Ibutamoren, also known as Nutrobal, is a popular product used to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance. It is often mistaken as a SARM, but it is actually a growth hormone secretagogue. Ibutamoren works by stimulating the body’s natural production of human growth hormone (HGH). This leads to increased muscle mass and improved physical performance.
Additionally, MK-677 has been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. All of these benefits make Ibutamoren an attractive option for athletes and bodybuilders who want to maximize their results in the gym, as well as for those people in general, who are interested in anti-aging benefits.
What is MK 677
Ibutamoren, commonly known as MK 677, is not a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) as some people may think. Rather, it is a growth hormone secretagogue, meaning it stimulates the production of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in the body.
There are a number of benefits associated with taking Ibutamoren, such as a decrease in body fat, an increase in muscle mass, improved skin, hair and nail quality, and better sleep.
How does MK 677 work?
MK 677 is a hormone secretagogue, which encourages the body to produce more natural growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). It works by mimicking the hunger hormone, ghrelin, and activating the growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-R) in the brain.
Studies have shown that when these receptors are activated, appetite increases and the pituitary gland produces more human growth hormone (HGH). This helps to counteract the low blood sugar levels often experienced when fasting.
MK 677 triggers the GHS-R by mimicking ghrelin, resulting in a boost in natural HGH production. Studies have shown that taking MK 677 orally can raise GH levels within 30-40 minutes, and the effects can last for several hours. This means that GH levels can be increased to a similar level to when we were teenagers.
Teenagers can still benefit from taking MK 677, as it can lead to a slight increase in growth if they have not yet finished growing.
It should be noted, however, that MK 677 is much weaker than the growth hormone therapy that people with a deficiency in growth hormone receive through shots. Rather than obtaining the hormone through shots, MK 677 encourages the body to produce more of its own growth hormone.
How well is MK 677 researched?
MK 677 has been extensively studied and has been the subject of multiple clinical trials, both in humans and animals. Although it has not yet been approved by the FDA, it is currently in clinical trials and the results of these studies have been highly encouraging. Ultimately, this means that MK 677 is a very well-researched compound and its efficacy has been demonstrated through numerous scientific studies.
Is MK 677 legal?
It is important to know if Ibutamoren, also known as MK 677, is legal to purchase and use? Generally speaking, it is legal to buy for research purposes and use this compound all over the world, except for Australia, where it is a Schedule 4 prescription-only compound.
It is important to note that competitive athletes in professional sports are not allowed to use MK 677 due to the unfair advantages it provides.
MK 677 dosage and cycle length
Most people report positive results from taking Ibutamoren (MK 677) daily in doses of 10-25mg. It can take some time for the increased growth hormone levels to take effect, which is why it is best to use this supplement for an extended period of time.
A common cycle length is 16 weeks, followed by a 5 week break before repeating. Some people take Ibutamoren for years without taking a break. Studies have not found any significant side effects from long-term use.
For best results, it is suggested that a cycle of 16-20 weeks is followed, with a break of at least 5 weeks afterwards. This is the most common cycle length and has been found to have the best results with few side effects.
A good example of a MK 677 cycle would be 20mg a day for 16-20 weeks, followed by a break of 5 weeks.
Why is MK 677 popular?
The appeal of MK-677 lies in its convenience and affordability as compared to other Growth Hormone Stimulants (GHS) or Human Growth Hormone (HGH) treatments. Rather than the need for daily injections, MK-677 is an oral, non-peptide HGH stimulant.
Unfortunately, the product is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and there is limited research regarding its safety and effectiveness. Furthermore, it is only available to purchase only from selected pharmacies and without any assurance of its contents or potential risks.
MK-677 Side Effects
Taking high doses of Ibutamoren (MK-677) may potentially increase the risk of side effects such as increased appetite, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. The long-term safety of these doses, however, is still unknown due to the lack of studies and the unapproved status of MK-677.
Some trials have reported serious conditions such as congestive heart failure among older adults, even with doses of 25 mg a day. In addition, there are potential concerns that long-term use of Ibutamoren may increase sensitivity to chronic stress.
The most common side effect of MK-677 is increased appetite due to the triggering of ghrelin receptors, although this effect tends to fade with prolonged use.
Other short-term effects may include transient elevation of cortisol, prolactin, and leptin levels, as well as an increase in thyroid hormones after 1-2 months of therapy. MK-677 may also lead to decreased total testosterone levels, but without affecting free testosterone levels.
The potential side effects of long-term use of MK-677 may include muscle pain, water retention, increased blood sugar, and increased insulin resistance.
In addition, there is a risk of counterfeit, diluted, and contaminated products due to its illegal status. Many sellers wrongly label MK-677 as a SARM (selective androgen receptor modulator), a class of drugs with similar anabolic properties to anabolic steroids and many mistakenly consider HGH to be a steroid (which they are not).
Can MK-677 cause heart problems?
In a trial involving individuals over the age of 60, it was shown that those taking Ibutamoren had a significant increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those on a placebo.
While this increase in blood pressure is a risk factor for myocardial hypertrophy and an enlarged heart, there is no evidence that Ibutamoren can cause such a condition.
Additionally, four people in the Ibutamoren group developed congestive heart failure, compared to only one in the control group. Furthermore, while Ibutamoren may raise blood pressure, it has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
MK-677 and brain damage
The long-term use of MK-677 has sparked some concerns due to its potential effects on brain health. Animal studies have indicated that chronic activation of the ghrelin receptors may increase the brain’s sensitivity to stress. These studies have found that animals exposed to chronically elevated ghrelin levels experienced an increase in fear-related behaviors.
However, clinical studies involving human participants have not reported any increased levels of stress or anxiety.
In addition, animal studies suggest that MK-677 may be beneficial for neurogenesis in the hippocampus. However, a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease failed to show any protective effect from the secretagogue.
Overall, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits associated with long-term use of MK-677.
MK-677 and libido and erectile dysfunction
Researchers have shown that Ibutamoren is a hormone-regulating agent that stimulates the production of both prolactin and cortisol. Although increased levels of prolactin can reduce libido in both men and women, as well as causing infertility and erectile dysfunction in men, clinical research conducted on elderly populations has not reported any higher levels of sexual dysfunction or infertility compared to those taking a placebo.
MK-677 and hair growth
Research has indicated that taking Ibutamoren can have a positive effect on IGF-1 levels, which can potentially lead to several positive outcomes. An increase in IGF-1 levels could result in more rapid hair growth, as well as improved hair strength due to the increased production of collagen.
MK-677 has also been linked to improved skin thickness, although there is no conclusive evidence from clinical trials that Ibutamoren can cause a change in skin thickness, hair growth, or hair loss.
MK-677, water retention and bloating
Ibutamoren has been known to cause water retention due to its effects on HGH levels, leading to swollen hands and feet. Studies show that bloating and water retention affects around 2% of people taking 25 mg of Ibutamoren a day, and this number is likely to increase with higher doses.
Additionally, Ibutamoren may also cause bloating due to increased food intake, as it stimulates appetite.
Furthermore, the combination of increased IGF-1 levels, water retention, and increased food intake may increase the risk of a condition called “bubble gut” or Palumboism, which is common among bodybuilders taking multiple PEDs. This condition is characterized by an overly lean physique with a bulging and dilated abdomen.
When to expect results from Ibutamoren?
Ibutamoren, or MK-677, is a drug that is known to stimulate ghrelin receptors and lead to an increase in human growth hormone production. Although this effect is immediate, it often takes two weeks before any body composition changes can be observed and up to two months before the effects are visibly noticeable.
In clinical settings, ibutamoren is typically taken in the morning; however, bodybuilders often take it at night to avoid an increase in hunger throughout the day.
How do users review MK-677?
MK-677 users have reported various positive results from using the medication, such as quicker recovery from exercise, an increase in muscle pump, and improved sleep.
Some users have also reported that using MK-677 has helped them heal from sports injuries, such as those to the joints and tendons.
However, the results of MK-677 on muscle gain, fat gain and water retention can be unpredictable due to the fact that it is not regulated and manufacturers can dilute it or add different substances.
Common side effects reported by users of MK-677 include headaches, increased hunger, sugar cravings, sleepiness and water retention.
To try and avoid any extra weight gain, users generally recommend taking MK-677 in the evening when its sleep-promoting effects are at their peak.
Alternatively, when undergoing legal HGH therapy, a medical doctor will monitor the user’s results and the possible side effects. Any potential concerns can be addressed and changes can be made in order to ensure the treatment is effective and safe.
References
- Ibutamoren – Wikipedia: Ibutamoren, also known as MK-677, is a drug that acts as a potent, long-acting, orally-active, selective, and non-peptide agonist of the ghrelin receptor and a growth hormone secretagogue, mimicking the growth hormone-stimulating action of the endogenous hormone ghrelin. It has been demonstrated to increase the release of, and produces sustained increases in plasma levels of several hormones including growth hormone and IGF-1, but without affecting cortisol levels.
- MK-677 Ibutamoren Growth Hormone Secretagogue – Outlook India: MK-677, also known as Ibutamoren, is a growth hormone secretagogue that can increase levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the body without significant side effects. It’s used by bodybuilders for muscle growth, by the elderly for anti-aging benefits, and is being researched for its potential to treat growth hormone deficiency and bone density issues.
- Endocrine Abstracts: The study presented on this page investigates the effects of MK-677, a growth hormone secretagogue, on the body composition of obese males. The results indicate that MK-677 can increase fat-free mass but does not significantly affect total body fat.
- NCBI Article: This research article discusses the effects of MK-677, a growth hormone secretagogue, on muscle wasting in older adults. The study found that MK-677 improves muscle mass and strength, suggesting it may be useful in treating conditions that cause muscle wasting.