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7-Keto-Dehydroepiandrosterone
A non-hormonal DHEA metabolite marketed to 'boost metabolism' and aid fat loss. The evidence is very thin: a couple of small, short, largely industry-conducted trials report a modest rise in resting metabolic rate, but there are no convincing independent body-composition outcomes.
What the evidence says
Most 7-Keto-DHEA studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from medium-quality randomised trials published 2000–2023 with a typical study size of 215 participants.
Based on 5 studies · 2 RCTs · 255 total participants
Confidence
Low confidenceBy outcome
Evidence rests on a single small, short, industry-conducted crossover showing a modest resting-metabolic-rate rise — a surrogate, not demonstrated fat loss, with no independent long-term outcome trials.
No trials currently enrolling · 2 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
Registered trials show research momentum for 7-Keto-DHEA, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
7-Keto-DHEA (3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone) is a metabolite of DHEA that does NOT convert to androgens or estrogens, which is the basis of its 'non-hormonal' marketing. It is sold as a metabolism booster and weight-loss aid.
The clinical reality is sparse: the most-cited human trial (Zenk 2007) was a small (40-completer), 7-day-per-arm crossover by an industry-affiliated research center that found 7-Keto modestly raised resting metabolic rate versus placebo during calorie restriction — a short-term surrogate, not a demonstrated fat-loss outcome.
Most of the remaining literature is biochemical (assays, physiological-level measurements) or in-vitro mechanistic work on its interaction with cortisol-handling enzymes. There are no large, independent, long-term trials showing meaningful weight or body-fat change. We score it low — emerging at best.
Proposed to raise resting metabolic rate, possibly via induction of thermogenic enzymes — demonstrated only as a small short-term effect in one industry crossover trial.
Unlike DHEA, 7-keto is not converted to testosterone or estrogen, which is the basis of its 'non-hormonal' positioning.
7-oxo-DHEA interferes with 11beta-HSD1-mediated cortisol/cortisone interconversion in cell studies — a mechanistic, not clinical, observation.
How 7-Keto-DHEA works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Use caution — it is a steroid metabolite and long-term endocrine effects are unstudied.
Not studied — avoid.
7-oxo-DHEA interferes with 11beta-HSD1-mediated cortisol/cortisone handling in vitro — a theoretical interaction with glucocorticoid pathways.
Tip: Long-term safety is not established
The current evidence for 7-Keto-DHEA is insufficient to assign an evidence score, based on 4 indexed studies. A non-hormonal DHEA metabolite marketed to 'boost metabolism' and aid fat loss. The evidence is very thin: a couple of small, short, largely industry-conducted trials report a modest rise in resting metabolic rate, but there are no convincing independent body-composition outcomes. Representative study: PMID 36566478.
The commonly studied dose of 7-Keto-DHEA is 100-200mg daily (the range used in the small industry trials; no validated efficacy dose). Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take 7-Keto-DHEA is with meals. Take it with food. Typically dosed once or twice daily with food; no trial-validated optimal timing.
7-Keto-DHEA is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. Reported side effects are uncommon and include generally well tolerated in short trials; no serious adverse events reported. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy/breastfeeding (not studied); Hormone-sensitive conditions (precautionary — it is a steroid metabolite despite non-androgenic marketing).
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 5 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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