7-keto is a natural metabolite of the adrenal hormone DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone. DHEA is purported to have anti-aging and fat-loss benefits. However, it can cause side effects because it readily converts to the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. 7-keto may be a healthy alternative because even though it comes from DHEA, it cannot be converted to sex hormones, according to "Supplements 101." 7-keto aids fat loss by increasing thyroid output and encouraging a metabolic surge at the mitochondrial level. Remember to check with your health care professional before adding any new supplements to your diet and fitness program.
NOW
NOW offers a 100 mg 7-keto DHEA product that is purported to support the maintenance of healthy body weight, according to the manufacturer. This product is acceptable for vegetarians and contains no sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, egg or preservatives. You can take one V-cap up to twice a day with meals.
Higher Power
Higher Power's 7-keto product is advertised as a non-stimulant thermogenic fat burner. Thermogenesis refers to increasing the body's internal heat, turning up the thermostat on fat loss. One capsule contains 100 mg of 7-keto and can be taken twice daily with meals.
Enzymatic Therapy
Enzymatic Therapy offers a lower dosage 7-keto product for those who want to start small with their supplementation. It claims this product may enhance memory, slow aging and improve immune function. Moreover, it says that its 7-keto is a clinically studied, safe form of DHEA that does not convert into the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. It recommends one capsule two or three times daily.
Life Extension
Life Extension's product has a functional 100 mg dose of 7-keto, but that is not all it contains. In addition, its formula includes several antioxidants to help to counter mitochondrial oxidation, which 7-keto boosts. In fact, the process of exercising and burning fat, even breathing, produces free radicals. To neutralize them, Life Extension has added Vitamins C and E, turmeric, green tea extract and whole grape extract. Take one capsule upon waking and another before a midday meal.
Beverly International
Beverly International is well known in the natural bodybuilding community for producing quality sports supplements. Its 7-keto product contains many other ingredients to support healthy weight loss. Besides 100 mg of 7-keto, this formula also includes green tea and caffeine to further boost metabolism, hoodia to suppress appetite and grapefruit extract to help to control water retention. Take three capsules prior to meals and/or exercise, but do not exceed six caps per day.
Myogenix Black Ops
Black Ops contains 100 mg of 7-keto DHEA, but it also includes several compounds that may contribute to healthy fat loss. Ashwagandha extract, GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid and L-theanine may help you to retain lean muscle while dieting by suppressing production of cortisol, which can tear down muscle and slow fat burning, according to "The Cortisol Connection." 5-HTP is added as a hunger suppressant because it acts as a precursor to the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin. Take two capsules, twice per day, separating them by six to eight hours.
References
- "Homemade Supplement Secrets"; Jeff Anderson; 2008
- Muscle & Fitness: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook; "Supplements 101"; Jim Stoppani
- "The Cortisol Connection"; Shawn Talbott; 2002
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