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7-Keto-DHEA is a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, that can be used in the form of an oral supplement.
DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that acts as a precursor to male and female sex hormones. 7-Keto-DHEA differs from DHEA in that it is not broken down into estrogens or testosterone.
While DHEA is used for a wide range of purposes, including male sexual health, fertility, increased muscle mass and adrenal insufficiency, 7-Keto-DHEA is mainly associated with weight loss, muscle growth and increasing energy levels.
This is due to the fact that it is not involved with the production of sex hormones. 7-Keto-DHEA may be safer to use than DHEA for some applications and is reported to cause fewer side effects.
Consumers who want to use these products should understand the difference between 7-Keto-DHEA and DHEA supplements in terms of how they work, benefits and how best to take this product.
Users should also know the potential risks of taking 7-Keto-DHEA supplements in addition to the positive effects they might provide.
Weight Loss
Muscle Growth
Energy- Increases thyroid hormone levels
- Boosts energy metabolism & fat loss
- Supports muscle growth & training
Top 7-Keto-DHEA Products* ❯Common Uses of 7-Keto-DHEA
7-Keto-DHEA is used for weight loss due to its potential to increase energy metabolism. It has also been used for improving lean body mass, increasing muscle mass and reducing fat.
Research shows that it has potential benefits for resistance training, lean muscle growth and physique. It is often used by bodybuilders in a “cutting” phase.
Other uses for 7-Keto-DHEA include increasing the activity of the thyroid gland and supporting immune system function. It is used to improve energy, mental alertness and mood in people with adrenal fatigue.
It is also used for cognitive purposes, such as supporting memory in those with memory impairment and reducing the effects of aging.
7-Keto-DHEA is often used in place of DHEA in individuals who do not want the risk of hormonal side effects associated with DHEA. Unlike its parent compound, 7-Keto-DHEA cannot activate androgen receptors and does not get converted into androgens and estrogens.
Those with conditions that can affect estrogen levels and other hormone levels or those who are currently taking medications that affect hormone levels will typically use 7-Keto-DHEA instead.
This supplement has been used for low testosterone levels, but evidence suggests it is not an effective testosterone booster. It has been used for fertility, but there is insufficient research available to determine whether it has any benefits when used in this way.
Benefits of 7-Keto-DHEA
7-Keto-DHEA is a molecule that comes from DHEA, but it does not convert back into it. 7-Keto-DHEA does not act as a steroid precursor. It does not significantly affect blood levels of steroid hormones, but may slightly increase free testosterone levels.
This molecule has been shown in multiple studies to increase the resting metabolic rate in individuals who are following a weight-loss diet and exercising on a regular basis. It has also been shown to increase levels of thermogenic enzymes.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry showed that 7-Keto-DHEA use with a calorie-restricted diet resulted in an increase in metabolic rate. [1]
When metabolism is boosted, the body converts more stored calories in the form of glucose and fats into ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is the primary energy currency in our cells.
According to the results of a 2000 study published in Current Therapeutic Research, 200 MG of 7-Keto-DHEA was shown to be more effective at decreasing fat mass and overall weight than physical activity and weight-loss diets alone when taken for 8 weeks. [2]
7-Keto-DHEA also increased active thyroid hormones in study participants. The thyroid gland plays a major role in regulating metabolism and energy production. Low thyroid activity can contribute to weight gain, obesity and other health problems.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, more research is needed to evaluate whether this supplement is effective for obesity and weight loss. While preliminary research shows that it can “significantly decrease body weight and fat composition in obese females”, more studies need to be conducted to validate results.
There is insufficient evidence to support claims that 7-Keto-DHEA has other benefits, such as increasing testosterone levels, reducing fatigue, raising energy levels and decreasing memory impairment.
It has been studied for these applications, but more trials are needed to determine whether it is effective or not. Currently, 7-Keto-DHEA has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the treatment of any health conditions.
How to Take 7-Keto-DHEA
7-Keto-DHEA is available in different forms as an oral supplement, including tablets and capsules. These come in different dosages, ranging from 25 MG to 100 MG per dose.
Some of the brands that make 7-Keto-DHEA include Jarrow Formulas, NOW Foods, Life Extension, Pure Encapsulations and Source Naturals.
There are no standard dosages available for 7-Keto-DHEA. The correct dosage varies based on different factors, such as age, health and the presence of certain medical conditions.
Those who want to use 7-Keto-DHEA for sexual performance or to promote weight loss and lean muscle mass should ask their doctor how much to take.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that oral 7-Keto-DHEA supplement doses of 100 MG twice a day have been used for weight loss. [3]
A large number of consumers who take these products stated that they were effective at promoting fat loss and improving lean muscle mass. A small number of consumers stated that these products did not produce these results.
Side Effects of 7-Keto-DHEA
7-Keto-DHEA is sometimes used instead of DHEA due to the fact that it does not affect sex hormone levels.
This is believed to be associated with a lower risk of side effects that have been linked to DHEA use, such as a deeper voice and facial hair in women as a result of increased testosterone levels.
Other common side effects that DHEA can cause due to its effects on sex hormones include acne, mood changes and insomnia. In men, DHEA can also increase aggression and cause breast tenderness.
7-Keto-DHEA is well-tolerated in general and does not typically produce hormonal side effects. According to the Natural Medicines Database, “In a clinical trial, 7-keto-DHEA has been used safely in doses up to 200 mg/day in healthy men under 50 years of age for up to 28 days.”
According to the University of Michigan Health System, 7-Keto-DHEA use might lead to an increase in T3 levels in the thyroid gland, which might theoretically cause harmful effects on the heart or increase the risk of bone loss. [4] Those who have thyroid problems should check with their doctor before using 7-Keto-DHEA products.
The use of this supplement in humans has not been associated with adverse effects when taken in doses of up to 200 MG daily for up to 8 weeks, according to the UMHS. [4]
The long-term effects of using 7-Keto-DHEA are unknown. There is also a lack of information on the effects on pregnant women and lactating women. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid taking these products.
Consult with your doctor before deciding to take 7-Keto Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements to determine whether this product is appropriate for you.
- Zenk, J.L. et al. HUM5007, a novel combination of thermogenic compounds, and 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone: each increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2007. Sep; 18(9); 629-34.
- Kaiman, D.S, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in healthy overweight adults. Current Therapeutic Research. 2000. Jul; 61(7); 435-442.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. 7-Keto-DHEA. 2015.
- University of Michigan Health System. 7-Keto: Side Effects. 2015.
Article last updated on: July 9th, 2018 by Nootriment
