Human growth hormone (HGH), by Andrew Weil, M.D.

[Guest guest]

Today's Question

What are the latest findings on human growth hormone (HGH)? I've

heard so many people say how great they feel after taking this

supplement. Is it safe in small amounts?

 

-- LF Garner

 

Today's Answer

(Published 10/22/2001)

Human growth hormone (HGH) is made by the pituitary gland and is

essential for normal growth in children. Treatment for hGH

deficiency in children relies on taking shots of the synthetic

hormone, and a similar approach may help when deficiencies develop

in adults, usually the result of a pituitary tumor. Side effects

from the use of hGH to treat such deficiency diseases can include

diabetes, fluid retention in the skin and other tissues (which can

lead to high blood pressure and heart failure), joint pain, and

carpal tunnel syndrome.

The legitimate medical uses of hGH have nothing to do with the

supplements being promoted on the Internet and elsewhere as human

growth hormone or human growth hormone releasers, or with claims

that these products have an anti-aging effect and may even be the

fountain of youth. In the first place, most of what is sold as hGH

isn't the FDA- approved pharmaceutical grade version used to treat

hormone deficiencies. And so-called hGH releasers - combinations of

amino acids that manufacturers claim can trigger the release of hGH

by the pituitary - are unlikely to be backed up by scientific

studies demonstrating their effectiveness. What's more, the notion

that pumping up hGH production will slow aging may be seriously

flawed: According to the National Institute on Aging, at least one

epidemiological study suggests that people with higher levels of hGH

are more likely to die younger than those with lower hGH levels.

Animal studies also suggest that reduced hGH secretion may prolong

survival in some species. Beyond that, I know of no evidence that

pharmaceutical grade hGH used in clinical studies can slow the aging

process.

 

If you know people who say they feel much better as a result of

taking hGH or hGH releasers, I would chalk it up to mind over

matter. Small amounts of these products aren't likely to do you much

good- or harm -except for the hit to your wallet.