Concern over anti-age drug

A hormone supplement marketed to middle-aged men as being anti-ageing and used by some athletes to boost performance could be harmful, researchers have warned.

A small study found that androstenedione appeared to alter hormonal balance and if used long term this could raise health concerns.

Androstenedione, a chemical linked to the production of testosterone, is an anabolic steroid used by some athletes to boost their performance. It is also heavily marketed to middle-aged men as an anti-ageing supplement.

The study, in the British Journal of Sports Science, involved eight men in their mid-40s. They took a daily pill of 200 mg of androstenedione for four weeks followed by the same dose of a placebo without knowing which pill they were being given.

The researchers tested their hormone levels for three hours after the pill had been taken on the first and last day of each 28-day period.

They also assessed levels of fats and cholesterol in the blood, weight, heart rate, body fat and blood pressure.

They found that, compared with the placebo, androstenedione levels rose significantly during the first three hours after the supplement had been taken on the first day.

However, by day 28 the levels of androstenedione were down by 60% and not significantly higher than the placebo.

The study also found the hormone supplement made no difference to testosterone levels, body fat, blood pressure or heart rate. But the supplement did raise the levels of a weaker male sex hormone called DHEAS and therefore interfere with the natural hormonal balance.

The authors, led by Professor Susan Beckham of the University of Texas, concluded there was no evidence to suggest androstenedione enhanced performance, increased muscle mass or promoted any of the other physical indicators of good health. And they warned that altering hormonal levels "is a concern as the long term effect in previously healthy men is unknown."