Exploring 7-Keto Dhea: Benefits, Uses, And Effects

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that is produced naturally in the body from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that comes from the adrenal glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. It is often taken to treat obesity, muscle strength, anxiety, depression, and other conditions, although there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.

It is believed that 7-keto-DHEA may promote weight loss by increasing the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat. It is also thought to increase the body's resting metabolic rate (RMR), which is a useful measure of metabolism.

Despite its potential benefits, there is limited academic literature on 7-keto-DHEA, and more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety.

Weight loss

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that may increase your metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is a metabolite of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is produced by glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. This means that taking it orally or applying it to the skin does not increase the level of these hormones in the blood.

There is early research to suggest that taking 7-keto-DHEA alongside exercise might help obese adults lose weight. It is thought 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.

In one eight-week study, 30 overweight people on a calorie-restricted diet who exercised three days per week lost more weight when taking 200 mg per day of 7-Keto compared to a placebo group. In another similar study, researchers looked at the effects of a supplement containing 7-keto-DHEA combined with seven other ingredients. Again, those who received the supplement lost significantly more weight than the placebo group. However, it is unclear whether this effect can be attributed to 7-Keto alone.

While 7-keto-DHEA is likely safe and has a low risk of serious side effects, there are some considerations to keep in mind. For example, 7-keto-DHEA supplements have been suggested to trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs and are banned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA). Additionally, when applied to the skin as a gel, 7-keto-DHEA may influence hormones in men.

In conclusion, 7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that has been shown to have some potential for weight loss, particularly when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety.

Increased metabolism

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that may increase your metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is a metabolite of DHEA, a hormone produced by glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. This means that when taken as an oral supplement, it does not increase the levels of these hormones in the blood.

The potential weight loss benefits of 7-keto-DHEA are linked to its thermogenic, or heat-producing, properties. Thermogenesis is the process by which the body burns calories to produce heat. Early studies in mice have shown that DHEA prevents fat gain due to its thermogenic properties, and one test-tube study found that 7-keto-DHEA was two-and-a-half times more thermogenic than DHEA. This led researchers to investigate the thermogenic properties of 7-keto-DHEA in humans.

To date, only two studies have examined the effects of 7-keto-DHEA on metabolism in humans. In the first study, participants who were overweight received a supplement containing 100 mg of 7-keto-DHEA or a placebo for eight weeks. While the group receiving the supplement lost significantly more weight, there was no difference in basal metabolic rate (BMR) between the two groups. BMR is the number of calories the body needs to perform basic functions.

However, in another study, 7-keto-DHEA was found to increase the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of people who were overweight. RMR is a useful measure of metabolism, although it is less accurate than BMR. The study found that 7-keto-DHEA not only prevented the decrease in metabolism associated with a reduced-calorie diet but also increased metabolism by 1.4% above baseline levels. This translated to an extra 96 calories burned per day or 672 calories per week.

While these results suggest that 7-keto-DHEA may have the potential to increase metabolism, more research is needed. The current evidence is limited by factors such as small sample sizes, short study durations, and a lack of diversity in the study populations.

Reduced anxiety

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a "parent hormone" produced by 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.

People take 7-keto-DHEA for a variety of reasons, including obesity, muscle strength, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. However, it is important to note that there is currently no strong scientific evidence to support these uses.

In terms of reducing anxiety, 7-keto-DHEA may help by addressing some of the underlying factors that contribute to anxiety. For example, 7-keto-DHEA has been found to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. Obesity and anxiety are often linked, so by helping to manage weight, 7-keto-DHEA may indirectly contribute to reduced anxiety. Additionally, 7-keto-DHEA has been studied for its potential in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety that can develop after a traumatic event. While there is limited research in this area, the initial findings suggest that 7-keto-DHEA may have some beneficial effects on PTSD symptoms.

It is important to note that while 7-keto-DHEA may have some potential benefits for reducing anxiety, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. As with any supplement, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking 7-keto-DHEA, especially if you are taking any other medications or have any underlying health conditions.

Improved athletic performance

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that may improve athletic performance. It is a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. This means that taking it orally or applying it to the skin does not increase the level of these hormones in the blood.

There is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of 7-keto-DHEA for improving athletic performance. However, it is thought to promote weight loss by increasing the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat. This is supported by early studies which suggest that DHEA prevents fat gain in mice due to its thermogenic properties. Thermogenesis is the process by which the body burns calories to produce heat.

In one study, researchers found that 7-keto-DHEA was two-and-a-half times more thermogenic than DHEA. This led to further investigations into the thermogenic properties of 7-keto-DHEA in humans. The results showed that 7-keto-DHEA may increase metabolism and lead to weight loss, especially when combined with a calorie-restricted diet and exercise.

It is important to note that 7-keto-DHEA supplements have been found to trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs. As a result, the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) has listed it as a prohibited anabolic agent. Therefore, athletes who are subject to drug tests should avoid taking this supplement.

Improved thyroid function

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 steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. It is often taken to increase the activity of the thyroid gland, among other health benefits.

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It is part of the endocrine system and plays a crucial role in regulating various metabolic processes by releasing thyroid hormones. 7-keto-DHEA has been found to positively influence thyroid function, leading to improved metabolism and weight loss.

In a study by Zenk et al. (2007), the effect of 7-keto-DHEA on resting metabolic rate (RMR) was investigated. The researchers found that 7-keto-DHEA prevented the decrease in metabolism typically associated with a reduced-calorie diet and even increased metabolism by 1.4% above baseline levels. This resulted in an extra 96 calories burned per day, or 672 calories per week.

Another study by Kalman et al. (2000) also demonstrated the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on weight loss. The study involved 30 overweight individuals who were placed on a calorie-restricted diet and exercised three days a week. The group receiving 200 mg per day of 7-keto-DHEA lost significantly more weight (6.3 pounds or 2.88 kg) compared to the placebo group (2.1 pounds or 0.97 kg).

Furthermore, 7-keto-DHEA has been found to increase the levels of thyroid hormone T3 (thyronine). This can help support a healthy metabolism and body composition. By regulating the production of T3, 7-keto-DHEA may help optimize thyroid function, leading to improved metabolic rate and weight management.

In addition to its effects on metabolism and weight loss, 7-keto-DHEA has also been studied for its potential benefits in reducing depressive symptoms and restoring thyroid hormones in individuals with depression. In a study on mice with induced depression, 7-keto-DHEA showed potential in reducing depressive symptoms and normalizing thyroid hormone levels.

While the available research suggests that 7-keto-DHEA may have positive effects on thyroid function and metabolism, it is important to note that the existing studies have been relatively small, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

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