Deuster, P. A., Sutton, E., Criqui, M., Faraday, M., & Poth, M. (2004). DHEA effects on metabolism and exercise performance in men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(5), Supplement abstract 1185.

The effects of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) supplementation on metabolic parameters and exercise performance in males (N = 15). Ss received either DHEA (100 mg/d) or placebo for four weeks. After three weeks of washout, the treatments were reversed and instituted for four more weeks.

Plasma levels of DHEA and DHEA-S (sulfate) increased significantly under the supplementation condition. However, no effects on physical performance, peak exercise lactate, or basal testosterone were observed. Metabolic activity in exercise was increased, as evidence by a rise in blood glucose under DHEA supplementation when compared to placebo.

DHEA is included as a banned exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroid by WADA in its March 17, 2004 Prohibited list. This is one piece of evidence that shows the WADA procedure of declaring substances as performance-enhancers without any substantial proof or despite indications to the contrary. Some athlete will have a career curtailed and character besmirched by testing positive for DHEA at some arbitrary level despite its lack of performance effect.

Implication. DHEA supplementation does not improve exercise performance or have androgenic effects in males.

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