Top Pick
- Gluten-free.
- Non-GMO.
- The most potent DHEA.
When we hear about a supplement that can target numerous aspects of our fitness and health regime—we’re naturally skeptical.
However, it appears that using DHEA can supercharge energy, boost strength, and elevate fat loss.
In this article, I’ll show you the top DHEA supplements and reveal their powerful effects.
The Best DHEA Supplements
Here is my selection of the best DHEA supplements currently available:
1. Naturebell Micronized DHEA
I would consider this probably the most potent and best DHEA supplement currently available.
Firstly, it delivers a massive dose of 100 mg of DHEA per single capsule. Secondly, the active compound is micronized—meaning not only are you receiving an enormous hit—its absorbability and efficacy is heightened. Thus making it ideal for the serious fitness enthusiast.
With 200 servings—that’s over six months’ supply—this should appeal to those people looking to use this supplement long-term.
If provenance is important—this may suit. It’s manufactured in California in premises which have been approved and registered by the FDA.
- Pros
- One of the most potent DHEA supplements on the market.
- Six-month supply.
- Gluten, dairy, GMO, and soy-free.
- One year money back guarantee.
- Cons
- The 100 mg dose may be too intense for some users.
2. Havasu Nutrition DHEA
A supplement that’s both designed and marketed for those who are looking to offset the signs of aging.
Each bottle contains 60 capsules (two months’ supply) of 50 mg of DHEA. As you will recall, this is the dose used in studies shown to elevate strength, boost fat loss, and increase libido.
If purity and safety are of key importance—this may be the best DHEA supplement for you. Each bottle has been tested for microbes, extraneous chemicals, heavy metals, and the purity of the DHEA.
What’s more, this supplement has been manufactured under GMP standards and is made in the USA.
- Pros
- Includes the generally accepted effective 50 mg dose.
- Strict production procedures,
- Made in the USA.
- Cons
- Unsuitable for vegans as it contains gelatin.
- Not micronized.
3. ZHOU Nutrition DHEA
A supplement that may appeal to those concerned with animal welfare as it’s completely vegetarian-friendly. Instead of the usual gelatin capsule, this DHEA product utilizes vegetable cellulose instead.
Each one of the supplement’s 60 capsules delivers an effective dose of 50 mg of non-micronized DHEA—with enough product to last two months. Furthermore, these capsules may be suitable for those who are uncomfortable taking medication—as the pill is designed for easy-swallowing.
This DHEA supplement is designed primarily to promote hormonal balance in both men and women.
It’s free from GMO, shellfish, soy, gluten, eggs, and peanuts, plus it comes from the Zhou Nutrition manufacturing facilities in Utah, USA.
- Pros
- A 50 mg dose of DHEA in each serving.
- Allergen-free.
- Easy-to-swallow capsules.
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Cons
- Not micronized.
- Source of DHEA ingredient is unclear.
4. Pure Encapsulations DHEA
If you’re just seeking the gentle health benefits of DHEA and not the immense training and sports advantages of enormous muscles and strength—this may be the best DHEA supplement for you.
This is due to the fact that it provides just 10 mg of DHEA per serving. While this will help to boost libido and enhance fat loss—this dose will not turn you into a raging hulk.
That being said, this supplement is micronized—meaning that you should receive the maximum benefits of this 10 mg dose.
Each bottle contains 180 vegan-friendly capsules—that’s enough for six months use. Made in Massachusetts, USA, this DHEA product has been certified as gluten-free.
- Pros
- Free from gluten, GMO, soy, colors, and magnesium stearate.
- Micronized.
- Vegan-friendly.
- Cons
- 10 mg dose may be insufficient for people demanding serious training gains.
Informational guide to DHEA Supplements
What Is DHEA?
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)—sometimes referred to as androstenolone or prasterone, is a steroid hormone produced naturally in the testes, ovaries, and adrenal gland.
After production, while some remains as DHEA, a certain amount is converted into testosterone or estrogen.
If you want some serious detail—here’s an in-depth video.
What Are DHEA Supplements?
Usually supplied in pill form, these supplements deliver exogenous DHEA into the body.
I know what you’re thinking.
If the body manufactures it itself—why spend money on DHEA supplements?
The simple answer is, as we get older, our natural production of DHEA dramatically diminishes. This can begin as early as 24 years old in men and 19 years in women.
The issue is, low DHEA levels bring with it numerous issues. The scariest aspect of which is a reduced lifespan—leading many people to think of DHEA supplements as anti-aging serums.
Furthermore, a decline in DHEA has been linked to depression and heart disease. Using DHEA supplements can reduce these risks.
What Are the Benefits of DHEA Supplements?
Using DHEA can provide numerous exercise, performance, and health benefits.
Here are the main advantages:
Builds Larger Muscles
As DHEA is a precursor to testosterone, supplementing with these products raises testosterone levels.
This important anabolic male hormone is essential for muscle protein synthesis—the more testosterone you have the larger your mass grows.
Raises Strength
Whatever sport you’re active in—strength is essential. Research has indicated that supplementing with just 50 mg of DHEA per day increases power.
Promotes Fat Loss
Whether you’re looking to show off your hard-earned muscle or just working towards a beach-ready body—dropping the excess pounds is essential.
Studies have indicated that 50 mg per day of DHEA can vastly accelerate fat loss.
Elevates Sexual Health and Performance
DHEA supplements can provide wide-ranging effects on your sexual health. Numerous studies have indicated that these products can:
- Increase libido in males and females.
- Alleviate the effects of erectile dysfunction.
- Elevate sexual performance.
- Heighten female fertility.
Raises Bone Density
As we age, not only do our DHEA reserves diminish, but also the density of our bones.
Experts have concluded that using DHEA heightens bone density and strength. This can be particularly important if you’re involved in hard-hitting sports where the skeleton can be put under stress.
How to Take DHEA Supplements
To yield the greatest benefits—DHEA supplements should be taken daily with water or food. Although there’s no specific best time to take DHEA—it’s recommended that it’s consumed at the same time every day.
Unless prescribed by a health practitioner, these products shouldn’t be used by people under 18 years.
The suggested dose can vary from around 10 mg per day through to 200 mg. However, the most common dose is 50 mg. A recent study indicated that if this quantity is taken daily for over two years—there appear to be no serious adverse health issues.
Yet, side effects are known when using even the best DHEA supplements. These have included:
- Acne and oily skin.
- Hair loss in men.
- Facial hair growth in women.
- Irregular heartbeat.
A word of warning.
While DHEA supplements are approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration)—they’re banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Hence if you compete in sports where drug testing is a possibility, it may be best to avoid these products.
How to Choose the Best DHEA Supplement
Here are a few factors to consider to ensure your DHEA supplement is ideal for your requirements.
Micronized
Supplements which have been micronized have had the size of their constituent particles reduced—which increases the rate of absorption (and hence efficacy) in the body.
Capsule Count
The more pills in one container—the longer they will last and reordering becomes less frequent. However, if you’re planning on using these supplements in the short-term a smaller count may be better than buying in bulk.
Provenance
Sadly, there are some awful products on the market which can contain “filler” ingredients, have a lesser dose in the product than stated, or simply be dangerous.
Always select a product from a respected manufacturer that adheres to GMP (Good Manufacturing Process) approved facilities.
Dietary Requirements
Some products may contain allergens—which although safe for the majority of people may cause unwanted side effects in others.
Additionally, if you’re on a specific diet (veganism or kosher for example) it’s worth checking whether the DHEA supplement meets these requirements.
Conclusion
DHEA supplements are one of the greatest nutritional all-rounders, with their ability to boost muscle growth, raise testosterone, enhance fat loss, and improve sexual performance.
All the products listed above are made by reliable and safe manufacturers—using them will yield impressive benefits with no serious health implications.
However, the #1 product for me is the Micronized DHEA from Naturebell. This product has it all—an immense micronized 100 mg dose, 200 servings, made in the USA, low on allergens, and comes with a one-year guarantee.
For people looking for a gentle health kick, the 10 mg DHEA from Pure Encapsulations may appeal—but for serious potency, I believe it has to be Naturebell.
