Introduction
are used by both men and women to increase levels of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a precursor to sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.
DHEA, testosterone, and other sex hormones decline in production with age, gradually leading to a wide variety of negative side effects.
Since DHEA can boost levels of these hormones, their use can lead to any number of positive health benefits, including:
- Increased muscle mass
- Gains in strength and endurance
- Improved bone density
- Strengthening of immune system
- Boost to energy and stamina
- Elevated mood and motivation
- Better cognitive function
- Optimization of adrenal gland function
Because of the potential for increases in strength, endurance, and muscle mass, DHEA supplements are popular among sports athletes and bodybuilders.
However, it should be noted that the use of these supplements has been banned by several sports organizations, including the NCAA, MLB, and NFL. [1]
Most of the research with DHEA supplementation conducted with human subjects used a daily dose of 50 mg.
Generally speaking, this is considered the standard amount for most adults to take in order to restore DHEA levels to youthful amounts.
Although some evidence shows that the body may utilize DHEA better by taking it with fatty foods, it can generally be taken either with or without food.
DHEA can be better absorbed by some when taken 20-30 minutes before eating. [2]
The Top 3 Best DHEA Supplements of 2023
The following list of recommended DHEA supplements was compiled based on our own research and personal experience from testing dozens of products, as well as customer feedback.
Currently, our top-rated picks for the best DHEA supplements of 2023 are:
aSquared Maximum Strength DHEA
 | 9.5 |
- 100 mg DHEA per capsule
- 200-day supply if taken at one per day
- Made in USA GMP-compliant facility
- 100% money-back guarantee
Pure Encapsulations DHEA
 | 9.4 |
- 25 mg micronized DHEA per capsule
- Lower dosage allows for more flexibility
- Made in USA cGMP-compliant facility
- Vegetarian capsules
Life Extension DHEA Complete
 | 9.3 |
- 25 mg micronized DHEA per capsule
- 100 mg 7-Keto DHEA
- Lower dosage allows for more flexibility
- Made in USA cGMP-compliant facility
- Vegetarian capsules
Product Details
aSquared Maximum Strength DHEA
aSquared Nutrition Maximum Strength DHEA delivers a powerful dose of pure DHEA at 100 mg per capsule. With 200 capsules per bottle, there’s enough to last for over six months when taking one per day.
This product gets consistently glowing customer reviews for it’s effectiveness. Made in the USA at GMP-certified labs, you can be certain that the DHEA is safe, pure, and contaminant-free.
Directions for Use: Take 2 capsules twice daily as needed. Do not take more than 2 capsules in a 24-hour period.
Editor’s Note: 100 mg is considered a high dose of DHEA. Although the directions call for taking two capsules daily, we consider that to be excessive. Just one capsule daily should be more than enough for most people.
Specifics:
100 mg DHEA per capsule- 200-day supply if taken at one per day
- Made in USA GMP-compliant facility
- 100% money-back guarantee
100 mg DHEA per capsulePure Encapsulations DHEA
Pure Encapsulations DHEA is another high-quality product that has shown to be consistent in quality and results. At 25 mg DHEA per capsule, the option for varying the dosage becomes more flexible.
For instance, you can start out at 25 mg daily, and then gradually increase dosage to 50 mg, and then (if necessary) up to 75-100 mg. The DHEA used is micronized, which increases the absorption in the body, making it much more effective.
Directions for Use: Take 1 capsule per day, with food.
Specifics:
- 25 mg micronized DHEA per capsule
- Lower dosage allows for more flexibility
- Made in USA cGMP-compliant facility
- Vegetarian capsules
Life Extension DHEA Complete
Life Extension DHEA Complete is another outstanding product, combining micronized DHEA with 7-Keto DHEA, a metabolite of DHEA that specifically targets weight loss. When these two forms are combined, it makes for a super-effective supplement that delivers the typical benefits associated with DHEA supplementation, while simultaneously boosting weight loss.
Another plus for this formula is the inclusion of antioxidant ingredients that neutralize the oxidating effects that DHEA has on the liver. Life Extension DHEA Complete is truly the most comprehensive supplement of it’s kind.
Directions for Use: Take 1 capsule per day, with food.
Specifics:
- 25 mg micronized DHEA per capsule
- 100 mg 7-Keto DHEA
- Lower dosage allows for more flexibility
- Made in USA cGMP-compliant facility
- Vegetarian capsules
References
1. Web MD. (n.d.). DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
2. Life Extension (n.d.) DHEA Dosing and Safety Precautions
