Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a substance that has aroused great public interest in the last few years. Its sale was banned by the FDA in 1985, but the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 allowed its return to the market, providing that it is labeled as a dietary supplement. More than 5,000 articles have been written about this hormone, although its mechanism of action and biologic activity have not been completely elucidated. Epidemiologic information indicates that DHEA levels decline with aging, and with the occurrence of other disease states such as cardiovascular disease, HIV infection, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Several of its potential beneficial effects have been shown in animals, but not in humans. There are several ongoing trials to assess its effects in a variety of diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), HIV infection, and Alzheimer's disease. One of the major reasons for its popularity has been its purported anti-aging effects.