Finding The Ultimate 7-Keto Supplement

7-Keto DHEA is a supplement that has been promoted as a way to speed up metabolism and burn fat. It is a derivative of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and is available in synthetic versions over the counter. While 7-Keto DHEA is claimed to have various benefits, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims. This article will explore the effectiveness and safety of 7-Keto DHEA as a supplement for increasing metabolism and weight loss.

7-Keto DHEA and its weight loss properties

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement derived 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 and does not affect sex hormone levels in the body.

Weight Loss Properties

7-keto-DHEA is often marketed as a weight loss supplement, with the promise of boosting metabolism and aiding fat loss. It is thought to promote weight loss by increasing the body's metabolic rate and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat. This process, known as thermogenesis, has been observed in test-tube studies, with 7-keto-DHEA exhibiting greater thermogenic properties than its parent compound, DHEA.

Evidence for Weight Loss Properties

Early research and clinical trials suggest that 7-keto-DHEA may aid weight loss, particularly when combined with exercise and a calorie-restricted diet. In one eight-week study, participants who took 100 mg of 7-keto DHEA twice a day lost about 6.3 pounds, compared to a little over two pounds for those who received a placebo. Another study found that 7-keto-DHEA prevented the decrease in metabolism associated with dieting and even increased it beyond baseline levels, resulting in an extra 96 calories burned per day.

However, it is important to note that the existing studies on 7-keto-DHEA are limited in number and scope, with small sample sizes and short durations. While the supplement has been shown to be well-tolerated with a low risk of serious side effects, more research is needed to confirm its weight loss properties and long-term safety.

7-Keto DHEA's impact on metabolism

7-Keto-DHEA is a supplement that may increase your metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is produced naturally in the body from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that comes from the adrenal glands located on top of each of the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto-DHEA does not actively interact with sex hormones. Therefore, when taken as an oral supplement, it does not increase the amount of them in the blood.

Two studies have looked at the effects of 7-Keto on metabolism. The first study found that while the group receiving the 7-Keto supplement lost significantly more weight than those given a placebo, there was no difference in basal metabolic rate (BMR) between the two groups. However, in another study, 7-Keto was found to increase the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of people who were overweight. The study found that 7-Keto not only prevented the decrease in metabolism that’s normally 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.

In one eight-week study, those receiving 200 mg per day of 7-Keto lost 6.3 pounds, compared to a 2.1-pound weight loss in the placebo group. In a similar study, while all participants adhered to a reduced-calorie diet and exercised three days per week, those who received the supplement containing 7-Keto lost significantly more weight than people in the placebo group.

However, it is important to note that 7-Keto-DHEA supplements have been suggested to trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs. As such, the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) has listed the supplement as a prohibited anabolic agent.

Safety and side effects of 7-Keto DHEA

7-Keto DHEA is considered likely safe and has a low risk of serious side effects. However, the safety profile of 7-Keto DHEA is relatively unknown, given the lack of well-designed clinical studies. It is not known to be safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it is recommended that it is avoided during these times.

When taken by mouth, 7-Keto DHEA is possibly safe when taken for up to eight weeks and may cause mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or low blood pressure in some people. It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) and may influence hormones in men when applied to the skin as a gel.

One study showed that 7-Keto DHEA was well-tolerated in men at doses up to 200 mg per day for four weeks. Most 7-Keto DHEA supplements on the market contain 100 mg per serving and commonly recommend taking two servings per day with food.

Other studies in both men and women have found some adverse effects, including heartburn, a metallic taste in the mouth, and nausea.

7-Keto DHEA's influence on hormones

7-Keto DHEA is a supplement that may increase your metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is produced naturally in the body from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that comes from the adrenal glands located on top of each of the kidneys. DHEA is one of the most abundant circulating steroid hormones in the body and functions as a precursor for male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA does not actively interact with sex hormones. Therefore, when taken as an oral supplement, it does not increase the amount of them in the blood. However, when applied to the skin as a gel, 7-Keto DHEA can affect sex hormones, cholesterol, and thyroid function in men. It is not known how 7-Keto gel affects women.

There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of 7-Keto DHEA for obesity, muscle strength, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. While it is promoted as a means to speed up metabolism and burn fat, there have been very few clinical trials of the supplement, and no long-term investigations have been performed. The studies that have been conducted have been quite small, with the largest including only 30 participants.

In one eight-week study, participants who took 100 mg of 7-Keto DHEA twice a day lost about 6.3 pounds compared to a little over two pounds for those who received a placebo. Another study found that 7-Keto DHEA increased the resting metabolic rate in participants who were already on weight-loss diets and engaging in regular exercise. However, it is important to note that 7-Keto DHEA is not a magic bullet for weight loss, and participants in the studies were also on reduced-calorie diets and exercising regularly.

Overall, 7-Keto DHEA is likely safe and has a low risk of serious side effects, even when taken for up to eight weeks. However, it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) and may influence hormones in men when applied to the skin as a gel. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of 7-Keto DHEA on hormones and weight loss.

7-Keto DHEA's effectiveness in sports

7-Keto DHEA is a supplement that may increase metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is produced naturally in the body from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that comes from the adrenal glands located on top of each kidney. Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA does not actively interact with sex hormones.

Regarding its effectiveness in sports, 7-Keto DHEA has been shown to have some benefits for athletes. Early research suggests that taking 7-Keto DHEA along with exercise might help obese adults lose weight. It may also promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat. However, there is insufficient evidence to support its use for athletic performance enhancement.

It is important to note that 7-Keto DHEA is considered a prohibited anabolic agent in sports by organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This means that athletes subject to performance-enhancing drug tests should avoid taking 7-Keto DHEA supplements.

Additionally, while 7-Keto DHEA does not affect hormone levels when taken orally, it may influence them when applied to the skin as a gel. It has been shown to affect sex hormones, cholesterol, and thyroid function in men, and its effects on women are still unknown.

Overall, while 7-Keto DHEA may offer some benefits in weight loss and metabolism, its effectiveness in sports performance enhancement is not yet fully supported by research. Athletes should be cautious about using this supplement due to its prohibited status and potential side effects.

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