Ibutamoren (MK-677): 9 health benefits

Ibutamoren Mesylate is a substance that arouses considerable controversy. In various discussion forums, debates about it go on forever. Probably the theory about this supplement is more than real scientific research. However, previous studies confirm a number of benefits associated with ibutamorenem, related to its ability to increase levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 levels. Read on to find out what are the
benefits of supplementing ibutamoren, or how ibutamoren can help you build the figure you want and... if it actually heals a hangover!

Basic information

Ibutamoren is often discussed on online forums because of its muscle building properties. It is available without a prescription and used by people who want to increase the level of growth hormone. However, clinical studies of this substance are relatively poor. In the following text we present information on ibutamoren, which are confirmed by scientific research. Ibutamoren (also known as ibutamoren mesylate or MK-677), supports the secretion of growth hormone (GH) and increases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [1]. This is a fact that can not be discussed.Ibutamoren increases the level of growth hormone by mimicking the action of the ghrelin hormone and binding to one of the ghrelin receptors (GHSRs) in the brain. Activated GHSR stimulates the release of growth hormone. GHSR is found in areas of the brain

that control appetite, pleasure, mood, and biological rhythms, memory and cognitive functions [2]. Therefore, we can expect that ibutamoren can also affect all these functions. However, so far clinical studies only describe the effect of ibutamoren on appetite - and as expected, as in the case of ghrelin, it has a stimulating effect on our appetite.

The great advantage of ibutamoren is that it increases the level of growth hormone with a small increase in other hormones, e.g cortisol [3] or without any additional interference in our hormonal balance. Cortisol badly affects the immune system, slows down the wound healing process, impairs learning and memory. In most cases, in our lives, except for moments in which we fight, the elevated level of this hormone works against us.

Benefits of ibutamoren supplementation:

1) Ibutamoren helps in building muscles

Ibutamoren is often used as an anabolic substance to increase lean body mass, i.e. to create larger, fuller muscles. It is active in oral form and can be taken once a day. These are all benefits compared to other growth hormone stimulators. As already mentioned, ibutamoren increases levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 [4]. Both growth hormone and IGF-1, in turn, increase muscle mass, muscle strength and reduce adipose tissue [5]. In 24 obese men, the two-month treatment (DB-RCT) with ibutamoren increased the fat-free mass and temporarily increased the basic metabolism (BMR) [6].

2) Ibutamoren prevents loss of muscle mass

In a study (DB-RCT) of eight healthy volunteers, ibutamoren reversed the diet-induced protein loss [6], which could have caused muscle atrophy. In 123 elderly patients with a hip fracture, ibutamoren improved walking speed, muscle strength and decreased falls (RCT) [8].

3) Ibutamoren increases bone density

Growth hormone (GH) increases bones mineral absorption and eventually bones density [9]. However, due to the increased turnover in patients treated with growth hormone, the bone density may initially decrease before the increase [10]. Basically, it takes time (> 1 year) to see a statistically significant increase in bone density. In 24 healthy, obese male volunteers, ibutamoren increased bone density (DB-RCT). In 187 older adults (aged 65 and more), ibutamoren increased bone formation, measured by osteocalcin, and a bone density marker in many studies (3 DB-RCT) [11]. In one study (DB-RCT) with 292 postmenopausal women, ibutamoren increased bone mineral density, which helps to increase bone strength and prevent osteoporosis.

4) Ibutamoren lets you sleep more efficiently

The study (DB-PCT) showed that both in younger and older people, ibutamoren improved the quality of sleep and increased REM sleep time phase (rapid eye movement) [12].
In addition to scientific research, there have been many reports about subjective improvement of sleep quality in various internet forums. Lack of sleep translates into lowering the quality of our lives. It reflects both on our functioning at work and in the training room. That is why it is so important to provide yourself with the best possible, most restorative sleep.