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7-Keto DHEA — SacredBod supplement bottle (illustrative)
Supplement · Metabolite

7-Keto DHEA

100 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 120 caps

Slow metabolismWeight loss plateauLow energyImmune weaknessAge-related metabolic declineFatigue LiverThyroidAdrenal glandsImmune system
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Overview Stacks Timing Related Research FAQs

What it is

7-Keto DHEA (3β-acetoxy-androst-5-ene-7,17-dione) is a natural metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) that is produced in the adrenal glands, skin and brain. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto does not convert to androgens (testosterone, DHT) or estrogens via aromatisation, making it attractive for individuals who want the metabolic and immune benefits of DHEA without hormonal side effects. It is a potent thermogenic agent that activates three key thermogenic enzymes: glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme and fatty acyl CoA oxidase.

How it works

7-Keto DHEA increases the activity of thermogenic enzymes in the liver, accelerating fatty acid oxidation and heat production. It enhances resting metabolic rate (RMR) by increasing T3 levels without affecting TSH or T4, suggesting peripheral conversion enhancement. In overweight adults, 200 mg/day 7-keto combined with diet and exercise resulted in 3× greater weight loss and fat loss vs placebo over 8 weeks. It also stimulates IL-2 production and Th1 immune responses, supporting cell-mediated immunity. Unlike DHEA, it does not affect sex hormone levels, cortisol or insulin.

Who should take it

Adults seeking metabolic support and healthy weight management without hormonal side effects. Those who have avoided DHEA due to concerns about androgenic or estrogenic conversion. Individuals interested in immune support and thermogenic fat loss as part of a diet and exercise programme.

Avoid / careful

Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Individuals with hyperthyroidism or uncontrolled thyroid disorders. Those with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers (precautionary, though 7-keto does not convert to sex hormones). Children and adolescents. Not for use as a standalone weight loss solution without diet and exercise. Side effects: Generally well-tolerated at 100–200 mg/day. Mild nausea, headache or dizziness in sensitive individuals. May cause mild elevation in thyroid hormone activity (T3). Insomnia if taken late in the day due to metabolic stimulation. No androgenic side effects (acne, hair loss, voice changes) reported.

When to take it

Morning
Noon
Evening
Night

How to take it

With food
Empty stomach
Before food

FAQs

Frequently asked

How long before I see results?
Thermogenic and metabolic benefits may be noticeable within 2–3 weeks, with measurable weight and fat loss by 8 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. Immune marker improvements (IL-2) may be detectable within 2–4 weeks.
Is it better than regular DHEA?
7-Keto DHEA is superior for individuals who want metabolic and immune benefits without the hormonal conversion risks of DHEA. DHEA is better for those specifically seeking adrenal androgen/estrogen support. 7-keto does not raise testosterone, estrogen or cortisol.
Can it cause hair loss or acne?
No — 7-keto does not convert to androgens (testosterone, DHT) and therefore does not cause androgenic side effects like acne, hair loss or voice changes. This is its primary advantage over DHEA.

In plain English

A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.

Key citations: PMID 11522542 (weight loss RCT, n=30 overweight adults), PMID 11522543 (thermogenic enzymes and metabolic rate), PMID 18025832 (immune enhancement RCT, n=see study), PMID 11522544 (safety and mechanism review)

Editorial notes

SacredBod's longer take on 7-Keto DHEA — context the structured blocks above don't capture.

What It Is

7-Keto DHEA (3β-acetoxy-androst-5-ene-7,17-dione) is a natural metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) that is produced in the adrenal glands, skin and brain. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto does not convert to androgens (testosterone, DHT) or estrogens via aromatisation, making it attractive for individuals who want the metabolic and immune benefits of DHEA without hormonal side effects. It is a potent thermogenic agent that activates three key thermogenic enzymes: glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme and fatty acyl CoA oxidase.

How It Works

7-Keto DHEA increases the activity of thermogenic enzymes in the liver, accelerating fatty acid oxidation and heat production. It enhances resting metabolic rate (RMR) by increasing T3 levels without affecting TSH or T4, suggesting peripheral conversion enhancement. In overweight adults, 200 mg/day 7-keto combined with diet and exercise resulted in 3× greater weight loss and fat loss vs placebo over 8 weeks. It also stimulates IL-2 production and Th1 immune responses, supporting cell-mediated immunity. Unlike DHEA, it does not affect sex hormone levels, cortisol or insulin.

Who Should Consider It

Adults seeking metabolic support and healthy weight management without hormonal side effects. Those who have avoided DHEA due to concerns about androgenic or estrogenic conversion. Individuals interested in immune support and thermogenic fat loss as part of a diet and exercise programme.

Dosage Guide

Typical dose: 100 mg per day

Form: capsules (120 count)

Best time: morning

With food: with-food

Expected onset: 4–8 weeks for metabolic benefits; 2–4 weeks for immune markers

Cycling: Some protocols recommend 5 days on / 2 days off or 3 weeks on / 1 week off to maintain thermogenic responsiveness, though evidence is limited.

Safety & Side Effects

Known side effects: Generally well-tolerated at 100–200 mg/day. Mild nausea, headache or dizziness in sensitive individuals. May cause mild elevation in thyroid hormone activity (T3). Insomnia if taken late in the day due to metabolic stimulation. No androgenic side effects (acne, hair loss, voice changes) reported.

Who should avoid: Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Individuals with hyperthyroidism or uncontrolled thyroid disorders. Those with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers (precautionary, though 7-keto does not convert to sex hormones). Children and adolescents. Not for use as a standalone weight loss solution without diet and exercise.

Avoid combining with: DHEA supplements (redundant), Thyroid medications (may potentiate T3 effects), Stimulant weight loss drugs, Corticosteroids

India-Specific Context

7-Keto DHEA is available on Amazon India with varying brand quality. When selecting a product, verify standardization claims against the evidence base cited above. Indian brand preferences include Carbamide Forte, HealthyHey, Nutrabay Pure, Pure Nutrition, Now Foods, Nutricost, Himalaya, Patanjali, Dabur, Trexgenics, Evorina, Nervana, and Life Extension. Prices vary significantly; compare cost-per-active-dose rather than capsule count alone.

Schedule status in India: Not a Schedule H drug; available as dietary supplement/herbal product.

Research Summary

Key citations: PMID 11522542 (weight loss RCT, n=30 overweight adults), PMID 11522543 (thermogenic enzymes and metabolic rate), PMID 18025832 (immune enhancement RCT, n=see study), PMID 11522544 (safety and mechanism review)

Evidence grade: C+ — Human RCTs available for weight loss and thermogenesis; immune data from smaller trials

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