DHEA supplementation in combination with vitamin D and calcium may increase bone density in older women, according to new research.

DHEA is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland, gonads and brain, whose low levels have been linked to lower bone density.

Scientists from Saint Louis University and Washington University divided women aged 65 – 75 into two groups for the purpose of the study.

The first group received the DHEA supplement, vitamin D and calcium for two years. The control group received a placebo, vitamin D and calcium for the first year and then the DHEA supplement the second year.

After the second year, women in the test group experienced around a 4 percent increase in spinal bone density, while those who switched from placebo to DHEA experienced an approximate 2 percent increase.

The results have led the researchers to believe vitamin D and calcium supplements, which were given to both groups, could be responsible for the increase in bone density.

"In addition to its beneficial effects on bone, DHEA replacement may have other benefits including improvements in risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, improvements in immune function, and improvements in psychological health," says Dr Edward Weiss, associate professor of nutrition and dietetics at Saint Louis University.

Those who are concerned about their bone density may consider nutritional supplements containing vitamin D and calcium as an alternative.