How DHEA Benefits Health
Boost The Immune System
Researchers believe DHEA plays a major in the immune system's functioning. In a 1995 study, DHEA was found to reverse the effects of aging on the immune system's function against the influenza virus. Supplementation increased immune response against the virus.
A 1997 study found DHEA supplementation improved immune function in elderly male patients. The patients were supplemented with a nightly dosage of fifty milligrams for twenty weeks. Researchers saw an increase in monocytes (white blood cells) as well as B cells and natural killer (NK) cells. On the other hand, there was no effect on levels of T cells, IgA, IgG, or IgM.
A 2010 study showed DHEA helped fight against infection by enhancing the immune response. The parasitic agent, referred to as Trypanosoma cruzi, was significantly reduced. With that, DHEA increased levels of macrophages and interferon gamma, both of which help counteract the settlement of harmful substances in the body. Another study, from 2015, showed DHEA supplementation increased immune response against Brucella abortus infection.
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Treats Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
In chronic fatigue syndrome, the patient feels extreme tiredness accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, cognitive impairment, and sleeping difficulties. As of yet, researchers have not been able to identify a cause, though multiple risk factors are linked. Stress is one of the primary risk factors cited in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatment with DHEA can be beneficial as the hormone cited to have anti-stress effects. Viral infections are cited as risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome as well. In this case, DHEA's immune-enhancing effects may help combat.
DHEA's effects on chronic fatigue syndrome were tested in an uncontrolled 1999 pilot study featuring twenty-three Caucasian female patients. The patients were supplemented with twenty-five milligrams of DHEA for four to six weeks before the dosage increased. Researchers saw decreases in chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. A number of studies have shown low DHEA levels in chronic fatigue syndrome patients. For instance, the majority of the patients in a 1998 Japanese study demonstrated insufficiency in the hormone.
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