Ultimate Nutrition: DHEA

For many years DHEA, or dehydroepiandosterone, was considered a "junk" hormone, since researchers could not attribute any specific function to it. In the past few years, DHEA's image problem has been refurbished. It is the most abundant hormone in humans and other mammals, and it plays a critical role in many different bodily functions. In fact, healthy DHEA levels are being increasingly used as an indicator of healthy immune response, and a sense of general well-being.* Clinical studies over the past ten years suggest that DHEA may be the most critical single chemical in predicting health.*

The body produces DHEA in the adrenal gland using cholesterol as the starting material. Like testosterone (estrogen in women) and other critical hormones, DHEA levels peak in the second or third decade of life, after which the decline begins. In men, roughly one-half of DHEA is lost by age 40.

Clinical results suggest that oral supplementation with DHEA can have numerous beneficial effects including:

• Feelings of energy and well-being.*
• Supports mood and increased cognitive ability.*

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference between DHEA and DHEA Sulfate?
The total DHEA in the blood is a combination of free DHEA and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S), which is a DHEA molecule with a sulfur atom attached to it. Although no distinction is normally made between DHEA and DHEA-S, it should be noted that DHEA-S functions as a ready reservoir of weakly bound DHEA.

Does Oral DHEA Supplementation Work?
Numerous studies, some of which are listed in the references above, suggest that oral DHEA works quite efficiently. Intake of as small an amount as 100 mg DHEA each day may result in remarkable increase in both physical and psychological well-being support.* It may help promote improvements in muscle mass and muscle strength.* Since it is a powerful hormone, it should be taken under clinical supervision and in consultation with your primary care physician.

When Should One Use DHEA Supplementation?
Individuals who wish to support their weight-training results or promote overall health and well-being may want to use this.

As we age, the amount of DHEA produced by the body gradually dissipates. The need for supplementation can be met with DHEA, a product from one of the leading innovators of quality nutrition supplements.