DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is produced by the body's adrenal gland. The only food sources for DHEA is wild yams found in Mexico and soybean plants. However, states MayoClinic.com, these foods do not convert to DHEA in the body, so food is an unreliable source of DHEA. The only true way to get DHEA is through supplementation. However, DHEA is not a medical drug, nor should it be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Dosage
According to "Food and Nutrition: Choices for Health," although DHEA can be manufactured by wild yams and soybean plants, it is a synthetic, man-made chemical. The man-made form is the only way a human can acquire DHEA once the body has slowed its natural production. The recommended dose for DHEA supplementation with a reduced risk of side effects is 50 mg.
Expert Insight
Dr. Ray Sahelian challenges the hype about DHEA, saying he has seen many cases of heart rhythm disturbances in people taking DHEA in high doses, which he considers 50 mg or more. Sahelian recommends that if a person chooses to supplement DHEA, the doses should not exceed 5 mg.
Function
DHEA is responsible for making the body's sex hormones. It produces hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol. According to an article in "Oxford Journals" by M. Panjari and Susan R. Davis, DHEA provides a reservoir for intracellular production in non-reproductive tissues of androgens and oestrogens. The body slows its natural production of DHEA after age 30.
Benefits
AntiAgingGuide.com suggests that DHEA offers many benefits to men and women. These include prevention of age-related diseases such as certain cancers, osteoporosis and coronary heart disease. It also claims that DHEA lowers blood sugar levels, boosts liver function and lowers cholesterol. Other diseases that DHEA might help, in conjunction with other therapies and treatments, is Alzheimer's disease, AIDS and lupus. It is even suspected to turn fat into lean muscle and enhance libido in males and females. However, there is not enough scientific proof to confirm these benefits, and it is important to consult a doctor before using DHEA.
Risks
Serious risks when taking high doses of DHEA are varied and wide. Go Ask Alice of Columbia University reviews possible side effects for men and women who take doses greater than 100 mg of DHEA a day. Men can experience a greater risk of prostate cancer as well as production of breast tissue. Risks for women include breast cancer and heart disease, and males and females can experience liver damage. Women also might suffer from a deepened voice, facial hair, head hair loss and acne.
Member Comments