that a 50-mg daily dose is probably an effective dose. It is important to note that any dose over this amount may cause serious side effects such as increased risk of liver problems and cancer.

 


Evidence for health beliefs

Although very few human studies have been done, there are some studies suggesting that DHEA might be beneficial for individuals suffering from the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus. DHEA supplementation could possibly decrease the amount of corticosteroid medication these people have to take, which could improve bone density. The studies however, are not conclusive, and more research needs to be done in this area.

Most of the scientific evidence that exists on DHEA shows that it could possibly be help individuals with adrenal problems or Addison’s disease. DHEA supplementation might improve their well-being, sex drive, endurance, and hormone levels. Yet anyone with adrenal problems should seek medical attention by a physician as it is a serious medical condition.

A study involving a group of 40-70 year old subjects took 50-100 mg DHEA everyday for 6 months. The subjects experienced an increase in muscle mass and improved overall well-being.

Another study looked at the effects of DHEA supplementation on 9 elderly men and found that the men had enhanced immune function.


Cautions

Since there are limited human studies on DHEA, the side effects are only speculative. DHEA could have a negative effect on hormone levels in both men and women. In men, it might lead to breast development and/or breast tenderness. In women, it might lead to more masculine features such as acne, weight gain, facial hair, and a deeper voice. There may also be an increased risk for developing breast, prostate cancer, or liver problems when supplementing with DHEA.

 

References

1. SupplementWatch, Inc. (2002) Supplement Decisions Made Easy. http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=102 Accessed December 8, 2003.

2. Aetna InteliHealth Inc. (2003) Harvard Medical School’s Consumer Health Information. http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/31402/347263.html?d=dmtContent Accessed December 8, 2003.

3. Product Review: Calcium ConsumerLab, LLC. http://www.consumerlab.com/results/dhea.asp Accessed December 8, 2003.