Supplements that increase HGH production

Human growth hormone, or HGH, is a protein hormone released by the pituitary gland that is essential for growth. It plays a role in a number of functions, including fat metabolism, muscle-building and blood sugar regulation. HGH is released in the highest amounts during sleep and exercise. Certain supplements on the market have shown effectiveness in boosting HGH levels. Consult your health care provider before taking any supplements.

Melatonin

Scientists at St. Thomas Hospital in the United Kingdom investigated the impact of melatonin on HGH release during exercise. Subjects were given either 5 mg of melatonin or a placebo one hour before performing aerobic exercise. Researchers reported in the July 1999 issue of the "European Journal of Endocrinology" that those in the melatonin group experienced a greater increase in HGH levels than those who received a placebo.

A-GPC

Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, or A-GPC, might increase HGH levels, according to a study published in the September 2008 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition." Researchers at the Center for Applied Health Science Research observed that subjects taking 600 mg of A-GPC two hours before resistance exercise had higher HGH levels post-exercise compared with those who consumed a placebo.

L-arginine and L-lysine

Researchers at the University of Houston studied the impact of combining the amino acids L-arginine and L-lysine on HGH levels at rest and during exercise. They reported in the March 1997 issue of the "International Journal of Sports Nutrition" that subjects taking 1.5 g of both L-arginine and L-lysine experienced no increases in HGH during exercise, but significantly boosted HGH levels during rest.

Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid critical for immune system support and maintaining muscle mass. It may also boost HGH levels, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Louisiana State College of Medicine. They discovered that subjects consuming 2 g of glutamine experienced increases in HGH levels. Their findings were reported in the 1995 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."