Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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DHEA is a popular supplement that is believed to boost testosterone levels, increase bone density, help with fat loss and improve virility. The market has become saturated with DHEA supplement brands, leaving many people at a loss to find the best one to meet their needs.
In this post, we sort out the best from the rest with our review of the 9 leading DHEA supplements on the market right now. We'll also drill down on the research-backed benefits of DHEA and provide a buyer's guide, so you know exactly what to look out for when adding this to your supplement regimen.
9 Best DHEA Supplements
- Overall Best: Double Wood DHEA
- Runner Up: Horbaach DHEA
- Best Budget: Nutricost DHEA
- Best For Weight loss: Life Extension DHEA
- Strongest: House Of Muscle DHEA
- Best For Beginners: Havasu Nutrition DHEA
- Best Micronized: Amazing Formulas Micronized DHEA
- Best Liquid: Metagenics BioSom DHEA
- Best Cream: BioLabs DHEA
SFS Pick
Double Wood
SFS Runner Up
Horbaach
SFS Budget Pick
Nutricost
1. Overall Best DHEA Supplement: Double Wood DHEA
Double Wood DHEA stands out from the DHEA supplements pack as a result of its purity and its complete transparency.
Double Wood has forged a reputation as a highly trusted brand. Every product undergoes rigorous 3rd party testing and Double Wood never uses proprietary blends to hide their ingredient dosages.
Each container of Double Wood DHEA contains 180 pure DHEA capsules, each of which has 100 mg of pure DHEA. It has more than 1,200 reviews on Amazon, with an average of 4.5 stars. This is a non-GMO gluten-free product that is suitable for vegans.
Double Wood market this product toward older men and women. This is the group that research indicates will benefit most from supplementing with DHEA.
Pros
- 3rd party tested
- Great reviews
- Vegan friendly
- Good value for money
Cons
- Does not allow for doses less than 100 mg
Doublewood DHEA capsules are manufactured and tested for purity and safety right here in the USA. DHEA levels in the body begin to decline near age 28 and supplementing with DHEA may help support mood and energy levels...
2. Runner Up Best DHEA Supplement: Horbaach DHEA
Horbaach DHEA comes close to the top of our DHEA supplements list thanks to its combination of quality, potency, reviewer feedback, and price.
You get 100 mg of pure DHEA per dose in a 200-capsule bottle. The quick-release capsules mean that the DHEA gets into your system faster. It should be noted, though, that the capsules are made from gelatin, which is not vegan-friendly.
Horbaach put their supplements through stringent third-party testing so you know that their DHEA isn't just great value - it's also extremely pure.
Pros
- Well dosed
- Good value
- Quick-release capsules
- 3rd party tested
Cons
- Not vegan friendly
Delivers 100 mg of DHEA per gluten-free & non-GMO quick-release capsule. Made with the finest source of DHEA that meets our exceptional purity standards...
3. Best Budget DHEA Supplement: Nutricost DHEA
Nutricost DHEA is one of the best-value DHEA supplements in the current market. With a price just over $20 for 240 capsules. Unlike many low-priced supplements, there is no loss of quality with this product.
Nutricost DHEA is manufactured in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility. Every batch of Nutricost DHEA is also 3rd party tested in an ISO-accredited laboratory.
The gelatin capsules are bovine sourced, making this supplement unsuitable for vegans.
The powder within the capsules has been micronized for faster absorption by the body.
Pros
- Great value
- Micronized
- 3rd party tested
Cons
- Not vegan friendly
Nutricost DHEA is made in a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility. 3rd Party Tested by ISO-Accredited Laboratories...
4. Best DHEA For Weight loss: Life Extension DHEA
Life Extension DHEA contains a special metabolite of DHEA known as 7-Keto DHEA. This compound has been shown in various studies to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. It is better than standard DHEA supplements at helping you get rid of body fat.
Life Extension DHEA supplements contain extra ingredients to speed up weight loss. These include extracts from green tea, and resveratrol, both of which have been shown to help boost metabolism. You also get a proprietary blend of curcumin and turmeric to combat antioxidant stress.
There are 60 vegetarian-friendly capsules in every container of Life Extension DHEA. It sells for around $30, making it considerably more expensive than standard DHEA but if you want to lose weight this might be the best option for you.
Pros
- Contains 7-Keto DHEA, which is best for weight loss
- Includes green tea and resveratrol extract
- Fortified with curcumin and turmeric to reduce free radical damage
Cons
- Expensive
Support your healthy weight goals with nutrients that help stimulate your metabolism naturally by safely encouraging thermogenesis, a process that burns calories by generating body heat...
5. Strongest DHEA Supplement: House Of Muscle DHEA
House of Muscle DHEA is the most potent maximum strength DHEA supplements we have come across.
You get an insane 300 mg of pure DHEA per serving. That is 100 mg above the highest clinically tested dose. This product is marketed as a muscle-building supplement for bodybuilders and strength athletes. It should not be taken by people who are not used to taking high-dose supplements or are wanting to slowly build up their tolerance and dosage.
There are 60 capsules per container. With 300 mg per capsule, taking a single capsule of House of Muscle DHEA is the equivalent of taking three Hoorbach DHEA capsules.
In addition to DHEA, each capsule contains maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, and water.
House of Muscle DHEA supplements does not contain gelatin, making this a vegan-friendly product. With a standard retail price on the official House of Muscle website of $64.99, this is an expensive way to get your daily dose of DHEA. However, that price is regularly discounted, lessening the financial pain somewhat.
Pros
- High dosage
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for those wanting a moderate dose
High potency DHEA with 300mg per serving, 60 servings per bottle. Restore DHEA levels & promote hormonal balance...
6. Best DHEA Supplement For Beginners: Havasu Nutrition DHEA
Havasu Nutrition DHEA provides 50 mg of DHEA in each capsule. That makes this a good choice for first-time users of DHEA supplements as it allows them to start with a modest dose to test their body's tolerance. Then, if they wish, they can double the dose further down the track.
There are no chemicals, preservatives, or sugars in Havasu Nutrition DHEA supplements. In addition to the 50 mg of DHEA, each capsule contains rice flour, magnesium stearate, and hypromellose (which the capsule is made from). Rice flour is used as a caking agent to bind the powder inside each Havasu Nutrition DHEA capsule.
Havasu Nutrition DHEA is a non-flavored supplement. That means that, if you don't want to take a capsule form supplement, you can pour the powder from the capsule into your favorite beverage without it affecting the taste.
All Havasu Nutrition DHEA supplements undergo strict 3rd party testing before being released onto the market.
Pros
- Dosed for beginners
- 3rd party tested
- Chemical and preservative free
Cons
- Quite expensive (30 cents per count)
Our formula contains no preservatives, chemicals, or sugars; it also undergoes a stringent process of third party testing and documentation to ensure each bottle is exactly what it says it is...
7. Best Micronized DHEA Supplement: Amazing Formulas Micronized DHEA
Amazing Formula Micronized DHEA supplements provide 240 100 mg capsules in every container. The pure DHEA powder in the capsules has been micronized for better absorption. This involves processing the powder in much finer granules than the non-micronized version. Micronized supplements are less than 50 microns. This allows the body to absorb them into the bloodstream faster so they can get to your muscle cells more quickly.
Amazing Formula Micronized DHEA is manufactured in a GMP-certified factory in the USA. Each batch of this product undergoes 3rd party testing prior to its release onto the market.
In addition to DHEA, each capsule contains maltodextrin, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and vegetable cellulose, which makes up the capsule. It is a vegetarian-friendly product.
Pros
- Micronized for faster absorptio
- 3rd party tested
- Made in the USA in GMP-certified facilities
Cons
- Expensive
100mg of micronized DHEA in every capsule. Each bottle has 240 capsules that are vegan friendly...
8. Best Liquid DHEA Supplement: Metagenics BioSom DHEA
Metagenics BioSom DHEA is quite a unique form of supplement, being in liquid liposomal form. A liposomal supplement has been packed within a pocket of fat cells called a liposome. The purpose of this is to preserve the integrity of the active ingredient and speed up absorption and make the DHEA more bioavailable.
Metagenics BioSom DHEA is actually a spray application product. Each spray dose, which constitutes a single full pump of the spray bottle, provides you with 5 mg of DHEA, along with 7 mg of stevia leaf extract and 350 mcg of grapefruit seed extract.
Other ingredients are deionized water, castor oil, natural flavors, benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, potassium sorbate (as a preservative), phosphatidylcholine (soy), xanthan gum, and calcium disodium.
Each bottle of Metagenics BioSom DHEA contains 59.5 ml. According to the label, you should get 85 servings from each container.
Pros
- Convenient spray application
- Liposomal form to improve bioavailability and absorption
Cons
- Expensive
- Low dose
Each non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian spray of BioSōm provides 5 mg DHEA. Liposomal liquid allows for flexible, convenient dosing of DHEA which is ideal for those who have difficulty...
9. Best DHEA Cream: BioLabs DHEA
BioLabs DHEA is a cream version of the supplement that is applied to the inner forearm, chest, thighs, and inner arm.
According to BioLabs, a cream version of DHEA can be five times more effective than a capsule form of the supplement. This is because it bypasses the digestive system and enters directly from the skin into the bloodstream. However, they do not provide any research reference to back up that claim.
Each bottle of BioLabs DHEA contains 50 mg of DHEA per serving for a total of 70 servings. In addition to DHEA, each serving provides you with MSM, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, & Coconut Oil. It is paraben and phenoxyethanol free, making it safer than many competing cream-based products. No animal testing has been done for this product.
This is a non-GMO product that is manufactured in the UDSA in a GMP-certified facility.
Pros
- Cream-based for (potentially) faster application
- Contains MSM, aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil
- Paraben and phenoxyethanol free
Cons
- Quite expensive
This DHEA Cream has 70 pumps at 50MG per pump. With one pump per day suggested use, it's less than $1/day...
What Is DHEA?
DHEA, which is short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone that is made by the body. It is mainly produced by the adrenal glands, though small amounts are also produced by the digestive and reproductive organs. DHEA is classified as a steroid hormone because it affects growth and sexual differentiation.
DHEA has been shown to convert into the male sex hormone testosterone in men and the female sex hormone estrogen in women. This has made it a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes wanting to naturally boost their testosterone levels.
Your body's DHEA levels peak in your mid-20s. DHEA levels decline each decade after that by around 10 percent. Reduced levels of DHEA have also been associated with cardiac disease and depression. To make up for the decline in the body's natural DHEA levels, people take synthetic DHEA in supplement form. DHEA supplements will be most effective in people who have adrenal insufficiency.
It is available as a stand-alone supplement and in combination with other ingredients.
Synthetic DHEA is made from chemicals extracted from soy and wild yams.
DHEA was identified by scientists in 1934. Over the last nine decades, there has been limited research on the hormone. That is largely due to the fact that most animals do not produce DHEA, limiting the opportunity for animal studies.
DHEA is classified as an anabolic agent by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Therefore it should not be taken by athletes prior to competition. In the United States, the only FDA clinically approved use of the supplement is as a treatment for menopause.
Benefits of DHEA Supplements:
When it comes to the research-backed benefits of DHEA, we find that there are studies both supporting and opposing many of its claims. Some common claims include boosting energy levels, improving cognitive function, fortifying the immune system, helping with sexual health, promoting lean muscle mass and more. But when you dig into the studies, you are able to weed out the less credible research to come to a more accurate picture of what this supplement can actually do. After exhaustive research, we have identified the five most credible benefits of DHEA.
1. Might Help Boost Muscle Gain
Increased testosterone levels are associated with greater strength and muscle mass.
The testosterone-boosting effects of any natural supplement is minimal. Even though DHEA is among the most credible natural testosterone boosters available, it should not be taken by men until their natural production begins to diminish. Studies on young men have shown no improvement in muscle mass as a result of DHEA supplementation. If you're in your 20s and 30s, your body usually doesn't need any help to produce testosterone.
Studies show that supplementing with DHEA can help men and women in their 50s and beyond gain muscle and strength. This is the result of increased DHEA levels leading to higher testosterone levels. For best results, you should also follow a resistance strength training program. 1
2. Increase Bone Density
Decreased DHEA has been associated with reduced bone density and a corresponding increased risk of bone fracture. Several studies have concluded that supplementing with DHEA can increase bone density. However, there are other studies that show no significant increase. It should be noted, though, that the studies in support of increased bone density were over a longer duration (1-2 years) than those that showed no improvement (six months or less).
More research is needed on the association between DHEA supplementation and increased bone density. From the existing studies, we can conclude that you need to take DHEA for a year or more to see results in this area. 2
3. May Promote Fat Loss
Several studies have shown that supplementing with DHEA can improve insulin sensitivity. The more insulin sensitive your body is, the better it will be able to process food better, and the more effectively you will be able to burn off stored body fat.
A 2004 study showed that supplementing with DHEA was able to help people with adrenal insufficiency to significantly reduce their body fat level.
A form of DHEA called 7-keto DHEA has shown promise in terms of fat loss due to its ability to increase metabolism. 3
4. Boosts Sexual Function
DHEA has been shown to improve the functioning of the ovaries in women with fertility impairment. As a result, it is known to increase the success rate of in vitro fertilization. In one study, women who took a DHEA supplement before in vitro treatment produced 67% fertilized eggs compared with 39% when they didn't supplement.
Other research shows that DHEA supplementation may boost libido in both genders. That's because it helps to boost the production of male and female sex hormones. However, significant results were only seen in people with impaired sex drive. 4
5. Sports
DHEA is sometimes used by athletes and sports people in the belief that it will increase muscle mass and strength levels. As a result, it is listed as a banned substance by WADA. However, there is very little, if any benefit, to young, healthy athletes taking this supplement. 5
6. Anti-Aging Properties
The ability to offset the age-related decline of DHEA levels has led to the belief that supplementing with DHEA promotes healthy aging. However, there are conflicting studies on this. Some research shows small improvements in age-related benefits, while others show no effect at all.
The main anti-aging benefit of DHEA supplementation is its ability to boost testosterone levels as a result of increased DHEA levels. 6
Side Effects of DHEA
When people hear that DHEA is a steroid hormone, they may begin to worry that it comes with the sorts of side effects they know are associated with anabolic steroids. However, researchers have found that when taken in moderate dosages, supplementing with DHEA is safe with few to no side effects reported. Taking excessive doses of DHEA can result in oily skin, acne, possible hair loss, and excessive facial hair growth. Just remember, you should always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplementation protocol.
What To Look For When Buying DHEA Supplements:
Not all DHEA supplements are equal. Here are four things to focus on to sort out the best from the rest.
1. Ingredients (dosage)
How much DHEA you should take is the first thing you should be thinking of. The clinically recommended dosage of DHEA is 50-200 mg. So the first thing to look at is whether the product is within that range. If it has less than 50 mg per dose it will not be strong enough to give you the benefits you are looking for.
I recommend buying a DHEA supplement with a 50 mg dosage. That will allow you to experiment with modest intake. Then, if your body tolerates the supplement with no ill effects, you can increase the dose whenever you wish.
2. Third-party testing
When a supplement carries a third-party tested label on the container, you can have confidence that it has been independently scrutinized to ensure that what you are getting is exactly what is listed on the ingredient label and nothing else. The best DHEA supplements will, therefore, be 3rd party tested.
3. Price
DHEA supplements range in price between around $10 and $20 per container. An average dosage count per container is 100. This works out to an average per-dose cost of between ten and twenty cents. You should, therefore, expect to pay an average of fifteen cents per dose for the best DHEA supplements in terms of price per serving.
4. Reviews
When you read reviews from verified purchasers of a supplement, you are able to cut through all the marketing hype and learn about the experiences of actual users. Reading reviews on Amazon, Facebook and Google will give you unrivaled insight into the product. Look for any issues that people may have had with bloating or other side effects, as well as the ease of taking the supplement and the results they have achieved. The best DHEA supplements will have a review rating of 4.5 stars or higher.
DHEA Supplements FAQ
What is the best source of DHEA?
You cannot get DHEA from foods. Synthetic DHEA is made from extracts taken from wild yams and soy. Both of them contain a chemical called diosgenin. Eating wild yams and soy will not increase DHEA levels because the body is unable to convert diosgenin to DHEA.
The body makes DHEA from cholesterol in the adrenal glands.
How many milligrams of DHEA should I take a day?
The clinically effective dose of DHEA according to research studies is 50-200 mg per day. Most people tend to take 100 mg per day. People who take 50 mg or more for many months should check their blood levels periodically to ensure levels are not too high
Who should not take DHEA?
DHEA should not be taken by people who are taking cancer medication. If you have cardiac health problems, are taking heart health medication, have diabetes, high cholesterol levels, polycystic ovary syndrome, and thyroid problems you should also not take a DHEA supplement.
How long does it take for DHEA to work?
It is very difficult to assess the effects of DHEA. That's because such things as increased strength and muscle mass may be due to all sorts of variables. In general, though, the testosterone-boosting effects of DHEA in older people should kick in after 4-6 weeks of use. The potential improvements in bone density that come from DHEA supplementation will require a year or more before they exhibit themselves.
When is the best time to take a DHEA supplement?
DHEA should be taken before 3PM to mimic the body's natural production of DHEA in the early part of the day. Many people take it first thing in the morning with water.
SUMMARY
Taking DHEA supplements can help older people to rebuild their testosterone levels, along with their bone density and virility. The products featured in this post represent the best DHEA supplements on the market, but our favorite option is DoubleWood DHEA. Just keep in mind that, for best results, your supplementation should be accompanied by strength training, which is the best way to boost testosterone levels.
Doublewood DHEA capsules are manufactured and tested for purity and safety right here in the USA. DHEA levels in the body begin to decline near age 28 and supplementing with DHEA may help support mood and energy levels...
Want more supplements that can boost your performance? Check out our post that covers the Best Testosterone Boosters on the market.
References
- Liu TC, Lin CH, Huang CY, Ivy JL, Kuo CH. Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval training. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013 Jul;113(7):1783-92. doi: 10.1007/s00421-013-2607-x. Epub 2013 Feb 17. PMID: 23417481.
- Weiss EP, Shah K, Fontana L, Lambert CP, Holloszy JO, Villareal DT. Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on bone. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1459-67. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2008.27265. Epub 2009 Mar 25. PMID: 19321570; PMCID: PMC2677000.
- Libè R, Barbetta L, Dall'Asta C, Salvaggio F, Gala C, Beck-Peccoz P, Ambrosi B. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements on hormonal, metabolic and behavioral status in patients with hypoadrenalism. J Endocrinol Invest. 2004 Sep;27(8):736-41. doi: 10.1007/BF03347515. PMID: 15636426.
- Barad D, Gleicher N. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on oocyte and embryo yields, embryo grade and cell number in IVF. Hum Reprod. 2006 Nov;21(11):2845-9. doi: 10.1093/humrep/del254. Epub 2006 Sep 22. PMID: 16997936.
- Corrigan B. DHEA and sport. Clin J Sport Med. 2002 Jul;12(4):236-41. doi: 10.1097/00042752-200207000-00006. PMID: 12131057.
- Dharia S, Parker CR Jr. Adrenal androgens and aging. Semin Reprod Med. 2004 Nov;22(4):361-8
Steve Theunissen
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