7-Keto is a supplement that promises weight loss, muscle growth, memory enhancement, and anti-aging. With such a long list of miraculous claims, we decided it was time to take a closer look. Have you used 7-Keto, also known as 7-Keto-DHEA? We would like to hear from you!
7-Keto Benefits
Those who swear by 7-Keto take it to increase metabolism, body heat production, and to promote weight loss. Some also use it to increase lean body mass and muscle as well as boosting the immune system, enhancing memory, and even slowing the aging process. It is sold as a cream, spray, or pill.
What is 7-Keto?
7-Keto-DHEA is a by-product of DHEA. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not convertible to active androgens or estrogens, nor does it raise steroid hormone levels in the blood. It was first synthesized and identified in 1948 and was sold as a dietary supplement starting in 1998. It is currently on the 2013 World Anti-Doping list of prohibited anabolic agents.
The supplement gained notoriety in recent years after Dr. Oz included it on his “Best Belly-Blasting Supplements” list.
Other Names
7-Keto is known by many different names: 7-Oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone acetate, 7-Oxo DHEA acetate, 3-Acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone, 3-Acetyl-7-oxo DHEA, to name a few. And note that “keto” and “oxo” are used interchangeably here, so “7-Oxo DHEA acetate” can also be found as “7-Keto DHEA acetate.” We’ll defer to any chemists who many want to comment as to why this is the case.
WebMD
Here it is theorized that 7-Keto may work because it speeds up the body’s metabolism. They claim there is “Insufficient Evidence” for any of the conditions for which it is currently being used. It also states, “Developing research suggests that 7-keto-DHEA might significantly help obese women lose weight and fat.”
Safety & Side Effects of 7-Keto
WebMD only offers a single sentence regarding the side effects and safety of 7-Keto: “There isn’t enough information available to know if 7-keto-DHEA is safe for use.” It should also be noted that the FDA has not published any safety concerns in regards to this product as being sold as a dietary supplement. Several studies have not generated any reports of serious side effects from 7-Keto. We could find no large-scale studies that would be able to flesh out any serious side effects. The majority of studies have been on rats and monkeys.
Anecdotal Side Effects of 7-Keto
Here are some side effects as listed by individuals, with no scientific data behind these statements. These are purely anecdotal.
- Allergic reaction
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Hot flashes
- Indigestion
- Lethargy
- Mood swings
- Muscle cramps
- Upset stomach
Cost
7-Keto is sold by many manufacturers and the price varies considerably. It appears that the average bottle of 7-Keto of about 60 100mg tablets will run you about $20 to $30. Also keep in mind that many people are taking 200mg a day, so picking up a cheaper bottle of 25mg tablets may not be a good savings.
Our Review of 7-Keto
I started taking 7-Keto on January 1, 2013, which means I am about 5 weeks into it. I take 100mg in the morning and 100mg at dinner. During those 5 weeks, I have lost 2 pounds, though it’s difficult to directly attribute that to 7-Keto, because I do exercise rather faithfully as well. And two pounds isn’t very significant. I would say at this point that it may work for some people but I’m not ready to say that it definitely worked for me. It certainly hasn’t been a miracle after 5 weeks. Other than those 2 pounds, I haven’t noticed anything at all, neither good nor bad. The brand I used was “Now” purchased at GNC.
Bottom Line
Some users of 7-Keto swear by it, while others claim it doesn’t work at all. It may be that it works for some people and not others, or that it works best as part of a diet and exercise regimen. In other words, more studies will probably have to be done before we’ll really know how effective it is. If you do want to try it, we suggest picking it up in person, or at least ordering through a reputable online retailer, as there are affiliate marketers out there who will charge exorbitant rates or sign you up for an auto-ship program.
Your Turn
Have you used 7-Keto? What did you take it for, how long did you take it, and what were the results? Let us hear from you in the comments below.
You may also be interested in these articles:
- Dr Oz: Poster Child for Weight Loss Spammers
- Raspberry Ketone: Miracle Pill or Scam?
- Seeking Reviews for Garcinia Cambogia
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