Growth Hormone also known as somatotropin, is a protein hormone synthesized and secreted by cells called somatrops in the anterior pituitary gland from about 190 amino acids. It is a major hormone responsible for growth and metabolism.

The major role of growth hormone in stimulating body growth is to stimulate the liver and other tissues to secrete IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1). IGF-1 stimulates both the differentiation and proliferation, or development, of myoblasts (muscle fibre). It also stimulates amino acid uptake and protein synthesis in muscle and other tissues. IGF-1 is one of the most potent anabolic hormones in the body!

Growth hormone and IGF-1 have major roles in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. This is metabolically significant to the athlete in that these hormones influence protein for growth, fatty acids and body fat reduction, and carbohydrates for energy and recovery.

Growth hormone stimulates the anabolic amino acid uptake, increased protein synthesis and decreased oxidation of proteins. The more amino acids utilized by the cell and the greater the protein synthesis, the greater the muscle growth.

Growth hormone enhances the utilization of fat by stimulating triglyceride breakdown and oxidation in adipocytes (fat cells). Growth hormone helps to maintain blood glucose within normal ranges. Growth hormone is said to have anti-insulin activity, because it suppresses the abilities of insulin to stimulate uptake of glucose in peripheral tissues and enhance glucose synthesis in the liver. Working in conjunction with the homone-glucagon, growth hormone stimulates the release of fatty acids from storage for conversion to glucose. This action helps keep the body energized and the blood glucose stabilized during times when blood sugar levels drop. The important metabolic function supports fat to energy metabolism.

In humans the amount of growth hormone secreted at age 20 is about 500 micrograms, at age 40 200 micrograms, and at age 80 only 25 micrograms. The fall in IGF-1 is identical. GH and IGF-1 production can be increased significantly by the stimulation of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH_RH) by pituitary gland, and the suppression of somatostatin a feedback hormone that acts to block the release of GH.

SecretaGH™ is a breakthrough innovation that utilizes the latest research and discoveries in endogenous hormone support. Specialised compounds researched for their specific meta-chemical properties are delivered in calibrated dosages to help support the metabolic processes that influence the release of secretagogue hormones.