Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Moderate evidenceLongevity & antioxidants

DHEA

DHEA is an adrenal prohormone sold as an anti-aging fix, but the trial evidence shows only small, narrow effects: a modest fat-mass reduction in older men and a small quality-of-life gain in women with adrenal insufficiency. It is banned in sport and is prescription-only in many countries.

What the science says

  • Small body-composition effect in older men, nothing else Moderate evidence

    A meta-analysis of 25 placebo-controlled RCTs in 1,353 elderly men (mean follow-up 36 weeks) found a modest reduction in fat mass (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.05) that disappeared after adjusting for the rise in testosterone and estradiol. There was no effect on lipids, glucose metabolism, bone health, sexual function or quality of life.

  • Adrenal insufficiency: small quality-of-life benefit Moderate evidence

    Pooling 10 RCTs in women with primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency, DHEA improved health-related quality of life with an effect size of 0.21 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.33) and slightly improved depression, with no significant effect on anxiety or sexual well-being. The authors concluded the evidence was insufficient to support routine use.

  • Diminished ovarian reserve and IVF: unproven Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of 9 studies (540 treated, 668 controls) reported higher clinical pregnancy rates with DHEA pre-treatment (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.09-1.99), with no change in oocytes retrieved or cancellation rates. When restricted to the four randomized trials the effect vanished (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.67-1.73) - the signal comes from observational data.

  • Testosterone booster for young men Limited evidence

    DHEA does not meaningfully raise testosterone in young men with normal gonadal function; it is converted largely to estrogens and inactive androgen metabolites. Trials in young athletes have found no gains in testosterone, lean mass or performance.

Dosage & safety

Studied dose25-50 mg/day in aging trials; 25-50 mg/day in adrenal insufficiency protocols; up to 75 mg/day (25 mg three times daily) in fertility studies. Doses above 50 mg/day substantially raise downstream androgens and estrogens.
SafetyAndrogenic and estrogenic side effects are common: acne, oily skin, facial hair growth and voice deepening in women; breast tenderness and possible gynecomastia in men. It can lower HDL cholesterol and raise estradiol, so it is inadvisable with hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, prostate) and may interact with aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen and insulin. DHEA (prasterone) is prohibited at all times by WADA - a genuine doping-test risk. Sold over the counter in the US but prescription-only or restricted in Canada, the UK, Australia and much of the EU.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Life Extension, DHEA, 25 mg, 100 Capsules

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