But many scientists are intrigued by its effect on aging bodies. Carefully conducted studies in people who are deficient in growth hormone have now shown definite significant improvement in well being in a variety of ways. At the National Institute on Aging, Doctor Marc Blackman recently conducted one of the largest studies to date. I really believe that you have the blood vessels of a person much younger. A group of patients, all 65 or older, were given growth hormone injections for six months.
Preliminary results are mixed.
Researchers found that growth hormone decreases fat, increases muscle mass and lowers cholesterol. But there were also side effects. Many patients complained of fluid retention, as well as joint pain and muscle aches, symptoms that disappeared when the dose was lowered. Now the big challenge is finding the right dose. One of the things that we've learned is that less is more, that we can get as much benefit and fewer side effects by giving less.