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LE Magazine November 2006

Why DHEA May Be the Best-Validated Anti-Aging Supplement

By Julius Goepp, MD

DHEA Helps Prevent Age-Related Bone Loss and Osteoporosis

Recently, new side effects were announced for the popular osteoporosis drug known as Fosamax®. Apparently, many Fosamax® users find themselves with the troubling condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, in which the jaw bone essentially dies.39 Unfortunately, those experiencing osteoporosis are presented with little choice other than to take the drug and hope for the best. Now, strong evidence suggests that ensuring optimal levels of DHEA may help to slow bone loss and guard against the crippling effects of osteoporosis.

Studies of both men and women have demonstrated that low levels of DHEA are associated with bone loss through mechanisms related to altered mineral absorption and metabolism, as well as through inflammatory processes.40-42 In younger people, normal DHEA levels stimulate adequate production of a substance called insulin-like growth factor 1, which maintains new bone formation. Healthy DHEA levels also suppress production of interleukin-6, an inflammatory cytokine that causes bone breakdown (resorption), thus preventing bone loss. Decreasing DHEA levels are associated with diminished levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 and higher levels of interleukin-6, creating a situation in which bone loss exceeds new bone formation.40

For nearly a decade, researchers have known that DHEA supplementation can slow bone loss associated with osteoporosis, while increasing bone mass.16-18 Although scientists knew that this effect is the result of both suppressing bone loss and enhancing formation of new bone,43 DHEA’s precise mechanism of action was unclear.

In the past year, science has provided powerful new evidence of just how these bone-protective effects occur. In 2006, investigators found that bone-forming cells survived longer in the presence of DHEA. This effect is explained by DHEA’s ability to suppress the inflammatory agent known as nuclear factor-kappa beta, a contributor to bone loss.44

Earlier this year, researchers also discovered that the DHEA-mediated increase in bone formation was the result of DHEA’s conversion to estrogen at the local tissue level in postmenopausal women.45

These studies demonstrate that DHEA works via several mechanisms to increase bone mass and density, thus promoting bone health and guarding against the perilous consequences of age-related bone deterioration.

DHEA Improves Insulin Sensitivity, May Prevent Metabolic Syndrome

With advancing age comes progressive resistance to the glucose-controlling effects of insulin—another condition that is strongly associated with declining DHEA levels.46,47 Recent studies provide ample support for DHEA’s beneficial effects in improving insulin resistance, which is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.48 Both of these conditions can lead to atherosclerosis.5

The mechanisms by which DHEA beneficially influences blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity are becoming increasingly clear. In a study earlier this year, DHEA supplementation increased the number and size of insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas.19 In short, DHEA supplementation in these animals increased their ability to manage a glucose load, as occurs when consuming meals. The study authors concluded that DHEA may be a promising agent in preventing diabetes during aging.

Fortunately, two recent human trials lend additional support to these findings. In 2005, investigators studied the effects of DHEA replacement on insulin sensitivity in women with known adrenal insufficiency (whose natural levels of DHEA were well below normal). In this 12-week, randomized, controlled trial, subjects received either 50 mg per day of DHEA or a placebo. Insulin sensitivity was then measured. The DHEA-treated subjects required significantly higher amounts of glucose to raise their blood sugar levels, demonstrating markedly improved insulin sensitivity. These subjects also demonstrated lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL. The investigators concluded that DHEA replacement increases insulin sensitivity and may prevent type II diabetes.20

In another recent study, daily DHEA supplementation of 50 mg per day for six months produced notable reductions in the size of fat stores in the abdominal wall and cavity among study subjects compared to controls.7 The DHEA-supplemented subjects also showed greater sensitivity to insulin, maintaining their blood sugar well within limits during an oral glucose tolerance test. These researchers similarly concluded that DHEA replacement may play an important role in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome.

Maintaining Optimal DHEA Levels

Since a wealth of evidence links optimal DHEA levels with protection against the diseases of aging, the Life Extension Foundation recommends that all adults monitor their levels through regular blood testing. Normal laboratory reference ranges and optimal ranges for DHEA-S are shown below.

	Normal	Optimal
Men	280-640 µg/dL	500-640 µg/dL
Women	65-380 µg/dL	250-380 µg/dL

If DHEA-S levels are below the optimal range, healthy adults may wish to begin supplementing with 15-75 mg of DHEA daily. After three to six weeks of DHEA supplementation, another blood test is suggested to assess DHEA levels and adjust dosage. Individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers should not use DHEA. Speak with your doctor to determine if DHEA supplementation is appropriate for you.

DHEA Promotes Faster Wound Healing

The body’s ability to heal wounds is key to recovering from minor injuries as well as major surgery. Recent evidence indicates that DHEA supplementation may have the beneficial effect of accelerating wound healing.

In humans and other mammals, wound healing is increasingly impaired with advancing age.49 Given the increased rate of injury, reduced mobility, and relatively frequent need for surgery in older adults, this impairment entails substantial costs, in medical expenditures as well as pain and suffering. By one estimate, age-related impaired wound healing in the US alone carries an annual price tag of more than $9 billion.49

Because wound healing is positively associated with levels of estrogen and testosterone, it makes sense that their precursor, DHEA, might have a beneficial effect as well. A study from 2005 provides important evidence to support this notion.21 Researchers reported that DHEA levels in humans are strongly associated with protection against chronic venous ulcers, which often appear on the legs of older people with decreased mobility. The authors also demonstrated that injecting DHEA at the wound site accelerated healing in an animal model of age-related healing impairment. This important paper concluded that DHEA supplementation may be useful in both preventing and treating impaired wound healing in older adults.

Nerve tissue heals at an extremely slow rate. In a recent experiment, DHEA was shown to improve the rate of healing in nerve tissue.22 Rats were injected with DHEA or placebo at the site of damage to the sciatic nerve (the major nerve of the leg), and the size and bulk of nerves and muscles were then measured 12 weeks after the injury. Compared with placebo-treated controls, the DHEA-treated animals had heavier lower leg muscles, more myelinated (insulated) nerve fibers, and larger average nerve fibers. This study demonstrated that DHEA prevented the loss of muscle and nerve mass that so commonly follows injury to the extremities.

Summary

The recent surge in research concerning DHEA is impressive. These studies dramatically underscore both the extent and variety of health benefits conferred by DHEA, which range from supporting psychological health and safeguarding cardiovascular function to improving insulin sensitivity and sustaining bone health.

Sen. Orrin Hatch on DHEA And Banned substances

“We determined that DHEA was not in the same class as the other products listed because it is a naturally produced supplement that has been marketed for nearly 50 years, and it has a strong history of beneficial use and lack of any evidence of abuse. DHEA is an anti-aging supplement that millions of older Americans have used for years to improve their vigor and health. So, after much debate, we determined that at the time the bill was passed we should not take this option away from consumers.”50

Thanks to the efforts of congressional champions of health freedom such as Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Tom Harkin (D-IA), aging Americans’ access to DHEA has been preserved. Their efforts have enabled millions of Americans to continue to benefit from the neurological, cardiovascular, and other benefits associated with this health-sustaining hormone.

The nineteenth century American abolitionist Wendell Phillips is said to have remarked, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” While it is unclear whether federal lawmakers or bureaucrats will make further attempts to limit DHEA’s availability, the Life Extension Foundation will continue to monitor any relevant developments in Congress and will alert and mobilize members accordingly.

DHEA is not for everyone—people with hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancers should avoid its use. However, an abundance of new studies suggests that ensuring optimal levels of this vital “prohormone” can help aging adults guard against endothelial dysfunction, vascular disease, metabolic syndrome, bone loss, and other debilitating conditions once thought to be the “inevitable” consequences of aging.

References

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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