Ibutamoren (MK-677): Benefits and Other Things to Know

You may have come across discussions, especially online, about MK-677, which is also known as ibutamoren. Such often centers on its “amazing” benefits. A good number of those in the bodybuilding circle already know about this substance. This shouldn’t be surprising really because people who are interested in muscle mass building often experiment with a variety of compounds. MK-677 Ibutamoren

There is research showing that MK-677 can indeed be beneficial. However, some people even associate more benefits to this substance than what studies have shown. Continue reading to learn about the confirmed benefits and other things worth knowing about the substance.

MK-677 and Growth Hormone Production

Also referred to as ibutamoren mesylate, MK-677 is a drug that is usually targeted at people who desire to increase their growth hormone levels. The non-peptidic, long-acting agent is a selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor. Ibutamoren not only causes plasma levels of HGH to increase, but also those of other hormones, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).

MK-677 binds to ghrelin receptor, also known as growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), in the brain. When the receptor is activated, production of growth hormone increases. This means this drug imitates the action of the endogenous hormone ghrelin in the secretion of HGH. Expectedly, it also increases IGF-1 levels.

For this reason, many people consider ibutamoren as a great alternative to growth hormone injections, which are usually more expensive. An interesting quality of this drug that you may find particularly appealing is that it is orally active. This makes it unlike an average ghrelin mimetic that gets damaged by stomach acids and so needs to be injected.

Another thing about MK-677 that some people have highlighted is that it does its job without causing a surge in cortisol levels. This steroid hormone, when present in high levels, contributes to a number of health issues, including weakened immune system and poor mental health.

A popular brand name of ibutamoren is Nutrobal.

What Benefits Can You Get From MK-677?

Anti-Aging

If you are conversant with the topic of growth hormone, you will know by now that it is critical in the again process. People typically experience a decline in the levels of this naturally occurring substance as people get older. It is said that this is a factor in the appearance of physical aging signs, such as wrinkles. Low HGH levels may also contribute to a number of age-related medical issues.

With its ability to improve growth hormone levels, ibutamoren may help to prevent premature aging. It could improve the likelihood of graceful aging.

Bodybuilding

People who desire to add lean muscle mass may find MK-677 useful. It is believed that some bodybuilders use it as an anabolic agent. Some research does show that it can indeed help to improve muscles. In one study, ibutamoren produced an increase in lean body mass, although there was no change in visceral or total fat mass.

The drug may be used to deal with protein loss that can result from your choice of diet. This means it can help to prevent muscle wasting that could arise from this.

Better Athletic Performance

It is not uncommon to find athletes using substances that are popular among bodybuilders for performance enhancement. From this perspective, it is not a surprise to learn that athletes also use MK-677 to boost performance.

You may be aware that growth hormone is a banned substance in most sports because it confers undue advantage. Ibutamoren offers a safer way of enjoying HGH benefits with less concern over possibility of being caught. This is explains why some athletes use it.

As it is, it is hard to detect growth hormone in blood samples. But it is even harder when it comes to MK-677. The fact that it merely improves natural growth hormone production makes it less suspicious.

Improved Sleep Quality

One of the benefits of growth hormone is that it can help you sleep better. It stands to reason then that you may expect improvement in the quality of your sleep when you have optimal levels. You may have heard it said that it is normal to sleep less as you get older. This is not necessarily true. Low HGH levels seem to play a role in this.

Therefore, you can hope to enjoy more restful sleep with MK-677, considering how it boosts your growth hormone levels. Research shows that it improves quality and helps you get the best of rapid eye movement (REM) phase of your sleep. This can further enhance natural GH production.

Faster Healing

Here is yet another reason why athletes and bodybuilders seem to be drawn to ibutamoren. It helps wounds and injuries to heal faster, compared to when you have low HGH levels. The drug can promote tissue regeneration, a crucial part of natural healing and repair process.

Greater Bone Density

The elderly will especially find it interesting that MK-677 may contribute to improve bone density. By stimulating growth hormone production, it enhances bone turnover and mineral density. It may take some time to notice improvement, though.

With this promised effect, one can expect ibutamoren to help deal with the problem of feeble and brittle bones. This is good news to the elderly who are the ones usually affected by these issues. It shows impressive potential for the treatment of frailty in the elderly. Increased bone density helps to guard against fractures, which older persons are highly susceptible to.

Mental Boost

There is claim that MK-677 can help to slow decline in mental capacity that one may experience as years roll by. The basis of this claim appears to be the fact that it binds to the ghrelin receptor. IGF-1, the hormone which mediates growth hormone activity, increases in response to this drug. This is known to enhance mental health.

While it is thought that ibutamoren can be beneficial to cognitive function, evidence shows that it is not likely to help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in affected individuals.

Side Effects of MK-677

As is the case with most drugs, ibutamoren does have potential for side effects. These are comparable to what you experience from the use of synthetic growth hormone. After all, the substance is an HGH secretagogue.

The most common side effect appears to be edema (swelling or fluid retention) in lower extremity. Another is muscle or joint pain. Researchers have also reported a rise in fasting blood glucose and a drop in insulin sensitivity due to MK-677. It is therefore important to check your blood glucose and insulin levels regularly when using.

Adverse reactions from the use of the drug can be more serious than the ones mentioned above. Its use reportedly led to elevated blood pressure and instances of congestive heart failure.

The potential for cell proliferation, from the growth hormone angle, means anyone with cancer needs to steer clear of this substance. It can accelerate cancer growth.

One thing that is clear about MK-677 is that it offers a great way of boosting growth hormone levels. It may serve as a safer and more accessible alternative to costly HGH injections. Its benefits are mostly tied to the ability to naturally stimulate growth hormone production.

It will be to your advantage to speak with your doctor before using the selective ghrelin receptor agonist.

REFERENCES

Ibutamoren - Wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibutamoren

Ibutamoren (MK-677) - Top 9 Benefits and Side Effects - Selfhacked (https://selfhacked.com/blog/ibutamoren/)

Ibutamoren (MK-677): Fountain of Youth or Red Herring? (http://www.brainprotips.com/mk-677-butamoren/)