7-Keto

7-Keto is a naturally occurring substance found in small amounts in human blood and tissues, including the brain. A derivative (or metabolite) of DHEA, 7-Keto provides many of the same health benefits as DHEA, without converting into sex hormones such as testosterone or estrogens.1-3

DHEA is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. Research suggests that higher levels of DHEA are associated with increased longevity and prevention of cancer and heart disease. Animal studies have shown that DHEA supplementation improves immune system function; helps prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity; and increases longevity. Unfortunately, circulating levels of DHEA decline progressively with age, suggesting that many aspects of the aging process may be linked to DHEA deficiency. However, although DHEA has many positive qualities, it may cause unwanted side-effects in some individuals since it can be converted into testosterone and estrogens in the body—these hormones are not recom—for individuals at risk for breast, prostate, ovarian or uterine cancers or prostate problems.1,4-7

Fortunately, 7-Keto appears to offer many of the positive health benefits that DHEA provides, without being metabolized to active androgenic (testosterone) or estrogenic hormones. Much of the research conducted to-date has shown 7-Keto to be a safe and effective weight-loss supplement, while additional data shows that 7-Keto also enhances immune system function and improves memory.1,2,7,8

Many initial studies concerning 7-Keto have focused on its ability to safely lower body weight and body fat. 7-Keto has been shown to promote lean muscle growth by reducing levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone—cortisol decreases total body energy and stimulates the breakdown of muscle cells. This same action enables 7-Keto to facilitate weight control since research confirms that higher blood levels of cortisol correspond to a greater intake of food, particularly high-fat foods. In addition, 7-Keto has been shown to promote thermogenic (fat-burning) activity in animal studies—7-Keto activated thermogenic enzymes in the livers of rats, which caused them to lose weight without altering their food intake. Building on this research, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of overweight women found that 7-Keto noticeably increased T3 (triiodothyronine) activity—a thyroid hormone responsible for increasing basal metabolism. This study also found 7-Keto to be 3 times more effective than diet and exercise alone for reducing both body weight and body fat—such results rival many medications that have been clinically tested.1,2,6,9-13

Although more research is needed to fully understand how 7-Keto stimulates T3 activity to induce weight-loss, it appears that 7-Keto acts as a modulator of the body’s weight “set point,” also known as the “adipostat.” This set point mechanism is believed to regulate fat stores in the body by altering the efficiency of metabolic processes and by influencing appetite and physical activity. 7-Keto’s apparent ability to enhance more youthful metabolic function and effect a corresponding downward shift in the weight set point may help to put an end to “yo-yo” dieting and rebound weight-gain.12,13

Additional research has shown that 7-Keto upregulates (enhances) immune system function, providing similar immunomodulatory activity as DHEA. For example, research shows that 7-Keto increases antibody formation—antibodies are large protein molecules that either disable antigens (foreign substances) directly or bind to antigens, making them more vulnerable to destruction by white blood cells. 7-Keto also promotes the production of cytokines such as interleukin 2 (IL-2), which regulate activity within the immune system. Cytokines (also referred to as biologic response modifiers or BRMs) are small proteins produced by white blood cells that mobilize and activate white blood cells (T-cells and B-cells) and non-specific destructor cells such as natural killer (NK) cells—NK cells are often considered to be the body’s first line of defense against cancer and viral-infected cells. Incidentally, 7-Keto was shown to augment interleukin-2 (IL-2) synthesis in vitro by 103% compared to only 88% for DHEA.1,3,4,7,14-18

Preliminary research suggests that 7-Keto may also facilitate immune system function by preventing the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoid—stress hormones, notably cortisol, that are produced by the adrenal glands. High levels of plasma cortisol suppresses immune function by inhibiting circulating lymphocytes (white blood cells) and by restricting SIgA (secretory antibody productions). Furthermore, research conducted at the University of Wisconsin found that 7-Keto significantly increased CD4 cell counts as well as total white blood cells and total CD8 cell counts in primates. CD4 cells (known as T-helper cells) are produced in the bone marrow and assist CD8 cells (known as T-suppressor cells) cells in fighting viruses, parasites and some cancers. With HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the absolute CD4 count declines as the infection progresses; thus, 7-Keto may prove to be a useful immune modulator for increasing CD4 cell counts in HIV-infected patients.1,4,18-21

Finally, animal studies have shown that 7-Keto can improve memory. Researchers are recommending further investigation into the use of 7-Keto as a treatment for memory loss and potentially for Alzheimer’s disease.1,7,22,23

7-Keto has shown no adverse clinical or anatomical pathology results in animal studies. In addition, a recent 4-week study conducted at the Chicago Center for Clinical Research confirmed that 7-Keto is safe and well-tolerated in normal healthy men at doses up to 200mg per day. 7-Keto is absorbed into the bloodstream following oral intake. Maximum levels of 7-Keto occur approximately 2 hours after ingestion and it is then eliminated from the blood by about 50% every 2 hours. 7-Keto is eliminated from the body in the urine.1,8,24,25

Each capsule of NSP’s 7-Keto provides 75mg of 7-Keto, in a base of chickweed.

Chickweed contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and various flavonoids, including rutin. Chickweed has historically been known for reducing appetite and helping in weight loss. Such claims may be due, in part, to the herb’s mild diuretic and laxative effects. 26,27