HGH, or human growth hormone, is produced in the pituitary gland within the brain. It is primarily responsible for regulating growth and metabolism. HGH production peaks during adolescence and begins to decline beyond age 30. The benefits of supplementing with HGH as an adult have been questioned for decades, but they are now becoming more firmly established. HGH supplements can be taken in a variety of ways and are either based on synthetic formulations of the hormone or compounds that stimulate the body's production of it.
Forms of HGH Supplementation
The original form of HGH supplementation was injection with a synthetic variety of the hormone. Injection works the quickest, although flooding the bloodstream with a hormone-like substance is a far cry from how the body intricately controls hormone cycles. Too much HGH at a given moment can shut down the pituitary. Further, injection of HGH is the most expensive and invasive form of supplementation. A second type of HGH supplementation is through oral spray, although critics contend that HGH is too large of a molecule to be absorbed through the mucosal membranes. Lastly, tablets can be taken to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce and release HGH in a more natural fashion. Marketers claim these supplements take longer to show effects but are safer and cheaper than injections. Most HGH research is based on the injection method, which needs a doctor's prescription.
Increases Bone Density
According to "Human Biochemistry and Disease," a 20-year-old human being produces about 500 micrograms of HGH daily, which diminishes to 200 mcg by age 40 and only 25 mcg by age 80. Consequently, a lack of HGH is thought to be related to the degeneration of aging, such as osteoporosis. According to MayoClinic.com, HGH injections have demonstrated the ability to slow down bone mass loss and increase the production of healthy bone matrix in people who have pituitary diseases and are deficient in HGH. Further, HGH has also reduced the incidence of fractures in elderly people with osteoporosis.
Reduces Effects of Aging
In addition to increasing bone density, HGH injections also increase muscle mass and exercise capacity while decreasing body fat, which all have implications for aging, according to MayoClinic.com. Osteoporotic bones, weak muscles, reduced cardio output and obesity all reduce mobility and quality of life in the elderly, while increasing the risks of falls, fractures and cardiovascular disease. No long-term studies have been conducted on the anti-aging effects of HGH, although it was approved for use in adults by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1996.
Other Benefits
HGH supplementation has also shown the ability to regulate sugar levels, according to "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism." Regulated sugar levels could be helpful for diabetics in reducing insulin injections. HGH is also used to enhance energy levels, reduce wrinkles, promote thick hair growth, elevate mood, improve sleep quality and enhance libido in both men and women.
References
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Human Growth Hormone
- "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism"; Carolyn D. Berdanier; 2009
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