Human growth hormone (HGH) regulates essential processes such as bone remodeling and muscle growth in the body but as time progresses, the pituitary gland reduces the production of HGH. This decline in the levels of human growth hormone (HGH) has been linked with aging in numerous studies. To combat the declining HGH levels in older adults, researchers have long attempted to boost the levels of HGH in the body via the administration of recombinant HGH, supplements, etc.
Arginine.
A new study has found compelling data regarding the effects of intravenous administration of amino acids in enhancing serum GH levels. Researchers Roth and her colleagues have discovered that IV administration of amino acids can increase HGH levels by inhibiting the secretion of somatostatin. However, studies that have examined the effects of oral administration of HGH have demonstrated inconsistent findings. Therefore, a novel study was conducted with the objective to examine the effects of oral administration of an amino acid supplement on the levels of HGH.
Latest Research on an amino acid supplement
In a research study by Tam and colleagues, a total of sixteen healthy individuals including 12 men and 4 women from 2011 to 2012 were recruited to participate in this subject. All participants were then subsequently randomized to receive either a placebo or an amino acid supplement. Both investigators and participants were blinded to the outcome of the randomization. Serum HGH levels were then measured at various time increments from baseline. Following supplementation, the researchers measured the change in human growth hormone levels and graphically analyzed the area under the curve of HGH from baseline to 120 minutes.
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Results
Findings from the study revealed significantly higher levels of human growth hormone from baseline to 120 minutes in the treatment group compared to the placebo group (1.33 ng/mL vs. 0.45ng/mL, respectively). Additionally, the change in HGH (baseline-120 min) was 1.15 ng/mL for the treatment group compared to -0.48 ng/mL for the placebo group (p =0.01). The area under the curve was significantly larger for the treatment compared to the placebo (20.4 vs. 19.7, respectively; p=0.04). Overall, there were minor side effects reported for participants in the treatment group.
Prior studies surrounding the oral administration of amino acids have been inconclusive. The variability of the results lies in issues with dosages, the mixture of amino acids, and the small sample size. Therefore, Tam et al. hoped to provide a framework for upcoming studies.
In conclusion, the study has demonstrated that the amino acid supplement can effectively stimulate the secretion of human growth hormone levels. Future studies need to focus on verifying existing studies and investigating the effects of dosage as well as evaluating any long-term side effects of oral administration of an amino acid supplement.
References
Tam, C. S., Johnson, W. D., Rood, J., Heaton, A. L., & Greenway, F. L. (2020). Increased Human Growth Hormone After Oral Consumption of an Amino Acid Supplement: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Study in Healthy Subjects. American Journal of Therapeutics, 27(4), e333-e337. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000000893
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