Forms of DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone -- better known as DHEA -- is a steroid hormone that has drawn much interest in recent years. Proponents of DHEA believe it can slow or reverse the effects of aging, lift the immune system and improve a person's physical condition and mental state. DHEA is available in several forms, natural and synthetic.

Natural in the Body

DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone found in the human body, where it originates in the adrenal glands. When functioning properly, the body produces 15mg to 30mg DHEA daily, with a small percentage used by the body. As people age, levels of DHEA produced can lessen, leading people to seek ways to supplement the body's production.

Synthesized sublingual

One commonly synthesized DHEA form is known as sublingual, which comes in tablet form in doses that usually are 5mg. Sublingual tablets offer the full spectrum of DHEA's benefits.

7-keto DHEA

Another synthetic from of DHA is known as 7-keto, taken in doses of 25mg to 50mg daily. 7-keto DHEA is targeted toward improving the body's immune system. It's more often recommended for women, particularly those going into menopause. Another reason for women to use 7-keto DHEA is that it doesn't produce the testosterone of sublingual DHEA, which can produce unwanted side effects such as facial hair and acne.

Food Sources

The best source of DHEA in a diet is by eating beef, pork, chicken an other animal meats. Some people claim that wild yams are a good source of DHEA, but there's no scientific evidence that they provide any beneficial levels.