"3,7-keto-DHEA"
Evidence: MixedUseful mainly for no population has robust evidence of benefit.
Quick decision guide
May help most
No population has robust evidence of benefit
Common dosing range
100–200 mg/day, often split
When to expect effects
Weeks (claimed); unproven
Watch out for
Weak, largely industry-funded evidence; banned in some sports programs
What is it
7-Keto-DHEA (7-oxo-DHEA) is a naturally occurring metabolite of the hormone DHEA that, unlike DHEA itself, is not converted into testosterone or estrogen. It is marketed for fat loss and metabolic rate, but the supporting human evidence is minimal and comes largely from industry-funded studies.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Evidence | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| weight and fat loss | Mixed Evidence | Small and unreliable | None robustly established | Weeks (claimed) |
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
weight and fat loss
Supplement benefitA small number of short trials, several funded by ingredient manufacturers, reported modest weight or fat loss with 7-keto-DHEA combined with diet and exercise, sometimes alongside small rises in resting metabolic rate. The studies are small, few, and not independently replicated, and the metabolic-rate findings are inconsistent, so any fat-loss benefit is weak and uncertain.
Bottom line: Evidence for fat loss is thin, conflicting, and largely industry-funded — not a reliable weight-loss aid.
Evidence is mixed
The few supportive trials are small and industry-funded; independent replication is lacking and metabolic-rate effects are inconsistent.
How to take it
- Typical dose
- 100–200 mg/day, commonly split into two doses
- Timing
- Often taken in the morning
- With food
- Either; no clear food requirement
- Split dosing
- Typically twice daily
- How long to try
- If trialed, 8 weeks alongside diet and exercise; stop if no benefit
What to track
- Body weight and waist circumference
- Whether changes track diet/exercise rather than the supplement
Safety
Common side effects
Generally well tolerated in short studies, Possible nausea or dizziness
Serious risks
- Possible shifts in thyroid hormone (T3) reported — clinical significance unclear
Who should avoid it
- Tested athletes (may be prohibited)
- People with thyroid disorders
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people
- People with hormone-sensitive conditions, as a precaution
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid — hormone metabolite with no pregnancy safety data.
Interactions
Reported effects on thyroid hormone levels could interfere with dosing
Overlapping hormonal pathways with unpredictable combined effects
Choosing a product
Look for
- States 7-keto-DHEA (7-oxo) specifically, not plain DHEA
- Third-party tested for identity and purity
Be skeptical of
- “Boosts metabolism” as a guaranteed effect
- “Fat-burner” / “effortless weight loss”
- “Hormone-free” (it is a hormone metabolite)
References by claim
weight and fat loss
- Jeyaprakash et al., 2023 — PMC (2023) link
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Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.