7-KETO for Weight Control

What is it?

7-KETO (3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone) is a naturally occurring metabolite (breakdown product) of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).¹ DHEA is the most abundant of the adrenal steroid hormones and serves as a precursor for sex hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone.

Where is it found?

7-KETO is available as a dietary supplement.

Why do dieters use it?*

Some dieters say that 7-KETO

helps promote weight loss, when used along with a diet and exercise programme.

What do the advocates say?*

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is used by the body as a building block in the production of oestrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Only those who have been tested and found to be low in DHEA should consider taking this supplement; for these people, 7-Keto (3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone) may improve metabolism and energy levels.
While 7-KETO was developed to avoid the potential hormone-like effects of DHEA, it is still important to consult a physician familiar with its use.
Some users have reported feeling “jittery” after taking as little as 100 mg of 7-Keto per day.

How much is usually taken by dieters?

The ability of 7-KETO, a substance related to DHEA, to promote weight loss in overweight people has been investigated in one double-blind trial.² Participants in the trial were advised to exercise three times per week for 45 minutes and to eat an 1,800-calorie-per-day diet. Each person was given either a placebo or 100 mg of 7-KETO twice daily. After eight weeks, those receiving 7-KETO had lost more weight and lowered their percentage of body fat further compared to those taking a placebo. These results may have been due to increases in levels of a thyroid hormone (T3) that plays a major role in determining a person’s metabolic rate, although the levels of T3 did not exceed the normal range.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

A safety study in humans has shown that 7-KETO did not raise oestrogen or testosterone levels or produce any other negative effects at levels up to 200 mg per day for eight weeks.³ Short-term animal studies also revealed no adverse effects with large amounts of 7-KETO.⁴ ⁵ ⁶ However, the long-term safety of 7-KETO for humans has not been demonstrated, and, because it is chemically related to steroid hormones, the potential for adverse effects must be considered. In addition, the increase in T3 levels resulting from taking 7-KETO could, in theory, produce adverse effects on the heart or promote bone loss. For these reasons, people wishing to take 7-KETO, particularly those who have a thyroid disorder or are taking thyroid hormone, should consult a physician.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with 7-KETO.

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*Dieters and weight-management advocates may claim benefits for 7-KETO based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on 7-KETO. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see 7-KETO as a nutritional supplement.

References
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1. Lardy H, Kneer N, Wei Y, et al. Ergosteroids. II: Biologically active metabolites and synthetic derivatives of dehydroepiandrosterone. Steroids 1998;63:158-65.

2. Kalman DS, Colker CM, Swain MA, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in healthy overweight adults. Curr Ther Res 2000;61:435–42.

3. Davidson MH, Weeks CE, Lardy H, et al. Safety and endocrine effects of 3-acetyl-7-oxo DHEA (7-keto DHEA). FASEB J 1998;12:A4429.

4. Lardy H, Henwood SM, Weeks CE. An acute oral gavage study of 3beta-acetoxyandrost- 5-ene-7,17-dione (7-oxo-DHEA-acetate) in rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1999;254:120–3.

5. Henwood SM, Weeks CE, Lardy H. An escalating dose oral gavage study of 3beta-acetoxyandrost-5-ene-7, 17-dione (7-oxo-DHEA-acetate) in rhesus monkeys. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1999;254:124–6.

6. Weeks C, Lardy H, Henwood S. Preclinical toxicology evaluation of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone (7-keto DHEA). FASEB J 1998;12:A4428.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.