DHEA Supplement

Research on DHEA is preliminary and inconclusive, and researchers studying the substance discourage its use because of adverse side effects and uncertainty about long-term risks.

Supplement manufacturers use their own interpretations of research reports — along with the fact that DHEA levels drop during aging — to promote their products, claiming DHEA supplements boost immunity, promote weight loss, build muscle, reduce the effects of aging, and improve mood, memory, and sex drive. However, DHEA has not been shown to increase muscle mass or strength or decrease body fat in young, healthy adults. It is banned for athletes by the International Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association as an anabolic agent.

Side effects may include androgenic effects in women (acne, oily skin, excessive facial hair growth, voice deepening, hair loss, and mood changes). In theory, because of its hormonal effects, DHEA could stimulate preexisting prostate, breast, and endometrial cancer. DHEA supplements may lead to liver damage, even when taken briefly, and there is concern about an increased risk of heart disease in women. Long-term risks require further research.

• Research is preliminary and inconclusive; researchers discourage use.
• Marketed claims: boost immunity, promote weight loss, build muscle, reduce aging effects, improve mood/memory/sex drive.
• Not shown to increase muscle mass/strength or decrease body fat in young, healthy adults.
• Banned for athletes by the IOC and NCAA as an anabolic agent.
• Side effects in women: acne, oily skin, facial hair, voice deepening, hair loss, mood changes.
• May stimulate preexisting prostate, breast, and endometrial cancer; may cause liver damage; possible heart-disease risk in women.

• ergogenic-supplements — companion supplement review.
• protein-supplementation — general supplement skepticism.
• sports-nutrition-overview — broader sports-nutrition context.