Research
Mixed
Chromium, DHEA, androstenedione, and protein supplementation do not significantly affect lean mass or strength gains during resistance training compared to placebo.
Do not rely on Chromium, DHEA, Androstenedione, or extra Protein supplements to boost muscle or strength gains from resistance training. They do not provide significant additional benefits.
ModerateRefutesMEDIUM confidence
Chromium, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, and protein did not significantly affect lean gain or strength.
Why this rating
Meta-analysis, but quality scores were low (24.5-33.2%) and study numbers were small for some (DHEA, androstenedione).
Source
Effect of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: a meta-analysis
Steven Nissen et al. · Journal of Applied Physiology · 2003
DOI 10.1152/japplphysiol.00755.2002
Meta-analysis · 48 studiesCited 258×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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