Serving Size: 1 Capsule | ||
Servings Per Container: 90 | ||
Amount Per Serving | % DV * | |
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) | 25mg | † |
* % Daily Value (DV) is based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower based on your calorie needs.
† Daily Value (DV) not established. |
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Other Ingredients: Gelatin (Capsule), Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose. |
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Dehydroepiandrosterone
- Supports Overall Health*
- Increases Energy and Sense of Well-Being*
- Supports Mood and Increased Cognitive Ability*
- Promotes Muscle Growth*
- Supports Hormone Levels*
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced in the adrenal gland of the human body. It is the most abundant steroid circulating in the blood stream and is present at even higher levels in the tissues of the brain. DHEA acts as a precursor to numerous sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen, and has been shown to drastically decline with age. It is difficult for researchers to separate the effects of DHEA from those of the primary sex hormones into which it is metabolized, thus it has been suggested that DHEA may serve the role of a buffering hormone which alters the state-dependency of other hormones. While the precise mechanisms of action for DHEA are only partially understood, supplemental DHEA has mainly been recognized for its anti-obesity and anti-aging effects, while simultaneously stabilizing nerve-cell growth. Other potential clinical uses have included modulating diabetes, carcinogenesis, tumor growth, viral and bacterial infection, hypertension, fatigue, memory, and immune responses.*
DHEA has also been suggested to play a role in glucose metabolism; high blood glucose can inhibit the production of human growth hormone (HGH) which can lead to inefficiency in many bodily functions and negatively impact athletic performance. Researchers have shown that DHEA inhibits glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), an enzyme known for breaking down glucose. There are two glucose-metabolizing pathways in the body:*
- The Catabolic, Energy-Yielding Pathway*
- The Anabolic, Biosynthetic Pathway*
G6PDH happens to be the first enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway, the one which results in the synthesis of fatty acids and ribose; in other words, G6PDH turns glucose into fat. DHEAs inhibition of G6PDH may redirect glucose from anabolic fat-production into catabolic energy metabolism, thus promoting a leaner metabolism.*
Exact dosages for humans have not been clearly established. Daily dosages range from 5 to 10mg to as much as 2,000mg, with 5, 10, 25 and 250mg being the range for typical capsule and tablet sizes. DHEA is typically split into 2-4 daily doses, particularly at the higher dosage levels. Researchers have suggested that DHEA may in fact be the most significant endocrine biomarker identified, and all of its effects may be explained by its action as a precursor hormone which provides a host of progeny with which to maintain the broad balance of host responses related to species and individual survival. By encouraging balanced levels of glucose and insulin, promoting proper hormone function, and supporting optimal immune system function, DHEA can be utilized to potentially promote efficient anabolism and metabolism.*
References
- Arlt W, Callies F, Koehler I, et al. (2001). Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in healthy men with an age-related decline of dehydroepiandrosterone secretion. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 864686-4692.
- Barrett-Connor E, Khaw KT & Yen SS (1986). A prospective study of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, mortality, and cardiovascular disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 315(24): 1519-24.
- Baulieu EE, Thomas G, Legrain S. et al. (2000). Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 974279-4284.
- Dean W & Fowkes SW (1997). Smart drug update: DHEA. Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute.
- Flynn MA, Weaver-Osterholtz D, Sharpe-Timms KL, Allen S & Krause G (1999). Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in aging humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 84:1527-1533.
- Han DH, Hansen PA, Chen MM & Holloszy JO (1998). DHEA treatment reduces fat accumulation and protects against insulin resistance in male rats. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 53B19-B24.
- Kawano H, Yasue H, Kitagawa A. et al. (2003). Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 883190-3195.
- Loria RM & Padgett DA (1993). Androstenediol regulates systemic resistance against lethal Infections in mice. Annals of NY Academy of Sciences. 685: 293-95.
- Villareal DT, Holloszy JO, Kohrt WM (2000). Effects of DHEA replacement on bone mineral density and body composition in elderly women and men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 53561-568.
- Villareal DT, Kohrt WM, Holloszy J (2000). DHEA replacement reduces intra-abdominal fat in older women and men. J Am Geriatr Soc. 48:S24.