There are a wide variety of nutritional products whose labels claim to boost Human Growth Hormone (HGH) levels and fight the aging process. This  article is the first of a two-part series that will examine such ingredients and evaluate manufacturers'  who claim through inconclusive studies and "borrowed  science" that their products can help you look and feel younger by just taking a pill. 

Nutritional supplement manufacturers know that a large percentage of the U.S. population is growing older and are looking for a "magic pill" to help retain youth and restore vitality. One of the hottest topics, which has  spurred a lot of misunderstanding, is the idea that one  can artificially increase the production of human growth  hormone using oral supplements. In the midst of the confusing messages touted by manufacturers and the media, you should know the facts to avoid the scams and these  potentially dangerous products. 

What is Human Growth Hormone?
Human Growth Hormone is a substance produced by the pituitary gland that fuels development during childhood and adolescence.  Levels measured in people of various age ranges show that on  average, growth hormone secretion rises rapidly in the teens, peaks in the 20s and slowly decreases in the gradual phenomenon known as somatopause. There are many elderly people with growth hormone levels in the same range as young adults although the average level is lower. There is very little information about change over an individual's lifetime to determine if a decline in growth hormone occurs in all people. It is possible that those with higher levels of growth hormone secretion die at a younger age and therefore are underrepresented in the older age groups. One might speculate that the decline of growth hormone with age may actually protect us from certain diseases.

It appears that the HGH hype started in 1990 after a six-month study led by Daniel Rudman, M.D., of the Medical College of  Wisconsin found that HGH injections used on 12 healthy men aged 61 to 81 increased their lean body mass, skin thickness, and decreased their body fat.* Not surprisingly, a decade later, middle-aged baby boomers who were not deterred by a monthly  price tag of up to $1,000 were turning to shots of growth  hormone, even though its effectiveness and safety remained  unproven. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  has approved HGH injections for treatment of chronic kidney failure in children undergoing kidney transplants, short  stature due to Turner's Syndrome and body wasting related to AIDS, there has not been approval for its use in the prevention of the natural, gradual decline that occurs with age. However, the media has grabbed the attention of many  consumers touting the possibility that oral supplements could potentially slow the rate of decline of HGH.

To begin with, there is serious concern in the medical field about a possible link between growth hormone and cancer. Growth hormone triggers the release of a substance called insulin-like growth  factor-1 (IGF-1), which circulates in the blood and stimulates cell division. Most tumor cells have structures called receptors that recognize IGF-1, bind it and take it inside. There it could trigger uncontrolled cell division. In addition, other serious consequences include diabetes, hypertension and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Medical professionals only use HGH  intravenously, because the substance is destroyed in the digestive tract when taken by mouth. Manufacturers of oral supplemental HGH, of course have not shared this information with consumers. Although many of these nutritional products claim to have a  special patented formula, which is "backed by research", take precaution because these "studies" are most likely not from the actual testing of the product, but from the mere "borrowing"  of studies using the intravenous form. In addition, many "HGH" products do not even have HGH listed on their label, but instead  include a wide variety of amino acids. 

In the April issue of the Wellness Insider from The Cooper Aerobics Center, the nutritional supplement article will focus on various amino acids, 5-HTP, and specific minerals  that have been misrepresented as a source of anti-aging  protection. It will also give you safe and effective tips to help you slow down the aging process. 


*The New England Journal of Medicine 1990 Jul 5; 323(1):1-6.


For information on Cooper Complete, the multivitamin and mineral supplement developed by Dr. Cooper and four of the top nutritional doctors in the country, visit:
http://www.cooperaerobics.com/supplements

There are three ways to purchase Cooper Complete products.

1) Through the Internet at www.CooperComplete.com.
2) At HEB Grocery stores with the Nature's Harvest sections or any Central Market locations in Texas. For locations,  visit: http://www.cooperaerobics.com/supplements/BuyCooperComplete.aspx 
3) Call 1-888-393-2221