Low-Cost DHEA Didnt Meet Label Claim

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.The DHEA supplement with the lowest cost was the only one that did not meet label claims  in recent ConsumerLab.com tests. Results showed most DHEA supplements tested contained their claimed amounts of the ingredient, but one provided only 14.7-percent of its listed amount. Further review demonstrated the failed product was the most economical option.

ConsumerLab.com compared the cost to obtain an equal amount (25 mg) of DHEA from the products that passed testing. The cost ranged from 4 cents to as much as 46 cents. Had the product that failed testing contained its listed amount of DHEA, it would have had the lowest cost (3 cents per 25 mg of DHEA). However, based on the amount of DHEA actually found, the cost was 23 cents. If the price of a supplement seems too good to be true, be wary of it," said Tod Cooperman, MD, President of ConsumerLab.com.

The report provides results for 12 products, of which ConsumerLab.com selected ten. Two products were tested at the request of their manufacturers/distributors through ConsumerLab.coms Voluntary Certification Program and are included for having passed testing. Also listed is one product similar to another that passed testing but sold under a different brand name.  Products included in the report are Amerifit DHEA, AST Sports DHEA, Enzymatic Therapy Youthful You DHEA, KAL DHEA, Natrol DHEA, Natures Bounty DHEA, Physiologics DHEA, PhysioMuscle dhea mass, Schiff DHEA Plus, TriMedica DHEA, Ultimate Nutrition DHEA, Vitamin Shoppe Specialties DHEA and Vitamin World Youth Guard DHEA.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone now banned from use by certain athletic organizations and not permitted to be sold in Canada without a prescription, has been touted for its potential to reverse the aging process and increase strength. ConsumerLab.com's new Product Review of DHEA Supplements reviews these claims as well as the quality of products on the market. Sales of DHEA were $55 million in 2009, up 10 percent from the prior year according to figures from Nutrition Business Journal.

"Levels of DHEA decrease with age, which is why it has been promoted as a 'fountain of youth,' Cooperman said."Several studies have shown that it does not improve strength or general well-being in seniors. But DHEA may improve skin condition, sexual function and libido and osteoporosis in older individuals." Dr. Cooperman warned, however, that, "DHEA has potential side effects and should be used with caution."

ConsumerLab.com provides consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, NY. The new DHEA report is now available online here.