7-Keto DHEA is a hormone produced in the brain, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Although similar to its cousin, DHEA, 7-keto acts differently in the body. As a supplement, it may help burn fat and protect the brain, but the clinical research is scarce. Read on to learn more about the potential benefits, side effects, and dosage.<\/p>\n
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Adrenals, located at the top of the kidneys, produce hormones that play diverse roles in the body. One of these hormones is DHEA, <\/b>which is the most abundant steroid in our bodies. DHEA and its derivatives are also produced in the reproductive organs, and brain from<\/b> cholesterol<\/b><\/a> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n DHEA is used in the body to make other hormones: weak estrogens (androstenediol) and powerful androgens. DHEA is also used to make 7-Keto DHEA [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n People use 7-keto DHEA to boost immunity and mental health, reduce the signs of aging, and more.<\/p>\n Although 7-Keto DHEA and DHEA are similar, they can have different effects. 7-Keto may have more psychological effects than DHEA, without influencing sex hormones<\/b>.<\/p>\n DHEA, on the other hand, achieves many effects by being converted to sex hormones – androgens. The research on both is still limited [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Are there specific \u201creceptors\u201d in the body DHEA binds to? For over 20 years scientists have tried to answer this question, which is still largely a mystery. There are components in the liver (PPAR-alpha<\/a>, estrogen, and GABA<\/a>) that bind to DHEA, but not much more is known [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Since DHEA and sex hormones decline with aging, many have referred to DHEA as the \u201cfountain of youth.\u201d But unlike DHEA, 7-keto cannot be used in the body to make sex hormones. Instead, 7-Keto is used for cell metabolism and brain functions. <\/b>Other 7-keto effects are different, too [R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n PPAR-alpha is a protein that helps make peroxisomes, burn fat, and boosts weight loss [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n DHEA and its derivatives activate PPAR alpha<\/a>. In one study mice with inactive PPAR-alpha gene took DHEA and were able to produce peroxisomes. It turns out that DHEA and its derivatives like 7-keto can all \u201cturn on\u201d the PPAR-alpha gene [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto has a very weak effect on estrogen receptors. DHEA has a much stronger effect, but both may boost the growth of estrogen-sensitive cells [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 7-Keto, like many drugs, as well as alcohol, can alter GABA activity. 7-keto may reduce the reinforcing effects of drinking alcohol, <\/b>possibly helping with alcohol dependence and abuse [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n7-Keto DHEA vs. DHEA<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Mechanism of Action<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
PPAR-alpha<\/b><\/h4>\n
Estrogen<\/b><\/h4>\n
GABA<\/b><\/h4>\n
Benefits of 7-Keto DHEA<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n