Ibutamoren (MK-677) vs IBUTA 677

By Felicia Sommers
Last updated January 15, 2024

Ibutamoren, often known by its research code MK-677, is a substance that functions as a potent, orally active growth hormone secretagogue. This means it mimics the action of the endogenous hormone ghrelin and binds to one of the ghrelin receptors (GHSR) in the brain. By activating these receptors, Ibutamoren stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

Here are some key points about Ibutamoren:

Growth Hormone Increase
Muscle Growth and Recovery
Bone Density
Appetite Stimulation
Research and Development Stage
Potential Side Effects
Legal and Ethical Considerations

It’s crucial for anyone considering using Ibutamoren for any purpose to consult with a healthcare professional and consider the legal implications and potential health risks. The substance is often discussed in the context of bodybuilding and fitness, but without regulatory approval, its use remains controversial and potentially risky.

What is IBUTA 677?

IBUTA 677 is a legal nutritional supplement designed to replicate the effects of Ibutamoren, but without the associated potential side effects. This supplement’s composition includes several beneficial ingredients: Zinc, Vitamin B5, L-Arginine HCL, Glycine, L-Glutamine HCL, L-Lysine, L-Tyrosine, and L-Ornithine.

Ingredients and their Impact on Human Growth Hormone

In this brief overview, we explore a selection of vital nutrients and amino acids – Zinc, Vitamin B5, L-Arginine HCL, Glycine, L-Glutamine HCL, L-Lysine, L-Tyrosine, and L-Ornithine – that are known to influence the production and release of human growth hormone. Each of these components plays a unique role in supporting the body’s endocrine functions and optimizing growth hormone levels, which is crucial for various aspects of health including muscle growth, repair, metabolism, and overall hormonal balance. Understanding their effects can provide valuable insights into natural ways of boosting this vital hormone.

Zinc: Essential for hormone production, zinc plays a key role in regulating and promoting the production of growth hormone.
Vitamin B5: Also known as pantothenic acid, it supports adrenal function and can indirectly aid in the regulation of growth hormone secretion.
L-Arginine HCL: An amino acid known to stimulate the release of growth hormone, especially effective when taken before exercise.
Glycine: Promotes growth hormone release, particularly during sleep, contributing to muscle growth and repair.
L-Glutamine HCL: Even in small doses, this amino acid can increase levels of growth hormone, aiding in metabolism and muscle maintenance.
L-Lysine: When used in combination with arginine, lysine has been shown to enhance growth hormone production, particularly beneficial for muscle repair.
L-Tyrosine: An amino acid precursor for various hormones, including growth hormone; it aids in the synthesis and release of these hormones.
L-Ornithine: Similar to arginine, ornithine can increase growth hormone levels, particularly effective when taken in conjunction with exercise or at bedtime.

Is Ibutamoren Legal To Buy?

When discussing MK-677 Ibutamoren, it’s crucial to address not just its potential benefits but also its legal status and safety.

MK-677 can be legally used only when prescribed by a doctor, as it falls under Schedule 4 prescription regulations. This means its use is controlled and monitored due to potential risks and side effects.

If you’re considering MK-677 Ibutamoren for sports performance enhancement, it’s important to know that this is not legal.

The compound is banned in professional sports due to the significant competitive edge it provides.

Furthermore, MK-677 Ibutamoren is listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) among substances that are both banned and detectable. This emphasizes its prohibited status in competitive sports and the ability of authorities to test for its presence.

See World Anti-doping Agency 2024 prohibited list here (PDF).

Ibutamoren side effects

Here’s a concise list of potential side effects associated with Ibutamoren (MK-677):

Increased Appetite: Commonly reported due to its ghrelin mimicking effect.
Fluid Retention: May cause mild edema, particularly in the lower extremities.
Fatigue: Some users report feeling unusually tired.
Muscle Pain: Occasional muscle aches or discomfort.
Elevated Blood Sugar Levels: Can impact insulin sensitivity, leading to higher blood sugar.
Numbness or Tingling: In some cases, users experience these sensations in their hands.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Includes nausea or stomach discomfort.
Increased Risk of Cancer: Long-term effects are not well-studied, but there is concern about potential cancer risk due to growth hormone proliferation.

Remember, the safety profile of Ibutamoren is not fully established, and its use should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.

How does Ibutamoren work?

Ibutamoren functions by imitating ghrelin, the “hunger hormone” known for managing appetite and food consumption. High ghrelin levels typically increase hunger and food intake. Ibutamoren achieves its effects by attaching to the same brain receptors as ghrelin, thereby stimulating the release of growth hormone. Studies have shown that Ibutamoren can elevate growth hormone levels in both children and adults by two to three times. It is available in both injectable and pill forms, with the injectable version generally considered more effective in boosting growth hormone levels.

Understanding Growth Hormone (GH) and Ibutamoren:

Growth hormone is a protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It is crucial for growth and cell reproduction. In younger individuals, it promotes height increase, whereas in adults, it aids in maintaining muscle mass and bone density.
GH also stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), essential for growth in childhood and maintaining anabolic effects in adults.
An imbalance in GH levels can contribute to conditions like diabetes and obesity. Notably, GH production declines with age, possibly explaining the reduced muscle mass and bone density in older adults.

IGF-1 and Its Role:

IGF-1 is a hormone pivotal for human body growth and development, regulating cell growth and differentiation and promoting muscle growth.
IGF-1 levels peak during childhood and adolescence, a period of significant growth, and then decline, often leading to reduced muscle mass and strength.
Ibutamoren can increase IGF-1 levels, potentially counteracting age-related muscle mass and strength loss. It may also enhance skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

The Role of Ghrelin:

Ghrelin, produced by the stomach, regulates hunger and energy balance. It is released into the bloodstream when the stomach is empty and signals the brain to increase appetite and induce hunger feelings.
Ghrelin levels are highest before meals and drop after eating. High ghrelin levels signal the brain about the body’s need for food, while suppressed ghrelin can lead to decreased appetite and potentially aid in weight loss.

Ibutamoren Hormone Therapy Overview

In this section, we delve into the nuances of Ibutamoren Hormone Therapy, exploring its suitability for various individuals, the preparation and administration process, safety protocols, complementary treatments, and cost considerations. This therapy, primarily beneficial for post-menopausal women and others with specific hormone-related conditions, offers a specialized approach to managing hormonal imbalances. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the therapy to help you make informed decisions about your health and wellness journey.

Ideal Candidates:

Ibutamoren is typically prescribed to post-menopausal women dealing with hormone-related issues like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It’s also used for treating conditions like hypogonadism and growth hormone deficiency.
However, it’s not suitable for everyone. Its effectiveness depends on specific hormone levels in the body, and it may be inappropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions.

Preparation and Administration:

Before starting Ibutamoren injections, proper training on the administration technique is crucial to avoid complications.
Patients should be aware of potential side effects like headaches, nausea, and fatigue, and contact their healthcare provider if these occur.
It’s important to have all necessary supplies for the injection and to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.

Safety and Protocol:

Adherence to the recommended dosage, using sterile equipment, rotating injection sites, and monitoring hormone levels are key for safety and effectiveness.
Any side effects should be promptly addressed with medical attention.

Complementary Treatments:

Ibutamoren therapy’s effectiveness may be enhanced by combining it with other hormone treatments such as testosterone replacement, growth hormone therapy, and peptide therapy. These can further improve muscle mass, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of Ibutamoren therapy can vary depending on insurance coverage and specific treatment plans. Some insurance plans may cover a part of the treatment, while others may not.
Discussing potential costs with the healthcare provider is important to understand insurance coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses.

Sources

Lee J, Kwon A, Chae HW, Lee WJ, Kim TH, Kim HS. Effect of the Orally Active Growth Hormone Secretagogue MK-677 on Somatic Growth in Rats. Yonsei Med J. 2018 Dec;59(10):1174-1180. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2018.59.10.1174. PMID: 30450851; PMCID: PMC6240568.
Murphy MG, Weiss S, McClung M, Schnitzer T, Cerchio K, Connor J, Krupa D, Gertz BJ; MK-677/Alendronate Study Group. Effect of alendronate and MK-677 (a growth hormone secretagogue), individually and in combination, on markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Mar;86(3):1116-25. doi: 10.1210/jcem.86.3.7294. PMID: 11238495.

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When considering the use of supplements, it’s imperative to proceed with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor before beginning any supplement regimen to understand the potential benefits and risks, especially if you have existing health conditions.