Although DHEA supplementation increases androgens, these small increases may only prompt zero-to-small changes to muscle size and strength: a 2018 systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concluded that supplementation with DHEA had no effects on muscle size or strength,[1] and a 2020 meta-analysis of RCTs found small benefits (often at doses 50–100 mg) to body composition: increased lean body mass (0.99 lbs) and decreased fat mass (-1%).[2]
What are DHEA’s effects on body composition and performance?
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•Last Updated: April 23, 2025
Supplementation with DHEA leads to small increases in androgens, which may result in minimal changes to muscle size and strength, as indicated by a 2018 systematic review that showed no effects on muscle size or strength. However, a 2020 meta-analysis found small benefits to body composition, including an increase in lean body mass and a decrease in fat mass.