7-keto DHEA is a metabolite of DHEA, an adrenal hormone which has been recently touted for supplementation, with claims ranging from improving your sex drive to building muscle. 7-keto is believed to be the most useful among the 150 DHEA metabolites that exist. DHEA is present in the body in large amounts at birth and the levels remain high till early childhood gradually decreasing by the time we become young adults. As levels of DHEA in the body decline with age, 7-keto DHEA is one supplement designed to help maintain those levels and ward off unwanted effects associated with slowed DHEA production.
Scientific studies are not conclusive as regards the efficacy of 7-keto DHEA supplementation.
Weight Loss
According to Life Extension Magazine, 7-Keto DHEA may increase metabolism and support healthful weight loss. It increases the activity of thermogenic enzymes that are responsible for fatty acid oxidation which may help you shed pounds. 7-keto is considered safe and can speed your metabolic rate without causing any harsh side effects. It can help in building muscle and improving lean body mass. Please note that proper diet and exercise will be still necessary to promote healthful and optimal weight loss. As your body composition improves, your metabolic rate will increase.
Anti-Aging
As you get older, your production of DHEA and other important hormones naturally declines. When DHEA and DHEA metabolite levels decrease, cortisol levels may increase. Cortisol is your body stress hormone and can have numerous unwanted side effects on your health such as abdominal fat gain, increased blood sugar and premature aging. 7-keto DHEA supplementation may counteract increased cortisol levels according to Vanderbilt University. 7-keto may also boost brain function by assisting in establishing contact between neurons.
Increased Immunity
7-keto DHEA has been proven to improve immune function and lead to better protection from damage. A study conducted at the Minnesota Applied Research Center and the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center on elderly men and women showed that four weeks of 7-keto supplementation improved their immune function by marking an increase in immune helper cells, decreasing blood pressure and increasing white blood cells.
Other Benefits
Scientists have found that DHEA supplementation can decrease your overall cholesterol levels. A study conducted by the Institute of Endocrinology in Prague showed that 7-keto adds to cholesterol-lowering activity and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, enhancing memory, increasing thyroid gland activity and combating Raynaud's Syndrome, as outlined in the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Stress: Constant Stress Puts Your Health At Risk
- Vanderbilt University: DHEA and The Effects of Aging
- Life Extension Magazine: 7-Keto DHEA The Fat-Burning Metabolite of DHEA
- U.S. National Library of Medicine; National Institutes of Health: 7-oxo-DHEA and Raynaud's Phenomenon
- Mayo Clinic: DHEA
- University of Illinois Medical Center: 7-Keto: A Better Way To Take DHEA?
Member Comments