A new study of the effects of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) showed no benefit in growth during short-term use.
HGH has been the center of attention over the last years as athletes such as Andy Petite and Roger Clemens have had reported use of the illegal drug.
The Associated Press is reporting that colleagues at Stanford University analyzed 27 studies involving 440 participants. The results were released by the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers found that those who got the hormone put on about 5 pounds more of muscle, and lost about 2 pounds more of fat, although the fat loss wasn't statistically different. The researchers said some of the extra body mass could just be fluid buildup.
There was no difference found in strength or exercise stamina between the two groups, but there were only two strength studies and eight that measured exercise. Those who got the hormone had more side effects including swelling and fatigue.
HGH has been popular among athletes because of its inability to be detected in urine tests. However, blood tests are expected this year that will be able to detect the drug.
Human growth hormone is made by the pituitary gland and promotes growth. A synthetic version has been available since the 1980s and its use is restricted for certain conditions in children and adults, including short stature, growth hormone deficiency and wasting from AIDS.
My hope is that this latest research is highlighted on every major news stations. I hope every junior high and high school athlete will realize that HGH isn't worth the cost. I think these performance-enhancing drugs have become so prevalent that athletes feel they have no other choice in order to succeed.
This research is evidence that they do not need the HGH boost in order to compete. If anything, they are better off without the drug.
