|
Do growth hormone supplements slow ageing? Researchers say the opposite is the case - rats for exmaple with high growth hormone levels age more rapidly. In some parts of the world, people are spending a fortune on growth hormone in the hope that it'll prevent ageing. The figures aren't known for Australia because this is often a bit underground, but in the United States tens of thousands of people are receiving growth hormone for no other reason than turning back the clock. A recent paper has investigated whether this is a good idea. While there is some evidence that growth hormone increases muscle and reduces body fat, it paradoxically doesn't seem to translate to extra strength or less heart risk nor does its effects last longer than 2 years. That's not to mention problems like muscle and joint pain, raised blood fats and sugar and ankle swelling. And as to ageing itself, it may work the opposite way. In animal studies those who are growth hormone deficient actually live longer and have less cancer. Rats with high growth hormone levels age more rapidly.
|
