ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Major Differences in DHEA Supplements

White Plains, NY, February 24, 2026 — DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone naturally produced by the body and used to make estrogen and testosterone. Supplements are widely marketed for "anti-aging," hormone balance, skin health, and vitality, although clinical evidence for many of these claims remains limited.

Independent testing by ConsumerLab.com of popular DHEA supplements sold in the U.S. found that most products delivered their labeled amounts — but one failed a key quality test, and consumers may pay more than ten times as much for the same dose depending on the brand.

Key Findings:

• Label Accuracy: All six DHEA supplements selected for testing contained their labeled amounts of DHEA within an acceptable margin of error.
• One Product Failed Disintegration Testing: A pill failed to break apart within the required time limit, raising concerns that it may not fully release its ingredients or provide the intended dose when taken.
• Large Differences in Dose: Four products provided about 25 mg of DHEA per pill, consistent with amounts commonly used in clinical studies when taken once or twice daily. However, two products supplied substantially less -- only about 5 mg per pill.
• Cost Differences Dramatic: The cost to obtain 25 mg of DHEA from products ranged 10-fold, from just 6 cents to more than 70 cents.
• Heavy Metals: Products containing herbal ingredients were screened for toxic heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. None exceeded ConsumerLab’s strict safety limits.

ConsumerLab’s Top Picks

Among products that were approved for quality, ConsumerLab selected two as Top Picks based on quality and value.

Access the Full Report:

ConsumerLab’s full DHEA Supplements Review is now available online to ConsumerLab.com members – currently over 100,000 individual subscribers and thousands more with access through libraries, schools, and medical centers.

The DHEA Supplements Review includes test results and comparisons for six DHEA supplements selected for testing by ConsumerLab: Designs For Health DHEA 5 mg, Douglas Laboratories DHEA 5 mg, Life Extension DHEA 25 mg, Nutricost DHEA, Pure Encapsulation DHEA 25 mg, and Vitacost DHEA 25 mg.

The Review discusses the clinical evidence for and against the use of DHEA, explains the recommended dosage and the best way to take DHEA, and outlines side effects and potential drug interactions with DHEA supplements.

A video explaining ConsumerLab’s findings and offering expert tips for selecting and using DHEA supplements is available for free.

Founded in 1999, ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. It has tested and reviewed over 7,000 products and has published Product Reviews covering nearly every popular category of dietary supplements and health foods.

Membership to ConsumerLab.com is available online and provides immediate access to continually updated reviews of nearly every popular type of dietary supplement and health food, answers to reader questions, and product recalls and warnings. ConsumerLab also provides independent product testing through its voluntary Quality Certification Program. The company is privately held and based in New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products.

We Tested 6 Popular DHEA Supplements (What ConsumerLab Found)