From the Guidelines
To monitor MK-677 (ibutamoren) use, I recommend regular blood tests including complete blood count, urinalysis, serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, glucose, lipid profile, liver function tests, iron studies, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, as these tests are crucial for assessing overall health and potential side effects of MK-677 use, similar to the recommendations for heart failure management 1. These tests should be checked before starting MK-677 and then every 3-6 months during use. MK-677 is a growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release, and while specific GH or IGF-1 monitoring may not be directly addressed in the provided guidelines, the recommended tests can help identify potential issues related to its use, such as changes in blood glucose, lipid profiles, or liver function.
- Key tests to monitor include:
- Complete blood count to assess for any hematological changes
- Urinalysis and serum electrolytes to monitor for potential renal effects
- Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine to assess renal function
- Glucose and lipid profile to monitor for metabolic changes
- Liver function tests to assess for hepatotoxicity
- Iron studies and thyroid-stimulating hormone to monitor for any endocrine effects Additionally, monitor blood pressure regularly as MK-677 may cause water retention and increased blood pressure. Watch for side effects like increased appetite, water retention, numbness in extremities, and joint pain. If you experience severe side effects or significant abnormalities in lab values, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider. The guidelines for monitoring other substances, such as methotrexate 1, may provide additional insight into the importance of regular laboratory testing for substances that can have significant side effects, but the most relevant and recent guideline for general health monitoring is the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure 1.
From the Research
Monitoring MK677 Supplement
To monitor the effects of MK677 supplement, the following lab tests can be drawn:
- Growth hormone levels: MK677 has been shown to increase growth hormone secretion in healthy older adults 2 and in growth hormone-deficient children 3.
- Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels: IGF-I levels have been found to increase with MK677 administration in healthy older adults 2 and in growth hormone-deficient children 3.
- Insulin sensitivity: MK677 has been found to decrease insulin sensitivity in healthy older adults 2.
- Fasting blood glucose level: Fasting blood glucose level has been found to increase with MK677 administration in healthy older adults 2.
- Lipid profiles: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels have been found to decrease with MK677 administration in healthy older adults 2.
- Cortisol levels: Cortisol levels have been found to increase with MK677 administration in healthy older adults 2 and in healthy volunteers 4.
- Nitrogen balance: MK677 has been found to improve nitrogen balance in healthy volunteers on a calorically restricted diet 4.
- Body composition: MK677 has been found to increase fat-free mass in healthy older adults 2 and to reverse diet-induced protein catabolism in healthy volunteers 4.
Additional Considerations
When monitoring the effects of MK677 supplement, it is also important to consider the following:
- Bone mineral density: MK677 has been found to increase bone mineral density in healthy older adults 2.
- Muscle strength and function: While MK677 has been found to increase fat-free mass, it has not been found to increase muscle strength or function in healthy older adults 2.
- Adverse effects: Common adverse effects of MK677 include increased appetite, lower-extremity edema, and muscle pain 2, 4.