7-Keto-DHEA

Originally a breakdown product of DHEA, it has been shown to be effective without the hormonal side effects often associated with its counterpart. It is often touted for various health benefits, from regulating cortisol levels to supporting a healthy metabolism.

What is 7-keto DHEA?

7-Keto-DHEA is a fascinating derivative of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is produced during the breakdown of testosterone and estrogen. It is known for its role in helping men and women maintain a healthy weight by regulating hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and cortisol. It does not directly affect the function of sex hormones.

An interesting fact about 7-Keto is that it is a registered brand name for 3-acetyl-7-oxo-DHEA. This stabilized form breaks down to 7-oxoDHEA after absorption in the body. Unfortunately, the production of DHEA and 7-keto-DHEA decreases with age, and serum levels can drop significantly after the age of 40.

Here are some important points about 7-keto DHEA:

• Supports weight management
• Regulates T3 and cortisol
• No direct influence on the sex hormones
• Decrease in production rate with age

What is 7-keto DHEA?

7-Keto-DHEA is an exciting derivative of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is produced during the breakdown of testosterone and oestrogen in the body. It is primarily known as a dietary supplement under the registered brand name 7-Keto®. Interestingly, unlike DHEA, 7-Keto-DHEA is not converted into sex hormones, meaning that it does not directly affect sex hormone levels. Instead, it is often used to maintain a healthy body weight while supporting thermogenesis - a process in which the body produces heat at a cellular level. Although it offers numerous benefits, levels of 7-Keto-DHEA decline with age, particularly after the age of 40, making it a consideration for many to use it as a supplement.

Difference to DHEA

The main difference between 7-keto DHEA and conventional DHEA lies in their hormonal effects. While DHEA is a metabolite that can be converted into sex hormones, 7-Keto-DHEA is a non-hormonal metabolite. This special property is due to its structure, which differs due to a unique enzymatic conversion process. After ingestion, acetyl-7-oxo-DHEA is cleaved to 7-oxo-DHEA, which ensures a special stability of 7-keto-DHEA.

7-Keto-DHEA is particularly beneficial for those people who want the benefits of DHEA without affecting hormone balance. The natural serum level of 7-Keto-DHEA, like DHEA, decreases with age, with a marked decline observed especially after the age of 40. This makes it attractive to older adults who are considering supplementation to harness the potential of 7-Keto-DHEA in the body.

The benefits of 7-Keto-DHEA - a comprehensive analysis

7-Keto-DHEA is a remarkable dietary supplement that can have a positive effect on our health in many ways. As a natural metabolite of DHEA, it is best known for its role in promoting cell thermogenesis and metabolism without being converted to testosterone or estrogen. This makes it particularly attractive to those who want to experience the benefits of DHEA without the risks of hormonal side effects. From supporting cognitive function to slowing the aging process, 7-Keto-DHEA offers a variety of health benefits that are worth taking a closer look at.

• Weight management: Studies show that in combination with exercise, body weight and fat mass can be effectively reduced.
• Thyroid hormone support: It can promote the release of T3, an important thyroid hormone, and thus stimulate basal metabolism.

Support for cognitive brain function

Taking 7-Keto-DHEA can help support cognitive brain function. Like its precursor DHEA, 7-Keto-DHEA has memory-enhancing properties that may help maintain memory to the level of a young adult. In addition, 7-Keto-DHEA may help regulate cortisol levels, making it easier to reduce stress and anxiety. Overall, it offers potential benefits for memory and cognitive performance, which is particularly important as we age.

Regulation of the cortisol level

7-Keto-DHEA plays an important role in the regulation of cortisol by acting as a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone. Interestingly, it affects the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and cortisol without affecting the function of the sex hormones. This means that you can reap the benefits of cortisol regulation without having to worry about significant changes in kidney or liver function. Some studies have even shown a link between exercise and 7-keto DHEA, which could have a positive effect on weight and possibly cortisol regulation.

Energy for training

7-Keto-DHEA supports the body in energy production and boosts metabolism, making it ideal for sporting activities. It stimulates energy production in the mitochondria, which improves the efficiency of calorie metabolism. Interestingly, it promotes the regulation of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and cortisol, with no direct effect on sex hormones. In addition, 7-Keto-DHEA is available in vegan capsules, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians.

Contribution to a normal T3 hormone level

Another advantage of 7-keto DHEA is its ability to significantly increase the thyroid hormone level T3. This increase has a positive effect on basal metabolism without negatively affecting TSH levels. This means that thyroid function is not impaired. By regulating hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3), 7-Keto-DHEA improves cellular thermogenesis, which contributes significantly to the more effective burning of calories.

Promotion of a healthy metabolism

7-Keto-DHEA can help the body to burn fat more efficiently and increase energy expenditure. Unlike normal DHEA, it is not converted into sex hormones, which prevents side effects. In addition, it promotes energy production in the mitochondria, which contributes to overall metabolic regulation. It is also believed to increase mineral absorption, which may support bone health.

Slowing down the ageing process

One of the most convincing benefits of 7-Keto-DHEA is its anti-ageing effect. It stimulates the metabolism, which can smooth the skin and slow down the ageing process. Although the natural metabolite is synthesized in certain endocrine glands, the skin and the brain, its production decreases rapidly after the age of 40. Supplementing with 7-Keto-DHEA could help increase agility and therefore promote youthful activity, making it a valuable addition to your daily routine.

Dosage instructions

The correct dosage of 7-Keto-DHEA can vary and depends on several factors, including gender and health status. It is generally recommended that women take between 5 to 25 mg daily, while a daily dosage of 25 to 100 mg is recommended for men. Ideally, it should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before breakfast, and with plenty of liquid. A study has shown that the dosage can be gradually increased over a period of 8 weeks up to a maximum of 100 mg twice daily to optimize the effect.

Possible side effects

In general, 7-Keto-DHEA is considered to be well tolerated in clinical studies. No significant side effects were observed at doses of up to 200 mg daily for four weeks. Even when taking 100 mg twice daily over the last four weeks of a study, no notable side effects occurred. A particular benefit of 7-Keto-DHEA is its ability to regulate cortisol levels, which may help to reduce the risk of anxiety in overdose. No negative effects on endocrine parameters were documented in studies with healthy men either.

Literature and references

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