MidLife
DHEA
The chemical name for the hormone DHEA is dehydroepiandrosterone. There is interest in this substance as an anti-aging agent because studies in animals have shown that it may improve the immune response (body’s natural defense) and prevent some types of cancer.
In the body, this hormone is found in higher concentrations during youth and decreasing amounts as aging continues. Many diet supplements contain DHEA and they market to a population of people who believe that ingesting this will raise their blood level and keep them young. The studies suggesting DHEA may increase longevity have been very small, with no control groups. The study measured "increased well-being" which from a scientific view is not something that can be quantified and compared among study patients.
In reality, we don’t know that the body recognizes the chemical in the supplement, since in the body the natural DHEA is in a sulfate form. The effectiveness of DHEA supplements has not been proven. However, there are early reports that even short-term use of DHEA supplements have led to liver damage in some individuals. An increased risk of liver cancer was found in mice fed large quantities of DHEA.
The risks of too much DHEA are not known. Further evaluation and monitoring of its use needs to be done in a controlled setting.
