Creatine and
Growth Hormone. Creatine does more than provide your cells with ample
amounts of creatine phosphate. There have been studies performed that suggest
creatine has the ability to raise Growth Hormone levels in your system. In these
studies, subjects would consume 20 grams per day of creatine and their blood GH
levels showed a statistically significant increase of GH for two to six hours
following the ingestion of the creatine. It is important to note that these
subjects did not exercise or consume any other type of supplement that could
influence a natural elevation in growth hormone levels. The scientists concluded
that the increase in blood levels of GH was solely due to the consumption of
creatine. GH is the hormone that controls the regulation of body fat, maintains
the body’s immune system, allows you to build muscle mass, heals wounds,
maintains bone mass as well as hundreds of other vital functions. Besides the
benefit of increased recuperation and additional energy supplies, creatine’s
ability to promote the production of GH is a major step towards maintaining or
enhancing health.
Acute creatine loading enhances human growth hormone
secretion.
Schedel JM, Tanaka H, Kiyonaga A, Shindo M, Schutz Y.
SourceLaboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics, Graduate School of
Physical Education, Chukyo University, Toyota, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to explore the effect of acute
creatine (Cr) ingestion on the secretion of human growth hormone (GH).
METHODS: In a comparative cross-sectional study, 6 healthy male subjects
ingested in resting conditions a single dose of 20 g creatine (Cr-test) vs a
control (c-test). During 6 hours the Cr, creatinine and GH concentrations in
blood serum were measured after Cr ingestion (Cr-test).
RESULTS: During the Cr-test, all subjects showed a significant stimulation of GH
(p<0.05), but with a large interindividual variability in the GH response: the
difference between Cr-test and c-test averaged 83% (SD 45%). For the majority of
subjects the maximum GH concentration occurred between 2 hrs and 6 hrs after the
acute Cr ingestion.
CONCLUSIONS: In resting conditions and at high dosages Cr enhances GH secretion,
mimicking the response of strong exercise which also stimulates GH secretion.
Acute body weight gain and strength increase observed after Cr supplementation
should consider the indirect anabolic property of Cr.
Science has proven that as we age the amount of Growth Hormone that our body
produces declines. This is the reason that we have more physical related
problems as we age such as; loss of muscle mass, our bones become frail, our
skin is less elastic, we get sick more often, and we do not have the energy we
once had at a younger age. Through its ability to enhance GH levels, creatine
can offer aging health enthusiasts an opportunity to maintain their health as
well as their youthful vitality and general well-being.
