by 
The Curious Bag
-
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a drug that has grown popular in recent times by both athletes as well as regular individuals. In recent times many pro athletes have tested positive, or been implicated for HGH use.
Benefits
Research cited by the Mayo Clinic has shown HGH use to produce benefits such as increased muscle mass, bone density, and exercise capacity. HGH use can also decrease body fat.
Athletic Performance
The benefits listed above lead to increased athletic performance. Increased muscle mass can help athletes increase their speed and power.
Media Scandal
HGH use caused a media scandal in Major League Baseball, where the notorious Mitchell Report exposed steroid and HGH use in many players.
Risks
HGH use does not come without risks, and research is still developing. Health risks cited have included increased risk of diabetes and cancer.
Research
Conflicting research exists on HGH use, with some even suggesting it does not aid athletic performance. Healthday Report stated that after analyzing existing literature it was found that exercise capacity was not significantly improved. Ongoing research on the subject includes a university professor currently conducting a three year study on HGH effects within Major League Baseball.
Source:
Stanford University: HGH and athletic performance
More Information:
Baseball Steroid Era: Mitchell Report
Trinity Hospital: HGH research
University of South Dakota: HGH in Major League Baseball research
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC