The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity for its ability to aid weight loss and improve overall health. 7-Keto-DHEA is a derivative of the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and is often marketed as a dietary supplement to support weight loss. While there is limited research on its efficacy, some studies suggest that it may help boost energy levels by increasing the body's metabolic rate and converting more energy into heat instead of storing it as fat.
The keto diet also helps improve energy levels by stabilising blood sugar and providing long-lasting energy from burning fats (ketones) instead of glucose. This reprogramming of the body's energy source can lead to increased alertness and productivity without the crash associated with carbohydrate-based meals. However, when starting the keto diet, individuals may initially experience increased hunger, fatigue, and sluggishness as their bodies adapt to using ketones as the primary fuel source.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is it? | 7-keto-DHEA is a metabolite of the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) |
How does it work? | It promotes weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat |
Uses | People take 7-keto-DHEA for obesity, muscle strength, anxiety, depression, and many other conditions |
Safety | Possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks |
Precautions | There isn't enough reliable information to know if 7-keto-DHEA is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding |
Dosage | There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose might be |
Weight loss | A systematic review of the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on body weight found that half of the included studies showed a significant reduction in body weight |
Metabolism | 7-keto-DHEA has been found to increase the resting metabolic rate |
What You'll Learn
7-Keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body
7-Keto-DHEA (also known as 7-oxoprasterone) is a steroid prohormone produced by metabolism of the prohormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is formed from DHEA in the body but, unlike DHEA, it is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen.
7-Keto-DHEA has been investigated as a potentially more useful relative of the DHEA steroid when used as a supplement. This is because it is not directly converted to testosterone or estrogen by the human body. However, the results of these investigations are inconclusive.
The benefits of 7-Keto-DHEA supplementation are not definitively established. The current evidence is mixed and limited by factors such as small sample sizes, short study durations, and a lack of diversity in the study populations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not added 7-Keto-DHEA to the list of bulk drug substances due to a lack of clinical evidence regarding its safety and efficacy.
Despite this, 7-Keto-DHEA has been commercially advertised as a dietary supplement to support weight loss. It has been marketed as more effective than DHEA for inducing heat production (thermogenesis) to aid weight loss. This is because dieting is usually accompanied by a reduced resting metabolic rate, so obese persons may benefit from using 7-Keto-DHEA when dieting due to an increased metabolic rate. However, these claimed benefits are not supported by solid evidence.
In addition, 7-Keto-DHEA has been marketed by alternative medicine providers as a treatment for adrenal fatigue, a pseudo-scientific term with no scholarly basis.
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It is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks
7-keto-DHEA is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks. It seems to be well tolerated when used short-term. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if 7-keto-DHEA is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it during these times.
There is currently no information on what an appropriate dose of 7-keto-DHEA might be, but it's important to remember that natural products are not always safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow the directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
When taken by mouth, 7-keto-DHEA has been found to be possibly safe for up to 8 weeks. It is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body and has effects that might promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat. While it is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen, there is no good scientific evidence to support its use for obesity, muscle strength, anxiety, or depression.
A systematic review of the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on body weight found that it has been commercially advertised as a dietary supplement to support weight loss. However, the review could not give a clear answer regarding its efficiency. The review included four studies, two of which showed a significant reduction in body weight, one found a decrease in body fat percentage, and another reported a decrease in BMI. Two studies also stated an increase in resting metabolic rate. No serious adverse effects were reported.
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It is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen
7-keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. This means that taking 7-keto-DHEA by mouth or applying it to the skin does not increase the level of steroid hormones in the blood.
DHEA is a "parent hormone" produced by glands near the kidneys. It can be converted into androgen and estrogen, which are steroid hormones. However, 7-keto-DHEA is a metabolite of DHEA that does not have this same effect. This is also true of 7-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA, 7-beta-hydroxy-DHEA, and raspberry ketone.
Because 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into androgen or estrogen, it is believed to be safer for men. DHEA can cause hair loss in men by increasing testosterone, but 7-keto-DHEA does not have this effect.
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It may promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism
7-keto-DHEA is a derivative of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) that is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. While there is no good scientific evidence to support its use, people take 7-keto-DHEA to promote weight loss, improve muscle strength, and address anxiety, depression, and other conditions. It is believed that 7-keto-DHEA may promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat.
Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on weight loss. One study found a significant reduction in body weight, with a 4.4% weight loss after 8 weeks of treatment. Another study reported a weight reduction of 2.2%, while a third study showed a decrease in body fat percentage. Two studies also stated an increase in resting metabolic rate, indicating a potential role in boosting energy levels. However, it is important to note that the evidence is limited, and further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of 7-keto-DHEA for therapeutic use.
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It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women
While 7-keto-DHEA is possibly safe when used for up to eight weeks, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. There is not enough reliable information to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid it. This is because 7-keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body and can have effects that promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism. It is important to note that natural products are not always safe, and dosages can be important, so it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using any supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Additionally, a ketogenic diet during pregnancy may also not be advisable. The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate plan that has been used to treat epilepsy since the 1920s. While it can be effective for weight loss and blood glucose management, there are concerns about its safety during pregnancy. The keto diet can be extremely limiting, and doctors typically recommend a varied diet during pregnancy to ensure adequate nutrient intake for both mother and baby. Folic acid, for example, is crucial for brain and spine development and is found in carbohydrate-rich foods like fortified cereal, enriched bread, and beans.
Furthermore, animal studies have suggested potential risks associated with the keto diet during pregnancy. Mouse studies have indicated that exposure to ketones or a ketogenic diet during pregnancy may cause changes to embryo development and potentially lead to birth defects. However, it is important to note that these studies were conducted on animals, and more research is needed to understand the full impact on humans. Overall, it is essential for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consult their healthcare providers before making any significant dietary changes, including the use of supplements or following a restrictive diet like keto.
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Frequently asked questions
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that shares similarities with the Atkins and low-carb diets. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis.
The keto diet reprograms the body to use ketones instead of glucose as its sole energy source. This is because fats (ketones) provide twice as much energy as carbs (glucose) and keep your energy levels up for longer.
The initial switch to a keto diet can be one of the biggest issues for new dieters. Well-known side effects include weakness, fatigue, and digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea.
The keto diet should be avoided if you have certain medical conditions, including pancreatitis, liver failure, fat metabolism disorders, and others.