What’s in the fountain of youth is elusive…but growth hormone (HGH) is its most seductive, dangerous and profitable elixir.
How does losing belly fat and boosting muscle mass, metabolism, and immune function sound? All post-menopause, regardless of your weight or condition?
Ten women injected HGH twice daily, and it worked for them. But they got high levels of IGF-1 or insulin-like growth factor…which, along with a high intake of sweets, have been directly linked to developing breast cancer.
Strong muscles, strong tumors?
HGH in 2004 meant sales of $622m U.S., and $1.5-$2B worldwide, JAMA newly reports, but distribution or marketing of GH for antiaging or athletic enhancement is illegal.
But these figures include non-injectables, sprays and precursors to GH–which don’t have the same effect. And 2 of the 3 JAMA authors warning of GH dangers have, according to the anti-aging A4M, undisclosed financial conflicts of interests–they started a company to create other drugs to fight aging.
The A4M believes that some adults are “GH-deficient”, and should be treated…and that the treatment is legal.
Hmmm. Before you ask your doctor to prescribe, know that the effects are likely transient (maybe 24 months). Side effects include arthralgia, myalgia, edema, carpal tunnel syndrome, glucose intolerance, and hypertriglyceridemia.
And that there are federal penalties and disclipinary action for prescribing of the injectable–it’s not a dietary supplement.
Could food be the fountain of youth instead? Stay tuned.