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Does Caffeine Affect Growth Hormone Release?

Sep 9, 2011 | By Joseph Pritchard

Contrary to popular belief, caffeine does not stunt growth. Instead, caffeine seems to stimulate growth hormone release, according to a study published in the 1984 issue of the “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation.” If caffeine stimulates the release of growth hormone, then caffeine consumption in children and adolescents will not limit their physical development; however, according to a study published in a 1983 issue of “Pediatric Research,” long-term caffeine consumption might inhibit growth. This suggests that duration of consumption influences how caffeine affects growth hormone release.

Caffeine Stimulates Growth Hormone Release

A study published in the 1984 issue of the “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation” found that growth hormone secretion in cultured rat pituitary cells increased after caffeine was introduced. The findings of the study suggests that caffeine facilitates rather than inhibits growth hormone release; however, more studies are needed to determine the factors that influence caffeine’s effect on growth hormone release in humans.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Caffeine Use

Short-term caffeine consumption of between 5 and 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight increased growth hormone release, according to a study published in a 1983 issue of “Pediatric Research”; however, the results of the study also showed that the growth hormone levels decreased after chronic caffeine consumption. This suggests that chronic caffeine consumption depletes your pituitary reserve of growth hormone, and long-term caffeine use will not cause an increase in growth hormone levels.

Caffeine Consumption, Growth and Adverse Effects

The amount of caffeine you consume may affect your health. Moderate caffeine consumption such as drinking one or two cups of coffee daily will not stunt growth, KidsHealth.org notes. However, high caffeine consumption sometimes causes adverse effects such as elevated heart rate, anxiety, depression, insomnia and increased urination. Consult your doctor about your caffeine consumption in order to ensure your consumption does not exceed moderate levels.

Growth Hormone Stimulation Test

The growth hormone stimulation test measures your growth hormone levels after you receive medication such as arginine that triggers its release, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, explains. You are not allowed to eat and must limit physical activity for about 10 to 12 hours prior to testing. Relaxation for at least 90 minutes before the test is vital because exercise affects your growth hormone levels. The normal peak value of growth hormone is about 10 nanograms per milliliter of blood. Deficient growth hormone levels are about 5 nanograms per milliliter and below.

References

Article reviewed by Sue Last updated on: Sep 9, 2011

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