Arginine and Growth Hormone


 

Hi, I am 23 years old and 5 foot 6 inches.  I would like to increase my height and have heard that Arginine can work to boost HGH levels.  Will taking it as a supplement increase my height?

 

 I am afraid not.  At age 23, whether you are male or female, most of the growth in your long bones is complete.  Growth plates in your bones are the main stimulators for bone elongation and are most likely completely inactive at this point in your life.  Increasing HGH (Human Growth Hormone) levels will only stimulate growth of bones in a person whose growth plates are still active.  

It is known that taking Arginine supplements can stimulate an increase in HGH.  For this effect, it is best to take the arginine at night before bed because this is when arginine levels rise the most.  Although I would never recommend it for an adult or child in an attempt to grow taller, it can be valuable for competitive athletes and older men and women. 

You see, growth hormone peaks at around age 30 and steadily declines from there.  Taking an arginine supplement at night can help to stimulate HGH release which in turn can help keep muscles, skin, bone and brain in better shape.  Now, the best way to naturally boost HGH levels is through exercise.  The more intense the exercise is, the greater the spike in HGH levels.  This is one of the reasons why many people who are committed to a lifelong form of exercise seem to age very well versus a person who leads a sedentary lifestyle.  

As mentioned earlier, athletes can also benefit from taking arginine.  HGH is needed to stimulate muscle development and growth.  So if proper supplementation is combined with the right exercise routine it can help facilitate the strengthening of muscles thus improving performance. 

As a word of warning, any person with chronic herpes outbreaks should be careful when taking arginine.  The herpes virus (particularly the one associated with genital herpes) can be stimulated by high doses of arginine which may trigger more frequent outbreaks.  If you are considering taking it and have a herpes related condition, monitor yourself carefully.  

In health,

Dr. Passero



Back to all Questions     View More by Dr. Kevin Passero

Lead Medical Director

As a certified and fully trained Naturopathic Doctor, Passero has trained and preceptored with some of the nation's leading doctors in the field of natural medicine, working under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. Furthermore, he is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

View Profile


The products and the claims made about specific products on Vitabase.com have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided by Vitabase is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on Vitabase.com for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Neither Vitabase nor Dr Passero will be liable for negative outcomes of supplements that are taken as a result of information given on Vitabase.com.