The basic
biochemical interactions necessary for these results also yield other benefits. All of
them have rejuvenating properties, including what could be called "the rejuvenation
of the immune system." For example, because of its effects on DNA repair, hGH
is more effective than antioxidants in its support of the immune system. When DNA is not
repaired, subsequent cells carry a damaged blueprint, resulting in ongoing symptoms of
weakened immunity. Growth hormone and IGH make it possible for DNA to better repair itself
before cell division. This means that new cells don't repeat the damage sustained by the
originating DNA. Like the other important hormones (estrogen, DHEA, ect.), hGH
levels also decline with age. Production peaks in adolescence at 780 mcg in 24 hours. Then
it declines steadily, at the rate of about 14 percent each decade after age 30. By sixty,
production rate is reduced by half. When we reach eighty, only about 25 mcg are still
produces. During approximately the same time, our liver, kidneys, brain, and pancreas
atrophy by 30 percent. The significant negative effects that can be observed in aging
people (increased fat deposition, a reduction in energy, and decreased immunity) are all
directly related to diminished levels of hGH.
In 1985, recombinant DNA technology yielded
synthetic hGH. Since that time, supplies have been virtually unlimited. With this
breakthrough, children and adults identified as hGH deficient have been receiving the help
they need. Further, the FDA broadened the medical appication of hGH to include the
treatment of persons suffering from wasting due to AIDS/HIV. The current surge of interest
began with the 1990 publication of a ground-breaking study in the New England Journal of
Medicine. Daniel Rudman and his colleaques at the Medical College of Wisconsin at
Milwaulkee investigated the effects of hGH injections on healthy men 61-81 years old.
Twenty-one were involved in the therapy while nine served as controls. The results were
astounding. According to the researchers, six months of growth hormone therapy were
equivalent in magnitude to the regression of aging by 10-20 years! Among the effects,
participants lost an anerage of 14 percent body fat and gained 8.8 percent lean body mass.
Is it any wonder that youth-seeking adults and athletes wanting to optimize lean muscle
mass and performance are paying $150-$400 weekly for infections? Or that non-prescription
alternatives are showing up everywhere?
Although this is the only study so far, the results
motivated the National Institute of Aging of the NIH to fund nine separate investigations.
Meanwhile, the NIH issued the following disclaimer, "Despite what advertisements or
stories in the media may claim, hormone supplements have not been proven to prevent
aging." The AACE responded with "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Growth Hormone
Use in Adults and Children." In it, they pointedly state, "the benefits of GH
supplementation in aging patients remain to be established and will not be considered in
these guidelines." the AACE estimates that 75,000 Americans may actually
need hGH therapy. Need or deficiency is defined as not producing the age-appropriate
amounts of the hormaone or having a disease that can be ameliorated by supplementation.
Deficiency symptoms include "fatique, lack of energy, poor sleep, decreased exercise
capacity, and psychological problems." Based on these symptoms, adults who are
deficient would include most most people over the age of 40.
