Substitutes for DHEA

DHEA, a steroid hormone that is believed to have many weight loss and anti-aging benefits, also has several side effects when taken as a supplement. 7-Keto, also known as 7-Keto DHEA, an antioxidant that is naturally derived from DHEA, is thought to be a safer substitute that has most of the benefits of DHEA with none of the side effects.

Uses

• 7-Keto is promoted primarily as a weight-loss aid, believed to stimulate the metabolism, burn fat and build muscle mass. It's also thought to boost immunity and aid memory. Studies are being conducted into its effectiveness in treatment of elderly dementia and Alzheimer's, but so far no conclusive evidence has been found to support its use in treating Alzheimer's.

Scientific Studies

• Although no human trials have produced evidence to support 7-Keto's effectiveness as a weight-loss aid, several experiments with animals have shown that it does have thermogenic properties, i.e., the ability to burn fat and build muscle mass. It has also been shown to improve memory in mice.

Safety & Side Effects

• Human trials in which subjects took up to 200 mg per day of 7-Keto produced none of the side effects associated with hormonal elevation typically caused by DHEA. Commercially sold 7-Keto supplements typically contain 50 to 100 mg, creating even less of a chance of side effects. It should only be taken, however, after the ages of 25 to 30, which is when the body's natural production of the DHEA hormone begins to decline.