7-Keto DHEA: Your Simple Guide

What is 7-Keto?

7-Keto, scientifically known as 7-keto-dehydroepiandrosterone, is a byproduct of the steroid prohormone DHEA's metabolism. Unique from DHEA, 7-Keto isn't directly converted into hormones like testosterone or estrogen. It's an active compound, popularly recognised for its potential to enhance weight loss by boosting metabolism.

Natural Sources of 7-Keto

Our bodies naturally produce 7-Keto. Though it's not abundant in common foods, it's accessible as a dietary supplement for those interested in its benefits.

Benefits of 7-Keto for Weight Management

7-Keto's standout feature is its capability to stimulate thermogenesis and elevate metabolism without affecting the central nervous system. Research indicates its efficacy as a weight loss supplement. Notably, one study reported participants who supplemented with 7-Keto, combined with diet & exercise, lost nearly three times more weight than those who only dieted and exercised (Zenk et al, 2002).

Further, 7-Keto might bolster fat loss by enhancing the body's resting metabolic rate, possibly linked to thyroid hormone production. This boost in metabolism has been consistently recorded in various scientific studies.

Safety and Potential Side Effects

7-Keto's safety profile is commendable. Clinical trials have determined that daily doses of up to 200 mg are safe & well-received by healthy individuals. There were negligible adverse events in the referenced studies. However, athletes should be wary: since 7-Keto is a DHEA metabolite, it's prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Dosage and Timing

For optimal results and safety, a daily dose of 200 mg, divided into two servings of 100 mg each, is recommended. It's best consumed 30 minutes prior to exercise or a meal.

Available Supplements and Stacking

7-Keto is accessible as an individual supplement in countries like the US & is often an ingredient in specific weight loss products. In Australia 7-Keto is not available over the counter (OTC), however is available with a doctor's prescription, & supplied by a compounding pharmacy.

For those looking to optimise fat loss or take a suitable alternative to 7-Keto, it can be combined/replaced with ingredients such as L-carnitine, inositol, caffeine, green tea or fat-burning supplements.

Conclusion

In essence, 7-Keto offers a promising avenue for those pursuing weight loss, harnessing its natural metabolic-boosting properties without the hormonal effects of its parent compound, DHEA. With a well-established safety profile & potential to enhance thermogenesis, 7-Keto is both a natural & effective choice for individuals looking to optimize their weight management regimen, though athletes should approach it with caution due to its status with the World Anti-Doping Agency.

• Davidson et al (2000), Safety and pharmacokinetic study with escalating doses of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in healthy male volunteers. Clin Invest Med, 23: 300-310
• Henwood et al (1999), An Escalating Dose Oral Gavage Study of 3β-Acetoxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione (7-oxo-DHEA-acetate) in Rhesus Monkeys. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 254: 124-126
• Kaiman et al (2000), A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in healthy overweight adults. Current Therapeutic Research, 61: 435-442
• Lardy et al (1999), An Acute Oral Gavage Study of 3β-Acetoxyandrost- 5-ene-7,17-dione (7-oxo-DHEA-acetate) in Rats. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 254: 120-123
• Zenk et al (2002), The effect of 7-Keto Naturalean™ on weight loss: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Current Therapeutic Research, 63: 263-272
• Zenk et al (2005), Effect of lean system 7 on metabolic rate and body composition. Nutrition, 21: 179-185
• Zenk et al (2007), HUM5007, a novel combination of thermogenic compounds, and 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone: each increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 18: 629-634