Calcium (+ D3 + K2) vs DHEA
Both are used for bone health. Here's how they compare on human evidence, mechanism, safety and availability — in plain English.
| Calcium (+ D3 + K2) | DHEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Human evidence | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Legal status | OTC Supplement | OTC Supplement, Prescription |
| How it works | Hydroxyapatite mineral substrate; D3 drives absorption, K2 (via matrix-Gla protein) directs calcium to bone not arteries. Best from diet + resistance training. | Adrenal precursor upstream of both testosterone and estradiol; declines ~80% by age 70. Supplementation raises downstream hormones mainly in older adults and women. |
| In plain English | The raw material of bone — but useless without D3 to absorb it and K2 to aim it at your skeleton instead of your arteries. | A raw material your body turns into sex hormones. Refilling it helps older people whose levels crashed; does little for young men who already have plenty. |
| Bottom line | Always pair with D3 + K2; don't megadose alone. | For the 50+ with low DHEA-S, not young athletes. |
| Availability | Available over the counter | Prescription only |
Which is better for bone health?
Calcium (+ D3 + K2) has the stronger human-evidence rating (★★★★☆ vs ★★★☆☆), but the right choice still depends on your goal, tolerance and budget.
Full breakdowns: Calcium (+ D3 + K2) · DHEA.
Common questions
Is Calcium (+ D3 + K2) or DHEA better for bone health?
Calcium (+ D3 + K2) has the stronger human-evidence rating (★★★★☆ vs ★★★☆☆), but the right choice still depends on your goal, tolerance and budget.
What's the difference between Calcium (+ D3 + K2) and DHEA?
Calcium (+ D3 + K2): Always pair with D3 + K2; don't megadose alone. — DHEA: For the 50+ with low DHEA-S, not young athletes.