7-keto DHEA is a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and is available without prescription as a dietary supplement. A 2007 study in the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" suggested that overweight people could use this supplement to increase their metabolism and lose weight. DHEA is known to have side effects that include secretion of sex hormones and tumor growth. 7-keto showed none of these effects and was quickly marketed as safe for use in anti-aging and weight-loss supplements.
While 7-keto is generally considered to be safe, taking any supplement or medication that can alter your hormone levels can have side effects. Please consult your doctor before taking 7-keto.
Inconsistency in Appropriate Dosage
Since dietary supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, the appropriate dosage of 7-keto is not officially known and suggestions will vary. Some manufacturers list the average dose as 100 mg and others warn users against taking doses exceeding 25 mg. At higher doses, users may experience many unwanted side effects. Please discuss dosing quantity and frequency with your doctor before taking 7-keto. The National Institutes of Health notes that 7-keto should not be used for more than "just a few months."
Potential Interactions with other Drugs or Conditions
7-keto is a relatively new dietary supplement and studies cannot accurately account for potential harmful interactions with other medications or other genetic conditions. Furthermore, the long-term side effects of 7-keto are unknown. Since 7-keto can affect hormonal ratios, it is not recommended for children. It is important that you document and discuss all the medications and dietary supplements you currently take with your doctor before using 7-keto.
Unconfirmed Side Effects
Although 7-keto is regarded as safe, any medication or supplement that affects hormone levels can produce side effects. 7-keto may cause insomnia and is best avoided at bedtime. According to the National Institutes of Health, other side effects may include a decrease in your good, or HDL, cholesterol, a raise in liver enzymes and changes to your mood or psychological state.
Dangers to Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
7-keto should never be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. The National Institutes of Health regards 7-keto DHEA as "possibly unsafe" for unborn or newborn children. Ask your physician how to discontinue DHEA if you are expecting.
Cancer Risks
According to MayoClinic.com, a DHEA supplement may increase the risk for cancers that are hormone-sensitive, including breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. This is another reason why it is advisable to take DHEA supplements only under medical supervision. The National Institutes of Health notes that 7-keto will affect how estrogen works in your body; increased estrogen levels are linked to cancer in those that are genetically prone to the disease.
References
- MayoClinic.com: DHEA: Safety
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dehydroepiandrosterone
- MedLine Plus; National Institutes of Health: DHEA
- Douglas Laboratories: 7-Keto
- Medical Hypotheses; PubMed: 7-oxo-DHEA and Raynaud's Phenomenon
- Breast Cancer Organization: Estrogen Predicts Breast Cancer Recurrence: Study
