Increased GH levels and creatine

[Billy_Brummel]

From this link: http://health.blogdig.net/archives/articles/February2007/10/Creatine___Not_Just_A_Sports_Nutrition_Supplement. html

Although data is limited, some research suggests creatine can raise growth hormone equal to that of intense exercise. Growth hormone (GH) is known to play an essential role in the regulation of body fat levels, immunity, muscle mass, wound healing, bone mass and literally thousands of other functions both known and yet unknown. It is well established that GH levels steadily decline as we age and is partially responsible for the steady loss of muscle mass, loss of skin elasticity, immune dysfunction and many other physical changes that take place in the aging human body. Therefore, the possible effects of creatine on GH is worth exploring in aging populations.

One study found creatine could mimic the increased GH levels seen after intense exercise.1 In this comparative cross-sectional study, researchers gave six healthy male subjects 20 grams of creatine in a single dose at resting (non-exercising) conditions. The study found that all subjects showed a "significant" increase of GH in the blood during the six-hour period after creatine ingestion. However, the study also found "a large interindividual variability in the GH response." That is, there were wide differences among individuals in the levels of GH achieved from taking the creatine. For the majority of subjects the maximum GH concentration occurred between two and six hours after ingesting the creatine.

The researchers concluded "In resting conditions and at high dosages creatine enhances GH secretion, mimicking the response of strong exercise which also stimulates GH secretion." These researchers felt that the effects of creatine on GH could be viewed as one of creatine's anabolic properties with the lean mass and strength increases observed after creatine supplementation. Although creatine supplementation has been found to increase lean muscle mass and strength in many studies, the effects of creatine on those tissues via GH enhancement has yet to be elucidated.

I think they got this from a life extension magazine article. Has anyone come accross any data (objective or experiential) that points in this same direction??

[Robb Wolf]

billy-
I remember some research like this from years ago. I think one takes the creatine before bed for this effect. Considering how inexpensive creatine is its pretty compelling to add some to the mix.

[Greg Everett]

so has anyone experimented yet with intranasal creatine delivery? i'll volunteer...

[Billy_Brummel]

Does the intranasal delivery method require a rolled up dollar bill and a mirror?

[Greg Everett]

well there are quite a few possible implements, but yes, that's the idea.

[Billy_Brummel]

I snorted a Pixie stick once and that was painful enough. Count me out.