7-Keto-DHEA (7-Keto™ )

What is it?

7-Keto, or for you chemists out there “3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone” is a naturally occurring metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). In the body, 7-Keto is not converted into testosterone or estrogen to any appreciable degree. 7-Keto, as a downstream metabolite of DHEA, is produced in the body during the degradation of DHEA. 7 Keto can be measured in the blood as a ketosteroid.

Claims

·         Improves immune system

·         Aids in weight reduction

·         Supports thyroid function

·         Non-androgenic or estrogenic

·         Thermogenic

·         Enhances memory

Theory

Because 7-Keto is a downstream metabolite of DHEA it is promoted as being a “non-androgenic” or “estrogenic” version of DHEA. It is often marketed as DHEA’s “Bigger Brother”. It is also promoted as a weight loss aid. Animal studies demonstrate that it can enhance thermogenesis, which may translate into weight loss. Because DHEA levels decline as we age and ketosteroids are made from DHEA, all conditions which may benefit from DHEA supplementation, may also benefit from 7-Keto.

Science

7-Keto supplements, at a dose of 200 milligrams (mg) per day in adults ~25 to 55 years of age has been shown in a double-blind trial to enhance weight loss, aid in the reduction of body fat and effect thyroid hormone levels. This two-month study also demonstrated that 7-Keto does not significantly effect blood sugar, testosterone, estradiol, liver or kidney function. Another study also showed that 200mg daily of 7-Keto does not effect dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol, cortisol and insulin levels in men 18-49 years of age over eight weeks of continued use. Several animal studies have demonstrated that 7-Keto can induce thermogenic enzymes. One trial with 7-Keto demonstrated that it could bolster interleukin 2 production in lymphocytes. This study was conducted in cells (in vitro) and not in humans. 7-Keto has also been shown in mice to improve memory (water maze procedure).

Safety

7-Keto appears to be safe in doses of 200mg per day. The two human trials to date have not shown any androgenic or estrogenic effects of high dose supplementation. However, since a significant increase in triiodothyronine (T3) levels did occur in some studies, more research is warranted to examine the effects of 7-Keto on thyroid hormones and function. Many of the claims for 7-Keto are based on petri dish studies, animal research and cell line studies, thus the data and findings cannot be carried over to the human model.

7-Keto is different than DHEA. DHEA may have side effects and possible safety issues for certain individuals are various doses.

Value

7-Keto supplements tend to be moderately priced. 7-Keto is licensed out from the patent holders (Humanetics Corporation) to supplement companies and is widely available (though at low doses of 50mg or less per serving). Thus, in order to obtain the 200-mg used in the human trials, many pills/capsules have to be taken.

Dosage

The human trials have utilized a dosage of 200mg per day. The dose of 200mg also is the highest daily dose tested, thus, it is unknown if higher doses will have any negative side effects.

References

1.        C Colker, M.D, G Torina, M Swain, D Kalman. Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effects of Exercise Plus 3-Acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone on Body Composition and the Endocrine System in Overweight Adults. Journal of Exercise Physiology online, ISSN 1097-9751, Volume 2, Number 4, October 1999.

2.        MH Davidson, C Weeks, H Lardy, K Maki, D Umporowicz. Clinical Safety and Endocrine Effects of 3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone. Presented at Experimental Biology 98, April 19-22, 1998, San Francisco, CA.

3.        H Lardy, B Partridge, N Kneer and Y Wei. Ergosteroids: Induction of thermogenic enzymes in liver of rats treated with steroids derived from DHEA. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Vol. 92, pp. 6617-6619, July 1995.

4.        V Bobyleva, M Bellei, N Kneer, and H Lardy.The Effects of the Ergosteroid 3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone on mitochondrial membrane potential: possible relationship to thermogenesis. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Vol. 341, No. 1, May 1, pp. 122-128, 1997

5.        R Nelson, M Herron, C Weeks, and H Lardy^. Dehydroepiandrosterone and 3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone Augment Interleukin 2 (IL2) Production by Human Lymphocytes In Vitro. Presented at The 5^th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, February 1-5, 1998, Chicago, IL.

6.        J Shi and H Lardy. 3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone Improves Memory in Mice. Presented at Experimental Biology 98, April 19-22, 1998, San Francisco, CA.