DHEA and Muscle Health

Regular exercises along with proper diet are known to increase muscle mass and strength. However, not all older individuals may benefit from these strategies due to reduced activity levels and slower metabolism. Interestingly, there is increasing evidence that DHEA supplementation can aid in improving muscle mass and strength especially in the older population. Studies show that DHEA replacement therapy is beneficial in both older men and women:
1. In elderly men and women, DHEA replacement therapy enhances the effect of weightlifting training on muscle strength. [267]
2. In postmenopausal women, DHEA supplementation improves muscle strength and function. [268]
3. In elderly men and women, DHEA supplementation improves muscle mass and strength as well as gait speed. [269]
4. In healthy non-obese age-advanced (50-65 years of age) men, a daily oral 100 mg dose of DHEA for 6 months increases knee muscle strength as well as lumbar back strength. [270]
5. DHEA also helps protect against muscle wasting by preventing cell oxidation and cell death. [271]
6. In frail older women, DHEA supplementation improves lower extremity strength and physical function. [272]