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7-Keto DHEA: The Belly-Busting Metabolite of DHEA

4 min read

 Proven Benefits Of Ketones 7-Keto DHEA

Until recently, many anti-aging enthusiasts were familiar with the hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), far fewer were likely to be aware of its metabolite, 7-Keto DHEA, which handles many of DHEA’s beneficial actions.

7-Keto DHEA

Scientists have documented DHEA’s wide-ranging benefits in many clinical studies. DHEA helps to retard the effects of aging and promotes enhanced longevity, exerting a multitude of effects through its conversion to some 150 metabolites, each with unique actions within the body.

One of the most important of these is 7-Keto DHEA (commonly referred to as 7-Keto), a hormone metabolite that can safely boost immune function and help reduce body fat. Unlike DHEA, however, 7-Keto does not convert to estrogen and testosterone. Because DHEA and 7-Keto have separate and unique functions and properties, it is important to understand the differences between these two popular dietary supplements.

Fast-Acting and Safe 7-Keto DHEA

The term 7-Keto is in fact a brand name for the chemical compound 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone, a naturally occurring metabolite primarily produced in the adrenal glands and skin (though some production occurs in the brain as well). Human blood levels of 7-Keto follow the same course over time as those of DHEA, rising until about the age of 20 and then slowly descending, beginning around the age of 30. Urinary excretion studies show that average blood concentrations of 7-Keto decline nearly 50% by age 50.

“This reduction in 7-Keto levels is partially responsible for the increases in body fat and total body weight often seen in older people,” notes Dr. Sergey Dzugan, president of Life Extension Scientific Information, Inc. “This decline also plays a role in the compromised immune function that is a hallmark of the aging process. Since DHEA and 7-Keto decline at a more rapid rate than cortisol, this creates a period of cortisol dominance that can wreak havoc in the immune system.

Supplementation Benefits

For these reasons, supplementation with 7-Keto is often appropriate.”  Another benefit to 7-Keto is that it does not convert to estrogen or testosterone. This may make 7-Keto a safer alternative for persons with hormone-sensitive cancers, for whom regular DHEA may be too risky.

Studies have showed that 7-Keto does not accumulate in the body over time and is free of unhealthy side effects. An analysis of the metabolite at the Chicago Center for Clinical Research found that 7-Keto is rapidly absorbed and sulfated, much like DHEA. The sulfated form of 7-Keto DHEA is more stable in plasma, and blood levels can therefore be more accurately measured with laboratory equipment.  

In the Chicago analysis, peak plasma levels were achieved 2.2 hours after supplementation, and a steady-state level in plasma was reached with twice-daily dosing. Despite 7-Keto DHEA’s rapid elimination by the body, measured as a half-life of 2.17 hours, it quickly achieved relatively high blood levels.

For example, after one week of dosing at 200 mg per day, a mean 7-Keto level of 15.8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) was attained; after four weeks of supplementation, the mean level was only modestly higher at 16.3 ng/ml. Supplementation with 7-Keto can therefore have relatively rapid benefits. Lower dosing resulted in proportionally lower blood levels of 7-Keto.

Thermogenic Properties

7-Keto produces fat loss through the process of thermogenesis. This term refers to the creation of heat, which is one form of energy produces when the body’s cells metabolize the food we eat. Greater amounts of thermogenesis boost the body’s metabolic rate, which increases the conversion of stored fat into energy.

7-Keto enhances the activity of three thermogenic enzymes that stimulate fatty acid oxidation in the liver. These thermogenic-enhancing enzymes are fatty acyl CoA oxidase, malic enzyme, and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. These enzymes drive the liver cells to burn fatty acids for energy, which causes a lowering of triglycerides in the liver.

Enzyme Boosting Levels

Supplementation with 7-Keto has a dramatic effect on boosting levels of these thermogenic-enhancing enzymes. Studies found that fatty acyl CoA oxidase increased by 128%, while malic enzyme jumped 860%. The concentration of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase increased by 138% as well.

A study published in Current Therapeutic Research revealed just how effective 7-Keto is in inducing fat loss. Thirty overweight adults (28 women and 2 men) were in two groups in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Group 1 received 100 mg of 7-Keto twice daily for eight weeks, while group 2 took a matching placebo capsule.

All subjects took part in an exercise program three times a week.  This comprised 50 minutes of aerobic and non-aerobic cross training under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. In addition, each subject was to follow an 1800-calorie-a-day diet. The subjects underwent testing for blood chemistry, body composition, blood pressure, and dietary analysis at baseline and at weeks four and eight.

What Were the User Effectiveness Results?

The 7-Keto group lost a significant amount of body weight compared to the placebo group—6.3 versus 2.1 pounds. The 7-Keto group also lost a greater percentage of body fat compared to the placebo group—1.8% versus 0.57%. Compared to the placebo group, the 7-Keto group saw a significant increase in thyroid hormone activity.

There were no adverse effects to report. The results show that 7-Keto can significantly and safely reduce body weight and body fat. Results are even better when combined with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. This is due to increased levels of fat-burning enzymes in the liver. In addition, there is the elevation of thyroid hormone.

These beneficial changes boost basal metabolic rate, making it easier to shed excess pounds. Supplementation with 7-Keto can therefore help reverse the decline in metabolic rate.  This makes it so easy to put on weight as we age. Unlike caffeine and ephedrine, 7-Keto does not have a central nervous system stimulating effect caused by noradrenaline release. Nor does 7-Keto increase heart rate or blood pressure.

Supplement to Boost Your Metabolism

If your expanding belly results from a slowing metabolism, then 7-Keto may be the supplement you need. 7-Keto is a natural byproduct of the DHEA hormone in our own bodies that helps to keep us young. But as we age, the levels of DHEA and its byproduct 7-Keto drop.  This happens after you turn 30. The unfortunate slowing of your metabolism and resulting gain.

7-Keto works to stimulate the thyroid to permanently raise your metabolism set point.  Or your resting metabolic rate, which is based on your body’s amount of fat and muscle. A lower metabolism means more fat, and a higher metabolism means more muscle. Once 7-Keto raises your metabolic set point, your body’s engines can begin burning faster, resulting in less weight gain and a trimmer belly, especially when combined with diet and exercise.

*The FDA did not evaluate these statements. This product does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  It does not intend to take the place of care provided by your healthcare practitioner. The information is for educational purposes only. It is also to help educate on diet and lifestyle improvement and nutritional supplementation.

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