From the Guidelines
Taking growth hormone to stimulate muscle mass is not recommended for elderly individuals without a diagnosed growth hormone deficiency, as the risks outweigh the benefits and safer alternatives are available. Growth hormone therapy carries significant risks for older adults, including increased risk of diabetes, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fluid retention, and potentially increased cancer risk 1. The benefits for healthy elderly people are limited and don't outweigh these risks. Instead, elderly individuals looking to maintain or increase muscle mass should focus on safer, proven approaches like regular resistance training (starting with light weights 2-3 times weekly), adequate protein intake (1.0-1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight daily), and ensuring sufficient vitamin D levels 2, 3, 4, 5. These natural approaches can effectively combat age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) without the serious side effects associated with growth hormone.
Some key points to consider:
- Regular resistance training can promote increases in and maintenance of muscular strength, neuromuscular coordination, and lean body mass while facilitating an enhanced quality of life 3.
- Adequate protein intake is essential for preserving muscle mass, and high-quality protein foods should be consumed in adequate quantities (0.4 g/kg bw) at two or more meals every day 2.
- Ensuring sufficient vitamin D levels is also crucial, and a daily vitamin D supplement of 15 μg is recommended for older adults 2.
- Physical activity, including aerobic activity and resistance training, should be encouraged in all older adults who can safely engage in such activities 4.
- Older persons with malnutrition or at risk of malnutrition should be encouraged to be physically active and to exercise in order to maintain or improve muscle mass and function 5.
If an elderly person is concerned about significant muscle loss, they should consult with their healthcare provider who can evaluate for underlying medical conditions and recommend appropriate interventions based on their specific health status.
From the Research
Safety of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) for Elderly Individuals
- The use of HGH as an anti-aging therapy has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and its distribution as an anti-aging agent is illegal in the United States 6.
- Studies have shown that HGH therapy in healthy elderly individuals is associated with small changes in body composition, including decreased fat mass and increased lean body mass, but also with increased rates of adverse events such as soft tissue edema, arthralgias, carpal tunnel syndrome, and gynecomastia 6, 7.
- There is limited evidence to suggest that HGH treatment improves muscle strength and performance, or quality of life in older individuals 8.
- Some studies have reported an association between high insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations and increased risk of prostate, lung, colon, and breast cancer, as well as a possible decrease in insulin sensitivity, which prohibits the use of HGH in an attempt to reverse a normal aging process 9, 7.
Adverse Effects of HGH Therapy
- Adverse effects of HGH therapy in elderly individuals include soft tissue edema, arthralgias, carpal tunnel syndrome, gynecomastia, and an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose 6, 7.
- HGH treatment may also be associated with an increased risk of cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this association 9, 7.
Conclusion is not allowed, and the response should continue with subheadings and bullet points
Efficacy of HGH Therapy
- Some studies have reported that HGH supplementation in older men increases lean mass by approximately 2 kg, with similar reductions in fat mass 8.
- However, there is little evidence to suggest that HGH treatment improves muscle strength and performance, or quality of life in older individuals 8.
- A limited number of controlled studies have suggested that GH supplementation in older men may have some benefits, but more research is needed to confirm these findings 8.