DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) has been touted for its potential use as an anti-aging hormone. The most abundant hormone in the body, it functions as a precursor for the production of more than 59 other hormones. Found at peak levels around age 25, its production declines steadily, often by 80-90% by age 70. Much of the testosterone in men and most of the estrogen in women is derived from DHEA.

* Thought to be one of the key anti-aging ingredients.

* Seems to support specific immune function known to be suppressed in the elderly.

* Several studies indicate it may help- increase bone density.

* Could benefit normal brain aging and mood.

PREGNENOLONE is often called the master hormone because it can be converted to any other steroidal hormone, including DHEA, progesterone, the estrogens (estrone, estradiol, estriol), testosterone, the corticosteroids, and albosterone. The direct precursor of DHEA, it is thought to enhance DHEA's activity and can be taken together with it. Pregnenoline is also the direct precursor of the progesterone pathway, it is thought to be more balancing than DHEA taken alone.