Diminishing pituitary gland function can have far-reaching effects on the secretion of growth hormone. You might not realize it, but growth hormone is not only essential for children’s growth – adults also need it for healthy metabolism and bone mineral density, maintaining a good ratio of lean tissue to body fat, and for healthy skin. Growth hormone provides anabolic (tissue-building) effects, but by the time we reach our forties, levels can fall by as much as 50% from those present in childhood. Suboptimal pituitary function can therefore lead to a state of catabolism (tissue breakdown) that often manifests as:
Aging may affect a number of important stimuli for growth hormone release such as optimum levels of sleep and exercise, low blood sugar levels, and levels of tissue-building amino acids such as arginine. Meanwhile, inhibitors of growth hormone secretion can become more prominent – such as a growth hormone blocker called somatostatin as well as rising blood levels of sugars and free fatty acids.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to naturally slow down the rate at which growth hormone secretion declines. Firstly, somatostatin can itself be inhibited with cholinergic agonists such as choline.1 Secondly, human studies show that amino acids such as arginine and ornithine can help preserve and maximize lean tissue mass as well as supporting efforts to exercise more effectively – a key factor in increasing growth hormone production. Thirdly, these anabolic effects can be complemented with the amino acids glutamine and glycine, which help to stimulate the release of endogenous growth hormone.
Growth hormone is secreted in cycles during the day, with the greatest spurts occurring during exercise and shortly after falling asleep. Life Extension now offers two new formulas to help support maintenance of body composition and pituitary function. GH Pituitary Support Day Formula, which should ideally be taken before exercise, contains choline plus arginine and ornithine in the alpha-ketoglutarate form.
Directions: Take four tablets daily in the morning or before exercise, preferably on an empty stomach, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. May be used in addition to GH Pituitary Support Night Formula.
Ingredients: 4 vegetarian tablets supply:
Calcium (as calcium carbonate) 354 mg
L-Arginine (as alpha-ketoglutarate) 800 mg
L-Ornithine (as alpha-ketoglutarate) 800 mg
Cognizin® CDP Choline (Cytidine 5'-diphosphate choline) 250 mg
Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, silica, vegetable stearate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, propylene glycol, triacetin.
Contains corn.
Warning: If you have diabetes and/or significant kidney or liver disease, please consult with your healthcare practitioner before using this product.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
