Q. I have a teenage son who takes after my side of the family and is small boned. This has had a negative effect on his self-confidence.
Because I do not believe my children should use drugs of any kind, I preach vitamins and herbal supplements. I've given him protein drinks with creatine, amino acids and taurine, but we haven’t seen much difference.
I am concerned he may want to try steroids despite the danger. I found a natural steroid called DHEA but I don't know if that's any better to use. Is it something that could help him bulk up?
A. Despite its popularity, there is little evidence the prohormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) can build muscle. A review (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Aug. 2006) concluded, “there appears to be little or no benefit in using prohormone nutritional supplements. Therefore, the use of any prohormone supplement should be discouraged by athletic trainers, coaches, educators, researchers, and physicians.”
