Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in elderly men: a meta-analysis study of placebo-controlled trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials
PubMed 23824417 · doi:10.1210/jc.2013-1358
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials (RCTs) searched via Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. The study evaluated oral DHEA supplementation versus placebo on sexual and metabolic outcomes in elderly men. Quality was assessed using Cochrane criteria.
What was found
Twenty-five RCTs enrolling 1,353 elderly men (mean follow-up 36 weeks) were included. DHEA supplementation was associated with a reduction in fat mass (standardized mean difference: -0.35 [-0.65 to -0.05]; P = .02). This association disappeared after adjusting for increases in total testosterone and estradiol. DHEA had no significant effect compared with placebo on lipid and glycemic metabolism, bone health, sexual function, or quality of life (no numerical data provided for these null outcomes).
Why it matters
This meta-analysis indicates that DHEA supplementation does not meaningfully improve sexual function, metabolic health, or well-being in older men, and its minor effect on fat mass is mediated solely through downstream androgen and estrogen conversion.
Limits
Mean follow-up was limited to 36 weeks. The abstract does not provide exact dosages, numerical data for non-significant outcomes, baseline hormone criteria, or safety and adverse event data.
Cited by
- supports DHEA supplementation does not meaningfully impact men's testosterone levels because the vast majority of male testosterone is produced intratesticularly.