Keto Weight Loss: 7-Keto Dosage Recommendations

7-Keto-DHEA is a dietary supplement that has been advertised as a way to support weight loss. It is a naturally occurring metabolite of the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. While some studies have shown a significant reduction in body weight, others have shown no clear answer regarding its efficiency. There is no good scientific evidence to support its use for weight loss, and the long-term safety of 7-Keto-DHEA has not been demonstrated. The appropriate dosage of 7-Keto-DHEA for weight loss is currently unknown.

7-Keto-DHEA is safe 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. No serious adverse effects were reported in studies, and none of the participants discontinued the trial due to side effects. The few side effects that may be related to 7-Keto-DHEA include nausea and vertigo.

However, it is important to note that there is limited academic literature on 7-Keto-DHEA, and further studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety for therapeutic use. While it is generally well-tolerated, the long-term safety of 7-Keto-DHEA for humans has not been demonstrated, and its chemical similarity to steroid hormones means that potential adverse effects must be considered.

Additionally, the increase in T3 thyroid hormone levels resulting from taking 7-Keto-DHEA could theoretically produce adverse effects on the heart or promote bone loss. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with thyroid disorders or those taking thyroid hormones consult a physician before taking 7-Keto-DHEA.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women were excluded from studies, so the effects of 7-Keto-DHEA on these populations are unknown.

It's possibly safe at 200mg per day

7-Keto-DHEA is a dietary supplement that has been advertised to support weight loss. It is a naturally occurring metabolite of the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. Instead, it has effects that may promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat.

While 7-Keto-DHEA has been shown to be possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks, the long-term safety of this supplement for humans has not been demonstrated. A safety study has shown that 7-Keto-DHEA did not raise estrogen or testosterone levels or produce any other negative effects at levels up to 200 mg per day for eight weeks. Short-term animal studies also revealed no adverse effects with large amounts of 7-Keto-DHEA. However, because it is chemically related to steroid hormones, there is a potential for adverse effects with long-term use.

Additionally, 7-Keto-DHEA can cause an increase in triiodothyronine (T3), a thyroid hormone that plays a major role in determining a person's metabolic rate. While the increase in T3 levels from taking 7-Keto-DHEA did not exceed the normal range in studies, in theory, it could produce adverse effects on the heart or promote bone loss. Therefore, people wishing to take 7-Keto-DHEA, particularly those with a thyroid disorder or taking thyroid hormone, should consult a physician.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the weight loss ability of 7-Keto-DHEA is highly promoted commercially, but there is limited academic literature to support these claims. Currently available clinical studies give mixed answers regarding 7-Keto-DHEA and weight loss, and further studies are encouraged before any therapeutic use can be recommended.

It's 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 is because 7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of DHEA, which is a "parent hormone" produced by glands near the kidneys.

The body does not convert 7-keto-DHEA into androgen and estrogen, and as such, taking it orally or applying it to the skin does not increase the level of steroid hormones in the blood. This is an important distinction, as concerns about DHEA causing hair loss in men have led some to opt for 7-keto-DHEA instead.

Supplement suppliers have investigated 7-keto-DHEA as a potentially more useful relative of the DHEA steroid when used as a supplement. This is because 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. However, it is important to note that the benefits of 7-keto-DHEA supplementation are not definitively established, and the current evidence is mixed.

It may promote weight loss by speeding up metabolism

7-keto-DHEA is a derivative of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and is often marketed as a dietary supplement to support weight loss. It is important to note that there is limited clinical evidence supporting the use of 7-keto-DHEA for weight loss, and further studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety.

That being said, 7-keto-DHEA may promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism. This increase in metabolic rate can lead to increased energy expenditure and fat burning, resulting in weight loss. Specifically, 7-keto-DHEA is believed to increase the levels of certain thermogenic enzymes, such as mitochondrial sn-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH) and cytosolic malic enzyme. These enzymes enhance thermogenesis, the process of heat production in the body, by disrupting the electron transport chain and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. As a result, more substrate, oxygen, and energy are consumed, leading to increased fat burning and weight loss.

Additionally, 7-keto-DHEA may regulate local cortisol activity by competitively inhibiting the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD 1). Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone associated with insulin resistance and obesity. By inhibiting the conversion of cortisone to active cortisol, 7-keto-DHEA may help reduce the negative effects of glucocorticoids on weight management.

Furthermore, 7-keto-DHEA may directly elevate the levels of uncoupling proteins, which allow protons to enter the mitochondrial matrix without synthesizing ATP. This process increases thermogenesis by converting free energy from mitochondrial oxidation into heat.

The weight loss effects of 7-keto-DHEA have been studied in both animal and human trials. Bobyleva et al. reported weight loss in rats after intake of 7-keto-DHEA. Human trials have also shown promising results, with some studies demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage compared to placebo groups. However, it is important to note that the human trials had small sample sizes and short study durations, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

In summary, 7-keto-DHEA may promote weight loss by increasing the body's metabolic rate and enhancing thermogenesis. However, more high-quality clinical studies are needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of 7-keto-DHEA as a weight loss supplement.

It's not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people

While 7-keto-DHEA is promoted as a dietary supplement to support weight loss, there is limited academic literature on its effectiveness. The few studies that have been conducted have shown mixed results. Furthermore, these studies have excluded participants with previous illnesses, even though obesity is often associated with various health conditions. Notably, pregnant and breastfeeding women were also excluded from the studies, even though postpartum weight retention increases the likelihood of obesity. This highlights the need for more randomized studies to evaluate the full potential of 7-keto-DHEA, especially in these specific populations.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are critical periods when it comes to a person's health and nutrition. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant changes to support the growing fetus, and her nutritional needs increase. Breastfeeding also requires additional calories and nutrients to support milk production. As such, it is essential to approach any dietary changes or supplements with caution during these periods.

At present, there is insufficient reliable information to determine whether 7-keto-DHEA is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. As a result, it is recommended that these individuals avoid using 7-keto-DHEA. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both the parent and the child. While some supplements may be deemed safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking anything. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on individual circumstances.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the long-term safety of 7-keto-DHEA has not been established for the general population. As a result, anyone considering taking this supplement should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional. This is especially important for those with pre-existing health conditions or those taking medications, as there may be potential interactions or adverse effects.

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