What is 7-Keto DHEA?
- 7-keto DHEA is a metabolite of the adrenal hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
- 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone, or 7-keto, is a naturally occurring byproduct (non-hormonal metabolite) of DHEA that is produced in the adrenal glands, brain and skin.
- Act as the most valuable metabolite among 150 metabolites produced by DHEA.
- Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen.
- Therefore, taking 7-keto-DHEA by mouth or applying it to the skin does not help to increase the level of steroid hormones in the blood.
Researchers have classified 7-Keto DHEA as an active ingredient of DHEA. When tested, it very much exceeds its parent compound. Animal studies discovered 7-Keto DHEA to be 2.5 times more effective than DHEA at increasing liver thermogenic enzymes. Optimal mitochondrial enzyme activity is important for the production of cellular energy for mental and physical activity. As an active inducer of thermogenic enzymes, 7-Keto DHEA provides support for dieting or strength training.
What are the benefits of 7-Keto DHEA?
1. Weight Loss
7-keto DHEA has clinically been proven to speed up metabolism and encourage healthy weight loss. One way that 7-keto contributes to weight loss is by multiplying the activity of thermogenic enzymes responsible for fatty acid oxidation. Research show that 7-keto supplementation increases acyl CoA-oxidase by 128 percent, malic enzyme by 860 percent, and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase by 138 percent.
- All three enzymes mentioned above; acyl CoA-oxidase, malic enzyme and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase are enzymes which catalyzes chemical reactions.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 30 overweight adults showed a 6.3 pounds decrease in body fat, compared to 2.1 pounds placebo. More of the weight lost was body fat in the 7-keto group. Thyroid hormone was elevated, but no other side effects were reported. Corresponding with a healthy diet and exercise, 7-keto has been proven to accelerate fat loss without any stimulant effect on the body.
2. Immune Health
7-keto DHEA has also been demonstrated to boost the immune system by increasing the production of specialized white blood cells.
- Monkeys infected with simian HIV experienced increased body weight, a five times increase in T cells, and improved overall well-being with 7-keto supplementation.
- The Minnesota Applied Research Center performed a four-week human clinical trial to determine the effects of 7-keto on elderly men and women. The subjects experienced improved immune function, as well as an increase in immune helper cells, increased white blood cells and decreased blood pressure after taking 7-Keto DHEA supplementation.
3. Anti-Aging
7-Keto DHEA is considered by nutritional scientists to be among the most effective compounds for anti-aging and health.
As a natural metabolite of the hormone DHEA, 7-keto naturally decreases with age in similar proportion to its parent hormone, DHEA. 7-keto levels rise until the age of 20. By 30, blood concentrations begin to decline, reducing by up to 50 percent by the age of 50. Decreases in DHEA and 7-keto can bring dominance of the stress hormone cortisol, which eventually contributes to aging and disease.
A Czech study checked the effect of 7-keto on markers for heart disease. Even in small doses, 7-Keto significantly raised HDL or good cholesterol. The total cholesterol reduction was not high, but the atherogenic index (a measure for risk of cardiovascular disease) showed marked improvement. 7-keto may also help to improve brain function by assisting neurons to organize contact with others, developing potency in the aging brain. A leading researcher of 7-keto, Dr. Henry Lardy, says that 7-keto provides many of the benefits of DHEA supplements with none of the side effects. A 28-day human safety trial on 7-keto showed no conversion to male or female sex hormones and no effect on blood and urine chemistry.
4. Fibromyalgia
DHEA decreases with age and has been found to be lower in some fibromyalgia patients. Low levels of DHEA are associated with high pain levels. 7-Keto DHEA retains and enhances the activity of DHEA, but will not be metabolized into unwanted testosterone or estrogens.
Available formulation
- 7-Keto DHEA vegetable capsules
"7-Keto DHEA- the fountain of youth hormone"
