Key Takeaways
- GenF20 Plus may raise IGF-1 in adults over 40, but clinical effects are unclear.
- No proven impact on sleep, energy, or body composition in the short term.
- Popular supplement with anecdotal support, but limited scientific backing.
Genf20 Plus
As more people seek natural ways to counter the effects of aging, supplements like GenF20 Plus have emerged with bold claims: improved sleep, higher energy, lean muscle gain, and even better memory — all supposedly through stimulating the body’s natural production of human growth hormone (HGH).
In 2015, a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, funded by GenF20 Plus’s own marketer, set out to test these claims. The study focused on IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), a downstream marker often used as a proxy for HGH activity.
So what did the research actually show — and is it enough to support the hype? The answer is mixed.
The Study at a Glance
- Journal: Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials
- Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
- Sample: 70 adults aged 35–65
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Funding: DM Contact Management (GenF20 Plus marketer)
- Primary Outcome: Change in serum IGF-1
- Secondary Outcomes: Body composition, memory, libido, energy, sleep quality
Participants took GenF20 Plus or a placebo for 12 weeks. In addition to blood tests for IGF-1, researchers evaluated body measurements and subjective self-ratings.
What the Study Found
IGF-1 Levels
Across the full group, IGF-1 levels rose modestly in the GenF20 Plus arm, but not enough to be statistically significant when compared to placebo.
However, in a subgroup of participants aged 40 and older, researchers used an adjusted analysis (ANCOVA) to account for baseline differences. Here, the GenF20 Plus group saw a statistically significant increase in IGF-1 versus placebo (22.69 ng/mL vs -4.31 ng/mL, P < 0.05).
Key context: IGF-1 levels naturally decline with age, so even a modest increase could hold clinical interest — but whether that translates into real-world benefits remains uncertain.
Body Composition
Despite the hormonal increase in some participants, no significant changes were observed in:
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Waist circumference
- Body fat percentage
- Lean muscle mass
This suggests that short-term supplementation may not be enough to produce visible physical changes.
Energy, Sleep, and Memory
Participants in both groups reported improvements in:
- Energy
- Sleep quality
However:
- Memory improvements reached significance only in the placebo group.
- No differences between GenF20 Plus and placebo were statistically significant for any subjective outcome.
This pattern indicates a likely placebo effect and underscores the need for objective measurements.
Safety and Tolerability
- Adverse events: Mild (GI discomfort, headache), evenly distributed across groups
- Serious events: None
- Vital signs & labs: No significant changes
GenF20 Plus was generally well tolerated, supporting its safety profile for short-term use.
Strengths of the Study
- Double-blind placebo control: Reduces risk of bias
- Stratified analysis by age: Recognizes the biological differences in hormone response
- Full transparency: Discloses sponsorship, presents data clearly, acknowledges limitations
Critical Weaknesses
- Short Study Duration
Aging-related changes — especially in muscle, sleep, and cognition — unfold gradually. A 12-week window is likely too short to detect meaningful effects.
- Small Sample Size
With just 31 subjects completing the GenF20 Plus arm, the study was underpowered to detect subtle effects. Notably, no power calculation was performed — a serious limitation.
- No Direct HGH Measurement
The study used IGF-1 as a proxy for HGH activity. While common, this approach skips the critical question: Did GenF20 Plus actually increase HGH production via pituitary stimulation?
- Statistical Sensitivity
The only statistically significant result emerged after post-hoc adjustment using ANCOVA. While valid, this undermines the strength of the original analysis.
- Industry Sponsorship
Although the authors disclosed funding, industry-funded research tends to show more favorable outcomes. No independent replication of this trial has been published to date.
Interpreting the Data: Does GenF20 Plus Really Work?
The answer depends on your definition of “work.”
- If “working” means raising IGF-1 modestly in adults over 40, the supplement showed some effect.
- If it means real-world improvements in sleep, energy, body composition, or memory, the evidence just isn’t there.
Many of the supplement’s ingredients, including L-arginine, L-glutamine, GABA, deer antler velvet, and colostrum, have theoretical or preliminary data linking them to HGH or IGF-1 pathways. However, the combined impact of this specific formulation remains largely untested outside of this single manufacturer-funded trial.
What Future Research Should Look Like
To properly assess GenF20 Plus, future studies should:
- Measure HGH directly, not just IGF-1
- Extend treatment to 6–12 months
- Include objective outcome markers (e.g., sleep EEG, DEXA scans for body fat)
- Use a larger, statistically powered sample
- Be conducted independently from the product manufacturer
FAQs
Was the GenF20 Plus study peer-reviewed?
Yes, it was published in a peer-reviewed journal (Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials) in 2015.
Who funded the study?
The study was funded by DM Contact Management, the marketer of GenF20 Plus.
How many people participated in the study?
70 participants were enrolled; 61 completed the study.
What was the main goal of the study?
To measure the effect of GenF20 Plus on IGF-1 levels in healthy adults.
Did GenF20 Plus significantly increase IGF-1?
Only in adults over 40, and only after statistical adjustment.
Were there any improvements in sleep, energy, or memory?
Some were reported in both groups, but none were better than placebo.
Did GenF20 Plus help with weight loss or muscle gain?
No significant changes in BMI, body fat, or lean muscle were found.
How long did the study last?
12 weeks.
Was growth hormone (HGH) directly measured?
No, only IGF-1 was tested as an indirect marker.
Were there side effects?
Mild issues like stomach discomfort and headaches occurred but were rare.
Is this enough evidence to prove GenF20 Plus works?
No, the data is preliminary and based on a small sample with short follow-up.
Why is GenF20 Plus still so popular?
It’s well-tolerated, widely marketed, and supported by years of positive user reviews.
Why GenF20 Plus Remains Popular Despite Limited Clinical Proof
While the clinical trial offers only modest, age-specific support for GenF20 Plus — primarily in its ability to raise IGF-1 levels in adults over 40 — the supplement’s long-standing presence on the market tells a different story.
GenF20 Plus has been sold for over a decade, amassing thousands of reviews and a large base of repeat customers. Many users report improvements in energy, sleep, libido, and general vitality, even if such outcomes were not statistically validated in the short-term trial.
Its popularity likely stems from several factors:
- A broad, non-hormonal formula that appeals to health-conscious aging adults
- Safe profile with few reported side effects
- Perceived improvements that align with its marketing promises
- The lack of accessible, non-prescription alternatives to HGH therapy
It’s important to note that anecdotal benefits, while not dismissible, can be influenced by placebo effects, lifestyle factors, and individual variation. Still, these personal experiences are part of the product’s story, and they reflect real consumer interest in aging solutions that feel more natural and accessible than HGH injections.
Bottom Line:
GenF20 Plus is not a clinically proven anti-aging solution, but it may offer subjective benefits to some users, especially those over 40, when used consistently. The existing study provides a starting point, not a final verdict. For those considering it, GenF20 Plus is best approached as a low-risk supplement with potential, not guaranteed results.
While this analysis focuses on the specifics of the 2015 clinical trial, you can find more general information about the GenF20 Plus supplement, including its full ingredient list and user testimonials, in our comprehensive review.
References
Sonawane, N., Kale, V., Erande, S., & Chaudhary, J. (2015). Effect of GenF20 Plus on serum IGF-1 levels in healthy adults: a randomized controlled study. Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials, 7, 35–42. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJCT.S75969
