Understanding The Science Behind 7 Keto

7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical formed in the body by the adrenal glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into hormones like androgen and estrogen. People take 7-keto-DHEA supplements for various reasons, including weight loss, improving muscle strength, and treating anxiety and depression. However, there is limited evidence supporting these uses, and more research is needed to establish its effectiveness and safety, especially for long-term use.

7-Keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

7-Keto-DHEA, also known as 7-oxoprasterone, is a steroid prohormone produced by the metabolism of the prohormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is a "parent hormone" produced by glands near the kidneys. It is one of the most abundant circulating steroid hormones in the body and functions as a precursor to the male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto-DHEA is not converted to steroid hormones such as 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. This is an important distinction, as it means that 7-Keto-DHEA does not have the same effects as DHEA in the body and may be safer to use.

However, it is important to note that 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. While 7-Keto-DHEA appears to be generally well-tolerated with a low side-effect profile, changes in blood hormone parameters have been reported. Given these uncertainties, the potential benefits and safety of 7-Keto-DHEA, particularly with long-term use, are not established.

It is not converted to steroid hormones like androgen and estrogen

7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical formed in the body by the adrenal glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. This means that taking 7-keto-DHEA orally or applying it to the skin does not increase the level of steroid hormones in the blood. This distinguishes it from DHEA, which is a precursor for male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

The fact that 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into steroid hormones has led supplement manufacturers to investigate its potential as a more useful relative of the DHEA steroid. However, the results of these investigations are inconclusive. While 7-keto-DHEA is marketed as more effective than DHEA in inducing heat production (thermogenesis) for weight loss, these claims are not supported by solid evidence.

When taken orally, 7-keto-DHEA is possibly safe for short-term use, up to 8 weeks, and is well-tolerated. However, there is insufficient information to determine its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid its use during these periods. Similarly, there is not enough information to establish an appropriate dosage range for 7-keto-DHEA.

In summary, 7-keto-DHEA stands out from DHEA due to its inability to be converted into steroid hormones like androgen and estrogen. While this characteristic has sparked interest in its potential benefits, more research is needed to substantiate its effectiveness and safety, especially for long-term use.

It may promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism

7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical produced by glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into androgen or estrogen hormones. Instead, it may promote weight loss by increasing the body's metabolism and converting more energy into heat, rather than storing it as fat.

The thermogenic, or heat-producing, properties of 7-keto-DHEA have been observed in early studies on mice. These studies found that DHEA prevented fat gain in mice due to its thermogenic properties. Thermogenesis is the process by which the body burns calories to produce heat. In one test-tube study, 7-keto-DHEA exhibited thermogenic properties that were two-and-a-half times more potent than those of DHEA.

The potential weight loss benefits of 7-keto-DHEA are not yet supported by solid evidence. Only two studies have examined its effects on metabolism. In one study, participants who took a 7-Keto supplement lost significantly more weight than those given a placebo, but there was no significant difference in basal metabolic rate between the two groups. However, another study found that 7-Keto increased the resting metabolic rate of overweight individuals. This study showed that 7-Keto not only prevented the decrease in metabolism associated with a reduced-calorie diet but also increased metabolism by 1.4% above baseline levels, resulting in an extra 96 calories burned per day.

While these initial findings suggest that 7-Keto may boost metabolism and aid in weight loss, more research is needed to confirm these effects. The current evidence is limited by factors such as small sample sizes and short study durations.

It is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks

7-keto-DHEA is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks and is well tolerated when used short-term. However, it is important to note that there is insufficient evidence to determine its safety profile conclusively. 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.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid 7-keto-DHEA as there is not enough reliable information to determine its safety for these populations. Additionally, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as natural products may have varying levels of safety and dosages can be important.

Some studies have shown that 7-keto-DHEA is well-tolerated in men at doses up to 200 mg per day for four weeks. However, other studies in both men and women have reported some adverse effects, including heartburn, metallic taste, and nausea.

While 7-keto-DHEA is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, more research is needed to establish its safety profile conclusively, especially for long-term use.

It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA)

7-Keto-DHEA is listed as a prohibited anabolic agent by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This means that it is banned for use in sports.

The reason for this ban is that 7-Keto-DHEA may trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs. This is because 7-Keto-DHEA is a prohormone produced by the metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that is one of the most abundant circulating steroid hormones in the body. DHEA is a precursor for male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

However, unlike DHEA, 7-Keto-DHEA is not directly converted to testosterone or estrogen by the human body. Instead, it 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.

The detection of 7-Keto-DHEA misuse in sports requires special attention, as it is naturally present in urine samples. This makes it difficult to interpret analytical results in the anti-doping field and can lead to a misinterpretation of data.

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