Amino Acid Based HGH Products

Amino Acid Based HGH Products - Secretogogues (marketed as HGH precursors and stimulants)

This category of HGH products uses amino acids as "secretagogues," which stimulate pituitary gland production of HGH.1

Other proprietary agents (nutrients) are usually part of the mix and give each product a presumed marketing advantage.

A few amino acids supplements boost HGH release in two different ways - by stimulating the release of HGH, and by blocking the release of somatostatin.

Somatostatin is a hormone that is released by the pituitary gland and literally shuts down HGH. For example; if you stay up all night, or if you're under tremendous stress somatostatin will be released into your body, and it will shut down the benefits of HGH. At age 50 somatostatin is blocking as much as 90% or more of the bodies HGH so little or no hgh is being released.2

Resistance builds to Amino Acids

In October 1999, a report from the symposium on ENDOCRINOLOGY OF AGING was published. The faculty included university and medical school professors from institutions around the world, such as Johns Hopkins University, NIH, Mayo Clinic, Harvard, UVA, UCLA, UCSF, and many more. Some were from foreign countries, including England, Italy, Holland, and Austria.

This report indicates that resistance gradually develops to secretogogues. Resistance occurs gradually after the first few months of use. Even the most effective secretagogues have limited long-term benefit.

Amino Acids and Cortisol (Destructive hormone)

Secretagogues that stimulate HGH release also stimulate ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone which stimulates secretion of hormones such as cortisol), which normally increase to undesirable levels with aging anyway. Secretogogues have been shown to create high levels of cortisone, which can block the benefit from HGH.

Merck Pharmaceutical Company discontinued research on one such secretagogue, a peptide mimic called MK-677, partially for this reason.

Most Popular Secretegogues Amino Acids

Glutamine - stimulates HGH release

An inexpensive, single amino acid supplement that has been used in athletics for years to stimulate HGH production. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (protein building block) in the body and is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid.

In Growth Hormone: Reversing Human Aging Naturally, author and pharmacologist James Jamieson cites research showing a 15 percent increase in HGH from glutamine supplementation.

Note: - Glutamine has drug interactions with the chemotherapy drugs Taxol and Paclitaxel. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

If we had to choose one amino acid to help enhance HGH production it would be L-Glutamine.

Pre-workout HGH booster formula - A small dose of 2 grams of glutamine (typically two 1000 mg tablets) on an empty stomach with a carbonated drink will increase your HGH production.

Arginine - blocks somatostatin - Can inflame cold sores

The effect of L-arginine on the release of HGH was studied at the University of Virginia. Researchers concluded that arginine assists positive increases of HGH by limiting somatostatin release.3

The study indicated that 1.5 grams of arginine successfully enhanced HGH by blocking somatostatin.

Note: Adults using lysine for the treatment of cold sores may not want to use arginine during the treatment stage because arginine can stimulate the virus that causes cold sores. Arginine can inflame cold sores.

Arginine has no known drug interactions published at this time.

Arginine does have one noteworthy side effect. It produces nitric oxide - a key amino acid used in the herbal formula Viagra alternatives.

Lysine

L-lysine is an essential amino acid and is famous for treating cold sores by interfering with the herpes simplex virus.

Due to the partnering role of lysine with other amino acids, it is frequently used in nutritional "stacks" - combinations of various amino acids, vitamins, and herbs to create compounds.

Your Doctor Needs to Know What Supplements You Are Taking

Nutritional supplements always need to be checked for side effects and drug interactions.

Final Notes:

Deficiencies in zinc, calcium, potassium, and other minerals significantly deter the release of HGH. The need for a good multivitamin supplement is clear.

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