Released by the anterior pituitary gland, growth hormone is protein-based hormone that stimulates growth and reproduction. It also increases protein synthesis, or the buildup of proteins within muscle cells, and enhances the use of fat for energy. Growth hormone is released in small surges throughout the day, but the greatest output occurs during sleep. Evidence hints that certain supplements might be effective for increasing growth hormone release. Consult your health care provider before taking supplements.
A-GPC
Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, or A-GPC, is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and might increase growth hormone levels, according to a study conducted by lead author Tim Ziegenfuss, Ph.D., and colleagues from the Center for Applied Health Science Research in Ohio. They studied the effects of A-GPC on growth hormone during resistance exercise. The report, published in the September 2008 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition," revealed that subjects taking 600 mg of A-GPC 1 hour before exercise experienced increases in growth hormone levels after exercise compared to those with a placebo.
Arginine
Increasing your intake of the amino acid arginine might enhance growth hormone release, according to researchers from Syracuse University. They performed a review of the relationship between arginine supplementation and growth hormone levels. They concluded that 5 to 9 g of arginine was associated with an increase in growth hormone levels, the January 2008 issue of the journal "Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care" reports.
Melatonin
Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, regulates circadian rhythms and it also might boost growth hormone levels. Researchers from St. Thomas' Hospital in the United Kingdom discovered that subjects taking 5 g melatonin before performing weight training experienced increases in growth hormone levels post exercise compared to the placebo group.
References
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise
- PubMed: Growth hormone, arginine and exercise
- European Journal of Endocrinology: Exercise-induced GH secretion is enhanced by the oral ingestion of melatonin in healthy adult male subjects
Member Comments