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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 mixed-quality randomised trials published 2007–2007 with a typical study size of 215 participants.
Based on 3 studies · 1 RCT · 255 total participants
Confidence
LowBy outcome
7-Keto-DHEA has an evidence score of 2.5/10 — emerging evidence based on 3 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 17418559.
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.
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Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 3 studies · how we score
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.
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.
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100-200mg daily (the range used in the small industry trials; no validated efficacy dose)
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊3-acetyl-7-oxo-DHEA | Recommended |
Non-hormonal DHEA metabolite; not the same as DHEA.
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: With food, once or twice daily.
Dose-response data unavailable. The current published research for 7-Keto-DHEA does not provide sufficient dose-specific outcome data to generate reliable dose-response curves.
Refer to the Dosage & Timing section above for recommended dose ranges based on available evidence.
One short industry crossover reported a modest RMR increase during dieting.
No large independent trials show meaningful body-composition change.
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.
Marketed as a metabolism booster; theoretical overlap with thyroid-driven metabolic effects warrants caution and monitoring.
Tip: Long-term safety is not established
Green tea extract was co-formulated with 7-keto in the HUM5007 thermogenic blend studied by Zenk; both are marketed for metabolic rate.
Layered (but weakly-evidenced) thermogenic support.
Caffeine has more robust thermogenic data and is commonly combined with metabolism-boosting ingredients.
Caffeine carries the stronger evidence of the pair.
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. The most commonly reported side effects are 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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