OBJECTIVE To review the evidence that supplementation with dehydro-3-epiand
rosterone (DHEA) is beneficial in aging, cardiovascular disease, immune fun
ction, and cancer.
METHODS English-language literature search using MEDLINE with subject headi
ngs DHEA, adrenal steroids, and androgens.
QUALITY OF EVIDENCE Although some randomized, double-blind, placebo-control
led trials have been conducted, most of the evidence supporting use of DHEA
for any disease state is of poor quality and consists of case reports and
case-control and open-label clinical trials.
MAIN MESSAGE Dehydro-3-epiandrosterone is available as a health food supple
ment and is touted as being beneficial for a variety of diseases. It might
be beneficial for improving someone's sense of well-being; minor improvemen
ts in body composition have been noted for men only No consistent relations
hip has been demonstrated between levels of DHEA and risk of cardiovascular
disease, breast cancer, or immune function. Insufficient evidence exists t
o support using DHEA for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. High levels o
f DHEA are associated with adverse effects, such as increased risk of breas
t and ovarian cancer at certain ages and reduced levels of high-density lip
oprotein cholesterol.
CONCLUSIONS Current enthusiasm for using DHEA as a panacea for aging, heart
disease, and cancer is not supported by scientific evidence in the literat
ure. Given the potentially serious adverse effects, using DHEA in the clini
cal setting should be restricted to well-designed clinical trials only.