Growth hormones are essentially protein hormones composed of close to 190 amino acids secreted and synthesized by somatotrophs – cells situated in the frontal pituitary. They are a major participant that controls numerous complex physiological processes, which includes metabolism and growth.
Growth hormones in the body decrease with age. Smooth skin and toned muscles are mostly due to youthful growth hormone.
A study carried out in 1990 statistically showed an increase in bone mineral and lean body mass in 12 out of 60 respondents. The results indicated that Growth Hormone was an effective anti-ageing agent. Research carried out in 2007 by the Stanford University showed that the growth hormone decreased body fat and increased muscle by 2 kg. However, no other critical factors like lipid measurements, cholesterol levels, bone density and oxygen consumption got affected. Besides, researchers did not find any rise in muscle strength. This explains the rise in lean body mass. However, regular growth hormone application displayed some negative side effects including risk of diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain and joint swelling. |
