Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, growth hormone is a protein-based hormone that stimulates numerous physiologic processes, including bone metabolism and growth. Growth hormone is released in small surges throughout the day, but the greatest output occurs during sleep. Although growth hormone therapy is an option for boosting growth hormone levels, another alternative is to taking research-backed supplements that are effective for increasing growth hormone output.
Melatonin
In findings reported in the 1999 issue of the European Journal of Endocrinology, researchers examined the impact of melatonin supplementation on exercise-induced growth hormone secretion. Participants received a placebo or melatonin while undergoing resistance exercise intended to spur growth hormone release. Scientists measured growth hormone levels before and after exercise. At the end of the study, scientists discovered that the melatonin group experienced greater increases in growth hormone after exercise compared to those administered a placebo.
Arginine
In a 2008 study published in the issue of the Current Opinion in Nutrition and Metabolic Care, researchers reviewed the literature studies regarding the relationship between the amino acid arginine and growth hormone release. They concluded that 5g to 9g arginine supplementation increases growth hormone levels at rest. Furthermore, the review also revealed that arginine combined with exercise boosts growth hormone levels higher than when arginine is taken at rest.
Glutamine
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It might help increase growth hormone output, according to research reported in the 1995 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Healthy subjects ingested 2g glutamine or a placebo in a cola drink after eating a light breakfast. Scientists observed that the participants receiving glutamine experienced increases in growth hormone levels 30 minutes and 60 minutes after ingestion.
References
- European Journal of Endocrinology: Exercise-induced GH secretion is enhanced by the oral ingestion of melatonin in healthy adult male subjects
- PubMed: Growth hormone, arginine and exercise
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Increased Plasma Bicarbonate and Growth Hormone After an Oral Glutamine Load
