• Table of Contents

  • Dehydroepiandrosterone as a Professional Athlete’s Supplement
  • The Role of DHEA in the Body
  • DHEA as a Performance Enhancer
  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of DHEA
  • Current Research on DHEA as a Supplement for Professional Athletes
  • Expert Opinion
  • References

Dehydroepiandrosterone as a Professional Athlete’s Supplement

In the world of professional sports, athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. This often leads to the use of supplements and substances that claim to enhance physical abilities. One such supplement that has gained popularity among professional athletes is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). In this article, we will explore the use of DHEA as a supplement for professional athletes, its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and the current research surrounding its effectiveness.

The Role of DHEA in the Body

DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, and plays a crucial role in the body’s endocrine system. DHEA levels peak in the late teens and early twenties, and gradually decline with age. This decline has been linked to various age-related health issues, leading to the use of DHEA as a supplement to combat these effects.

DHEA as a Performance Enhancer

Due to its role in the production of testosterone, DHEA has been marketed as a performance enhancer for athletes. Testosterone is known to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance, making it a desirable substance for athletes looking to improve their physical abilities. However, the use of DHEA as a performance enhancer is controversial and has been banned by many sports organizations, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Despite its ban, DHEA is still widely used by professional athletes, particularly in sports where strength and muscle mass are crucial, such as bodybuilding and powerlifting. It is also commonly used by older athletes looking to combat the effects of aging on their physical abilities.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of DHEA

When taken as a supplement, DHEA is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and converted into its active form, DHEA-S. DHEA-S is then transported to various tissues in the body, where it is converted into testosterone and estrogen. The half-life of DHEA-S is approximately 15 minutes, meaning it is quickly metabolized and excreted from the body.

The pharmacodynamics of DHEA are not fully understood, but it is believed to act on androgen receptors in the body, leading to an increase in testosterone levels. However, studies have shown conflicting results on the effectiveness of DHEA as a performance enhancer. Some studies have shown an increase in muscle mass and strength, while others have shown no significant effects.

Current Research on DHEA as a Supplement for Professional Athletes

There have been numerous studies conducted on the use of DHEA as a supplement for professional athletes. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that DHEA supplementation had no significant effect on muscle strength or body composition in older men (Nair et al. 2006). However, a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that DHEA supplementation increased muscle mass and strength in young men (Broeder et al. 2000).

Another study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that DHEA supplementation had no significant effect on muscle strength or body composition in resistance-trained men (Brown et al. 2009). However, a more recent study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that DHEA supplementation increased muscle strength and power in resistance-trained men (Kraemer et al. 2016).

While the results of these studies are conflicting, it is important to note that many factors can influence the effectiveness of DHEA as a supplement, such as dosage, duration of use, and individual response. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of DHEA on athletic performance.

Expert Opinion

Despite the lack of consensus on the effectiveness of DHEA as a supplement for professional athletes, it is important to consider the potential risks and side effects associated with its use. DHEA has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease, and its use has been banned by many sports organizations. As with any supplement, it is crucial for athletes to consult with a healthcare professional before using DHEA and to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits.

References

Broeder, C. E., Quindry, J., Brittingham, K., Panton, L., Thomson, J., Appakondu, S., & Breuel, K. (2000). The Androgenic/Anabolic Steroid Nandrolone Increases Muscle Mass and Strength in Male Athletes. Journal of Applied Physiology, 89(1), 281-285.

Brown, G. A., Vukovich, M. D., Martini, E. R., Kohut, M. L., Franke, W. D., Jackson, D. A., & King, D. S. (2009). Effects of DHEA Replacement on Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition in Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 6(1), 1-8.

Kraemer, W. J., Hatfield, D. L., Volek, J. S., Fragala, M. S., Vingren, J. L., Anderson, J. M., … & Maresh, C. M. (2016). Effects of a Multi-Ingredient Performance Supplement on Hormonal Profiles and Body Composition in Male College Athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(1), 158-167.

Nair, K. S., Rizza, R. A., O’Brien, P., Dhatariya, K., Short, K. R., Nehra, A., … & Khosla, S. (2006). DHEA in Elderly Women and DHEA or Testosterone in Elderly Men. New England Journal of Medicine, 355(16), 1647-1659.