Evidence supporting the use of: Somatropin
For the health condition: Exercise
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Somatropin is a synthetic form of human growth hormone (hGH) used primarily for conditions involving growth hormone deficiency, but it has also been used off-label in the context of exercise and athletic performance. Scientific evidence shows that somatropin increases lean body mass and decreases fat mass, which has made it attractive to some athletes and bodybuilders. However, while somatropin does improve body composition, well-controlled studies indicate that it does not significantly enhance muscle strength, aerobic capacity, or actual exercise performance in healthy individuals (Liu et al., Ann Intern Med, 2008). Additionally, the use of somatropin for exercise enhancement is not approved by regulatory agencies, and it is banned by most sports organizations due to potential side effects such as joint pain, insulin resistance, and increased risk of diabetes.
Historically, somatropin’s use in exercise contexts has been driven by anecdotal reports and its muscle-building reputation rather than robust scientific validation. The evidence supporting its use for improving exercise performance or recovery is weak, with most benefits limited to changes in body composition rather than objective improvements in athletic capabilities. Thus, while there is some scientific investigation into somatropin’s effects on exercise-related outcomes, the overall evidence for its effectiveness in this context is limited and does not justify its use for this purpose outside of specific medical indications.
Other ingredients used for Exercise
acetyl l-carnitineadenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beta-alanine
branched-chain amino acids
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
endo-peptidase
fructose
ginseng
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protease
protein
spirulina
succinic acid
vitamin B12
zinc
capsicum
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Alpha polylactate
Arginine Creatine
Arachidonic Acid
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Arginine pyroglutamate
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bovine Protein
BCAA
Chia seed
Creatyl-L-glutamine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dextrose
Dipeptide
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ketone Salts
Other health conditions supported by Somatropin
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAnorexia
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Burns and Scalds
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Convalescence
Debility
Energy (lack of)
Exercise
Failure to Thrive
Injuries
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Osteoporosis
Radiation Sickness
Surgery (healing from)
Wasting
Weight Gain
Weight Loss
Wounds and Sores