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Deca: New Study Demonstrates Benefits |
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Written by Dan Gwartney, MD
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Monday, 09 April 2007 |
Steroid-using bodybuilders have developed drug lore over the years
detailing which steroids are best for certain needs. It's commonly
accepted that the harsher, more androgenic steroids are best suited for
"bulking up" or "massing" cycles, whereas the less androgenic steroids
are used for "cutting" or pre-competition cycles.
Among the most commonly abused anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is
nandrolone decanoate, well known by the brand name, Deca-Durabolin.
Deca, as it is called in the gym, is an ester of 19-nortestosterone,
rather than being an ester of testosterone.1 19-nortestosterone is a
chemically modified variant of testosterone, and as a slightly
different molecule, it has different effects in the body.
5-alpha reductase is the enzyme responsible for converting
testosterone into its more androgenic metabolite, dihydrotestosterone
(DHT). An excess of DHT has been implicated in some of the side effects
of many steroids, including hair loss, prostate enlargement and
aggression. 19-nortestosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha
reductase, but rather than becoming a more androgenic steroid, it
becomes less androgenic.2,3 Thus, 19-nortestosterone is protected from
becoming highly androgenic and there would be a lower risk of certain
side effects.
19-nortestosterone can still be subjected to other enzymes, including
aromatase,4 the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into an
estrogenic hormone, which causes feminizing side effects. While these
side effects are not as severe with 19-nortestosterone, as compared to
testosterone, they can still lead to problematic symptoms, including
gynecomastia (bitch tit).
The profile of 19-nortestosterone, with lower androgenic properties and
decreased estrogenic properties, makes it a suitable AAS for use in
cycles designed to increase muscle mass moderately, with little to no
water retention or fat gain. Thus, many steroid-abusing athletes use
Deca to enhance their appearance, attempting to create a more muscular
and leaner physique.
As Deca is generally considered a less risky alternative to
testosterone esters and oral AAS, it has been used in a number of
different therapeutic trials, including weight loss due to AIDS,5
cancer or lung problems;6 male contraception;7 and bone loss in
post-menopausal women.8
Body Composition
Recently, a study was published that investigated body composition
changes in bodybuilders using a moderate dose of Deca. This paper
confirmed that, in conjunction with a resistance-training program, Deca
increased lean body mass. However, it was also found that while total
body fat and the body fat percentage did not change, body fat was
decreased in the legs and trunk.
One important finding reported in this paper was that the change in
body fat was not detected by using skin-fold techniques. Instead, a
more advanced technique called DEXA revealed the fat loss in the legs
and trunk. DEXA is a type of body scan using x-rays, which can
determine the fat mass of the body or specific regions of the body, the
bone mass and the lean body mass. These findings would suggest that
moderate use of Deca can increase muscle mass without causing any fat
gain, improving the degree of muscularity in an individual.
Can the results of this study be considered conclusive? No, a single
study is not sufficient evidence for any argument. However, previous
studies have looked at the effect of Deca on body measurements in
athletes10,11 with supportive results, though conflicting data has been
presented in yet another study.12 Upon review, the study demonstrating
no effect may have been hampered by the study design. Of the three
studies showing positive effects of Deca on body composition, the dose
and duration of use were similar, providing 200 milligrams of Deca per
week for at least six weeks. The study showing no effect used a lesser
dose of 100 milligrams of Deca per week for a period of just three
weeks. Thus, it appears there is a dose-related effect in that at least
200 milligrams per week for a period of no fewer than six weeks would
be required.
It can be reasonably stated that the use of Deca in moderate doses can
improve the body composition of most people. However, what has not been
fully determined is how this occurs and what risks may be involved in
the use of Deca.
Muscle: More Mass, Less Damage
19-nortestosterone is a more anabolic steroid, compared to testosterone
and other AAS. The long ester chain, which is responsible for the slow
release of Deca, also gives it a more anabolic effect.13 The anabolic
nature of Deca is responsible for the gains seen in muscle mass. As
muscle mass increases, there is an associated increase in the metabolic
rate, as muscle is an active tissue. Thus, additional calories are
burned throughout the day.
In addition to an increase in muscle, there is evidence from animal
studies that Deca may also improve exercise tolerance,14 allowing
people to remain active longer, particularly in vigorous activities
such as running or weight training. It stands to reason that for many
people, a greater amount of exercise each week will lead to a greater
number of calories burned, supporting fat loss.
The study also reported a decrease in muscle damage following exercise,
which is important for maintaining or building muscle mass. Deca seems
to support an increase in muscle protein synthesis (anabolic effect) as
well as decreasing muscle damage and breakdown due to physical stress
(an anti-catabolic effect). These findings are in agreement with the
experiences of most bodybuilders who have used Deca; workouts may last
longer or be more frequent with less of a risk of overtraining,
resulting in sustained muscle growth.
There are other effects of Deca that may support body composition
changes in athletes and non-athletes alike. In a study of normal men,15
it was reported that 300 milligrams of Deca per week improved glucose
tolerance. An improved glucose tolerance is meaningful,as it suggests
that the body more efficiently uses sugars, burning them as fuel,
rather than storing the sugar, which may predispose one to obesity.
This effect was not seen in the same group when testosterone enanthate
was used, suggesting that there is a Deca-specific effect. The authors
felt that it was the non-aromatizable (though 19-nortestosterone has
been shown to be aromatizable4) nature of Deca that was responsible for
the improved sugar metabolism. This improvement was felt to be
independent of the insulin, which may suggest a role for Deca in
diabetics, or at least type II diabetics.
The effects of Deca may be psychological as well as physical. Again,
referring to an animal study, it has been reported that Deca use may
cause changes in the brain that would be similar to those seen in other
drug addictions.16 These changes may create a "reward" effect from
Deca use, which may decrease other destructive behaviors, such as binge
eating, or may support efforts to control diet and continue an exercise
program.
Not Without Consequence
Deca seems like a reasonable therapy for improving body composition, as
it aids in increasing muscle mass, while possibly decreasing total body
fat. Deca use is not without consequence. First and foremost, Deca is a
controlled substance and the sale or possession of Deca outside of
indicated uses, is a felony crime. Deca has caused temporary
infertility;7 indeed, it is being investigated as a possible
contraceptive. Abuse of Deca could lead to prolonged or even permanent
reproductive damage, though there are medical interventions that might
restore reproductive function. This is an important issue for anyone
considering family planning. All steroids may cause changes in liver
function, blood lipid and cholesterol levels or clotting of the blood.
Many consider these changes inconsequential, but sudden death has been
reported in steroid-abusing athletes.17
In summary then, as has been demonstrated in these studies, Deca may
provide significant benefits in improving the body composition of
athletes and bodybuilders, including increased muscle mass and
decreased body fat. While the anabolic function of Deca is well
defined, other effects need to be considered, including improved
exercise tolerance, anti-catabolic protection and psychological reward,
reinforcing the behaviors necessary to develop the body composition
changes. Deca use is not without risk, as it is a felony crime to sell
or possess Deca and several health risks have been associated with its
use, including sudden death. The use of Deca in frail populations is
becoming accepted as HIV-related wasting and aging changes are being
corrected with the use of AAS, including Deca. The positive results
seen in most populations, including male athletes, are seen with fairly
moderate doses of 200 to 300 milligram-per-week cycles providing
measurable benefit.
References
1. Reznik Y, Dehennin L, et al. Urinary nandrolone metabolites of
endogenous origin in man: a confirmation by output regulation under
human chorionic gonadotrophin stimulation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001
Jan;86(1):146-50.
2. Raeside JI, Renaud RL, et al. Effect of a 5 alpha-reductase
inhibitor on the metabolism of 19-norandrogens by porcine Leydig cells.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1992 Mar 31;183(3):1254-9.
3. Toth M, Zakar T. Classification of anabolic steroids using the
method of competitive metabolism. Exp Clin Endocrinol 1986
Jul;87(2):125-32.
4. Yoshiji S, Yamamoto T, et al. Aromitization of androstenedione
and 19-nortestosterone in human placenta, liver and adipose tissue.
Nippon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi 1986 Jan 20;62(1):18-25.
5. Sattler FR, Jaque SV, et al. Effects of pharmacological doses of
nandrolone decanoate and progressive resistance training in
immunodeficient patients with human immunodeficiency virus. J Clin
Endocrinol Metab 1999;84:1268-76.
6. Schols A, Soeters PB, et al. Psychological effects of nutritional
support and anabolic steroids in patients with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease: A placebo-controlled randomized trial. Am J Respir
Crit Care Med 1995;152:1268-74.
7. Schurmeyer T, Knuth UA, et al. Reversible azoospermia induced by
the anabolic steroid 19-nortestosterone. Lancet 1984 Feb
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8. Hassager C, Podenphant J, et al. Changes in soft tissue body
composition and plasma lipid metabolism during nandrolone decanoate
therapy in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Metabolism 1989
Mar;38(3):238-42.
9. Hartgens F, Van Marken Lichtenbelt WD, et al. Body composition
and anthropometry in bodybuilders: regional changes due to nandrolone
decanoate administration. Int J Sports Med 2001 Apr;22(3):235-41.
10. Friedl KE, Dettori JR, et al. Comparison of the effects of high
dose testosterone and 19-nortestosterone to a replacement dose of
testosterone on strength and body composition in normal men. J Steroid
Biochem Mol Biol 1991;4:607-612.
11. Kuipers H, Wijnen JAG, et al. Influence of anabolic steroids on
body composition, blood pressure, lipid profile and liver function in
bodybuilders. Int J Sports Med 1991;12:413-8.
12. Crist DM, Stackpole PJ, et al. Effects of androgenic-anabolic
steroids on neuromuscular power and body composition. J Appl Physiol
1983;54:366-70.
13. van der Vies J. Implications of basic pharmacology in the
therapy with esters of nandrolone. Acta Endocrinol Suppl (Copenh)
1985;271:38-44.
14. Tamaki T, Uchiyama S, et al. Anabolic steroids increase exercise
tolerance. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2001 Jun;280(6):E973-81.
15. Hobbs CJ, Jones RE, et al. Nandrolone, a 19-nortestosterone,
enhances insulin-independent glucose uptake in normal men. J Clin
Endocrinol Metab 1996 Apr;81(4):1582-5.
16. Kindlundh AM, Lindblom J, et al. The anabolic-androgenic steroid
nandrolone decanoate affects the density of dopamine receptors in the
male rat brain. Eur J Neurosci 2001 Jan;13(2):291-6.
17. Fineschi V, Baroldi G, et al. Anabolic steroid abuse and cardiac
sudden death: a pathological study. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2001
Feb;125(2):253-5.
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