One of the most important hormones secreted by the pituitary gland is HGH or human growth hormone. HGH stimulates the growth of muscles and bones and helps regulate metabolism, and influences sexual enjoyment. HGH can sharply increase the flow of sugar into muscle and fat, stimulate protein production in liver and muscle, and slow the production of fatty tissue. More prolonged effects of HGH-- blocking the uptake and use of sugars, causing blood sugar levels to rise, and increasing the production of fat and fat levels in the blood-- seem to counteract its immediate effects. These two actions of HGH are important because the body must adapt to the lack of food when fasting. Along with cortisol, HGH helps maintain blood sugar levels for the brain and mobilizes fat, making it available to other body cells as an alternative fuel. In many cases, HGH appears to work by activating a number of growth factors, the most important of which is insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I).

Many symptoms being part of the HGH deficiency syndrome in adults like decrease in muscle mass and bone mineral content, increase in fat mass, and skin atrophy are observed also with aging. Indeed, short term trials with HGH administration to persons over 60 years old revealed that many of these symptoms could be reversed by growth hormone. However, recent reports of an association of high insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-concentrations and increased risk of prostate, lung, colon and breast cancer as well as a possible decrease of insulin sensitivity prohibit currently the use of HGH in an attempt to reverse a normal ageing process. Prospective, randomized and placebo-controlled long-term trials are necessary to prove safety and efficacy of HGH therapy in the aging population before it can be recommended. In addition, no data are available as to the right HGH dose and the correct monitoring. Expectations of the society and the search for the fountain of youth should not motivate physicians to leave the firm ground of evidence based medicine and prescribe experimental therapies to healthy older persons, the least being the cost of such therapy which could run into thousands of dollars a year. For more up to date information on human growth hormone or if you would like to receive a FREE supplement newsletter. See also Human-Growth-Hormone.

HGH and lifespan
Although pharmaceutically made HGH (a complicated hormone made by joining about 190 amino acids) has been shown in certain studies to have short term anti-aging potential, long term consequences are unclear. Growth hormone excess can lead to a condition called acromegaly. There is no guarantee that real pharmaceutical growth hormone extends life span. In fact, in some animal studies, reducing the release of growth hormone extends life span.

HGH without a prescription
Over the past few years, there have been untold number of over the counter products that claim to work in a way similar to the real pharmaceutical HGH, or claim that their product stimulates growth hormone release. At this point none of the companies (as far as I know) have done any significant research to prove that their product has anti-aging benefits over the long term. In fact, almost none have done any research at all. There are supplements that enhance the release of growth hormone, but whether this leads to long term beneficial effects is not known at this time.

Adverse effects of HGH supplements
It is difficult to say what harm or benefit may arise from non prescription HGH supplements since each product is very different from another company's product.

Bottom line
Having said all this, it is possible that medical researchers may someday find a low dose of HGH given at the appropriate times to appropriate individuals may improve health and extend life span, but that day is not here yet. In the meantime, read some options on how to extend longevity.

What about supplements that enhance HGH release?
Research is gradually starting regarding the positive benefits of certain supplements in their ability to release HGH. One such combination is glycine, glutamine and niacin. See the research article below.
   Two of the best ways to maintain healthy HGH release are to exercise frequently, and to have deep sleep.

What about supplements that enhance HGH release?
Research is gradually starting regarding the positive benefits of certain supplements in their ability to release HGH. One such combination is glycine, glutamine and niacin. See the research article below.
     Two of the best ways to maintain healthy HGH release are to exercise frequently, and to have deep sleep.

Effects of an oral mixture containing glycine, glutamine and niacin on memory, GH and IGF-I secretion in middle-aged and elderly subjects.
Arwert LI, Deijen JB, Drent ML. VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HVAmsterdam, The Netherlands.
Nutr Neurosci. 2003 Oct;6(5):269-75.
Aging is associated with declining activity of the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-I (GH-IGF-I) axis and with a decrease in cognitive function. The stimulatory effect of an orally administered nutritional supplement, mainly containing glycine, glutamine and niacin on the HGH-IGF-I axis and on mood and cognition was investigated. Forty-two healthy subjects (14 men and 28 women, aged 40-76 years) were enrolled in a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. They received 5 g of a nutritional supplement or placebo, twice daily orally for a period of 3 weeks. At baseline and after 3 weeks, blood was collected for measurement of serum GH and IGF-I levels and mood and cognitive function were tested. The nutritional supplement ingestion for 3 weeks was found to increase serum HGH levels with 70% relatively to placebo, whereas circulating IGF-I levels did not change. Mean GH (+/- SD) increased in this group from 3.23 (+/- 4.78) to 4.67 mU/l (+/- 5.27) (p = 0.03). HGH increase was not associated with improvement in mood or memory. Correlation analyses, however, revealed that individual increases in IGF-I, but not HGH, were associated with improved memory and vigour. It is concluded that an oral mixture of glycine, glutamine and niacin can enhance HGH secretion in healthy middle-aged and elderly subjects.

HGH and fibromylagia
Some people who suffer from a common and often debilitating chronic pain condition called fibromyalgia may find relief with shots of growth hormone. In a group of patients with severe fibromyalgia and low blood levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), adding daily injections of HGH to standard intensive therapy reduced pain and improved quality of life.

HGH scams
James W. Forsythe, M.D., has been charged with two counts of illegally distributing Bio-Tropin, an unapproved and potentially dangerous form of human growth hormone (HGH). The FDA received information Forsythe had told a patient that the drug would help build muscles and act as an anti-aging medicine. When the investigator visited the clinic as a patient, Forsythe advised him that HGH would restore sleep quality, improve weight control, enhance sex drive, improve immune function, and provide other youth-related benefits. In 1995, Forsythe entered an agreement with the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners under which he pleaded guilty to one count of making unreasonable charges for tests and services. During the past 12 years, the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners has investigated 18 complaints about excessive billing and bad medical practices. However, when it has developed evidence of wrongdoing, Forsythe, who is also licensed as a homeopath, has claimed that he was acting as a homeopath and was therefore exempt from BME authority.

HGH Spray scam
June 2007 - Two companies that sold oral sprays claimed weight loss, anti-aging have settled FTC charges that their claims had no validity. The FTC alleged that these businesses falsely claimed the sprays were a "fountain of youth," containing or causing the body to produce HGH. Lei Lu and his companies, Natural Health Product, Inc. and New Star Marketing Group, Inc., are required to pay $172,500 for consumer injury. The rest of their $2,218,261 monetary judgment is suspended based on alleged inability to pay.

Does human growth hormone increase longevity?
Many symptoms being part of the human growth hormone deficiency syndrome in adults like decrease in muscle mass and bone mineral content, increase in fat mass, and skin atrophy are observed also with aging. Indeed, short term trials with HGH administration to persons over 60 years old revealed that many of these symptoms could be reversed by growth hormone. However, recent reports of an association of high insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-concentrations and increased risk of prostate, lung, colon and breast cancer as well as a possible decrease of insulin sensitivity prohibit currently the use of human growth hormone in an attempt to reverse a normal ageing process. Prospective, randomized and placebo-controlled long-term trials are necessary to prove safety and efficacy of human growth hormone therapy in the aging population before it can be recommended. In addition, no data are available as to the right human growth hormone dose and the correct monitoring. Expectations of the society and the search for the fountain of youth should not motivate physicians to leave the firm ground of evidence based medicine and prescribe experimental therapies to healthy older persons, the least being the cost of such therapy which could run into thousands of dollars a year.
   Although pharmaceutically made human growth hormone (a complicated hormone made by joining about 190 amino acids) has been shown in certain studies to have short term anti-aging potential, long term consequences are unclear. Growth hormone excess can lead to a condition called acromegaly. There is no guarantee that real pharmaceutical growth hormone extends life span. In fact, in some animal studies, reducing the release of growth hormone extends life span.

HGH supplement questions
Q. HGH spray question - I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer. The primary source was found in tonsils. I had used HGH spray for about 1 1/2 yrs before diagnos. Is there any evidence that relates HGH spray to oral squamous cell carcinoma.
   A. There are dozens of HGH spray products on the market and each company has a different blend of substances so it is impossible for us to say. Even if we know what the ingredients were in the HGH spray product you are using, assuming the labeling is correct, it would still be very difficult to say that the HGH spray was the cause.

Q. I am trying to grow 1-2 inch more, Does or is there any way that a HGH supplement can help me, in growing. If so, what is the name of the supplement.
   A. There is no over the counter HGH supplement that helps with growth. Prescription HGH medications may be helpful at a much younger age than 22.

Q. I am 18 yrs old, and I am interested in growing an inch or two taller. Is it safe for me to take arginine and glutamine in order to release HGH?
   A. We have seen no evidence that taking arginine and glutamine supplements would lead to additional growth in height. These two amino acids are generally safe, but your doctor would have to make the final decision.