Evidence supporting the use of: DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
For the health condition: Aging (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone produced naturally by the adrenal glands, and its levels decline with age. This decline has led to the hypothesis that DHEA supplementation might counteract some aspects of aging. There is a scientific rationale for its use: DHEA serves as a precursor to both androgens and estrogens, hormones involved in various physiological processes that diminish with age. Several small-scale clinical trials have investigated DHEA supplementation in older adults, reporting modest improvements in skin hydration, bone density, libido, and subjective well-being. However, these effects are generally mild and inconsistent across studies. Most importantly, large-scale, long-term trials have not demonstrated a significant impact of DHEA on major age-related diseases, lifespan, or comprehensive anti-aging benefits. Additionally, safety concerns exist, particularly regarding hormone-sensitive conditions such as certain cancers.

The FDA does not approve DHEA for anti-aging purposes, and major clinical guidelines do not recommend its routine use for aging prevention. While the use of DHEA for anti-aging is based on some scientific findings, the overall evidence is weak (rated 2/5), and more robust, long-term studies are needed to clarify potential benefits and risks. Therefore, DHEA’s use for aging prevention is scientifically motivated but not strongly validated.

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