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BORDEAUX, FRANCE. DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a steroid hormone secreted by the
adrenal gland and is the precursor of androgens (male sex hormones) and estrogens. Several studies have
shown that DHEA and DHEAS levels decline with age and this has lead to speculation that there might be a
connection between DHEA levels and longevity.
Researchers at the University of Bordeaux have just released the results of a study aimed at clarifying this
point. The study involved 595 volunteers (253 men and 342 women) over the age of 65 years when first
enrolled in 1988. A year after enrollment the volunteers had blood samples drawn for analysis of DHEAS
levels. This analysis was repeated for 290 subjects (119 men and 171 women) after an additional seven
years. The researchers conclude that DHEA levels tend to decline by an average of 2.3 per cent per year for men and 3.9 per cent for women. However, they noted an increase in about 30 per cent of the subjects. They found no correlation between DHEAS levels and functional, psychological or mental status or between DHEAS levels and mortality in women. However, in men low DHEAS levels were associated with a 1.9 times higher risk of death. This association was particularly pronounced in men under 70 years of age (a 6.5 times greater mortality) and in male smokers (a 6.7 times greater mortality). The researchers conclude that DHEA supplementation may be beneficial for both current and former male smokers.
Dr. Samuel Yen of the University of California concurs with this recommendation and points out that DHEA
should be taken before bedtime to simulate the circadian rise of DHEA secretion at night. He also points out
that several other studies have found DHEA supplementation to be beneficial in women with low levels and
in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
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