A double-blind study done at the Mayo clinic seems to dispel the myths surrounding DHEA supplements, finding that DHEA has no anti-aging effects.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is sold widely as an anti-aging supplement. Proponents blame age-related conditions to lower levels of DHEA as we age.

The Mayo Clinic study followed subjects for two years and was headed by K. Sreekumaran Nair, M.D, an specialist in endocrinology.

“For almost two years we restored DHEA in older men and women to the high normal levels that are usually observed in young people, but found no beneficial effects on age-related changes in body composition and function,” Dr. Nair said.

“No beneficial effects on quality of life were observed. There’s no evidence based on this study that DHEA has an antiaging effect,” he said.

Anti-Aging Supplement DHEA Doesn’t Work, Study Finds