You may know it by the code MK-677, or you may know it as Ibutamoren—or you may not know it at all. For the uninitiated, MK-677 is a drug that can stimulate production of the growth hormone (GH) as well as insulin growth-factor 1, which is handily abbreviated to IGF-1.
Okay, great… but what does that actually mean?
Well—strap in for a quick biology lesson. The growth hormone, surprise surprise, enables your muscles to grow. MK677 mimics the action of your body’s natural hunger hormone, ghrelin, by binding itself to your brain’s ghrelin receptors, which causes a release of growth hormone.
MK 677 is able to increase, through the process detailed above, your body’s levels of growth hormone. However, it does this without increasing other hormones, such as cortisol, the stress hormone, which could potentially cause anxiety.
So far, so good. But what about MK 677 dosage and side effects? Let’s go into more detail.
MK-677: The benefits
Although we’d advise against the usage of MK 677, it’s only fair that we go through the benefits of it first of all.
MK 677 is a SARM—that is, a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator. SARMS have similar effects to anabolic steroids, however, they generally have fewer androgenic qualities, which means they produce fewer typically male characteristics as a side effect.
What are some MK 677 benefits?
Muscle growth
MK 677 is often used as an anabolic substitute in order to increase lean muscle mass. You take your MK 677 dose in pill form, once per day – and by stimulating the production of your growth hormone, it can cause you to gain muscle faster.
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Studies have shown MK 677 to be effective in muscle building. They’ve also found that injections of MK 677 given to 60 year old participants found an increase in the strength of their thigh muscles, although of course, the results of this will vary depending on the individual’s age, workout intensity, health, etc.
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Fat loss
A study into obese men over two months found that, while taking MK 677, they received a boost to their resting metabolic rate. A higher basal metabolic rate (or BMR) leads to increased fat loss and lean muscle gain. However, it should be noted that this study is a very small sample size, and therefore isn’t representative of the entire population as other factors could be at play.
Improved bone density
A handful of experiments have found that using MK 677 long-term can lead to greatly increased density of bone minerals. Consequently, the drug has proven useful for sections of people with issues relating to bone density, such as the elderly, people who are obese, and menopausal women.
Studies have been done on each of these groups—again with small sample sizes, admittedly—and have found success in increasing bone density.
Better sleep quality
It is not known precisely why MK 677 increases sleep quality, however, it’s suspected that it’s because of the elevated growth hormone levels it causes. Growth hormone is confirmed as improving sleep quality.
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There is much anecdotal evidence alongside the scientific studies to support this particular MK 677 benefit.
Anti-ageing properties
Growth hormone, like many other processes in our bodies, hits a decline as we age. People who are elderly can therefore take MK 677 to increase their production of growth hormone and slow some effects of the aging process.
Increasing levels of growth hormone in this manner can have a knock-on effect, upping the production of other important hormones in succession.
Potential increase in cognitive function
Because using MK 677 results in similar effects to the hunger hormone ghrelin on the brain, it’s believed that the drug may also increase cognitive function, as with ghrelin.
Another theory of why MK 677 seems to cause improved cognitive function is because of the increase in sleep quality, which is absolutely vital for a healthy brain and body. One study even found that increased levels of IGF-1, which is generated by usage of MK 677, led to participants getting better scores on cognitive tests.
Treats growth hormone deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency is sometimes known as dwarfism, or pituitary dwarfism, and is caused primarily by a lack of growth hormone within the body. It can be present from birth, or it can be developed after birth.
Using MK 677, or Ibutamoren, can treat this condition by increasing growth hormone levels in children. A bonus is that it manages to treat growth hormone deficiency without also increasing hormones such as cortisol and insulin, which could lead to negative effects.
Used in adults with growth hormone deficiency, similar results have been found, however, these were alongside increases in insulin and glucose, which are undesirable.
MK 677 side effects
The side effects of MK 677 aren’t as severe as some other SARMs and anabolic steroids, however, they’re definitely worth knowing, as they can vary a lot from person to person.
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Individuals particularly at risk when taking MK 677 are people who are diabetic, and people sensitive to insulin, as symptoms may be increased through usage. In order to minimise MK-677 side effects, achieving the correct dosage is important.
Most of the following side effects have been caused by extended use, or improper dosage:
– Increased appetite
– Exhaustion
– Painful joints
– Resistance to insulin (which can lead to fat gain)
– Increase in prolactin levels
Other side effects include:
– Tingling in hands and fingers
– High blood sugar levels
– Water retention and bloating
How long does it take for MK 677 to start working?
It’s a fast-acting drug, and begins working almost immediately. After ingestion of the first daily pill, growth hormone levels will increase rapidly, and results may be noticeable in a minor way after the first week.
This is an early boost due to water retention in your muscles, and nitrogen retention, however, rather than a lasting, permanent result.
MK 677: The bottom line
Like most SARMs MK 677 has some benefits, but they come at a price.
Some of the benefits of MK 677 certainly seem alluring, such as an increase in lean muscle and fat loss. However, it’s down to you as an individual to weigh up the cost/benefit ratio, when the downsides are exhaustion, out of control hunger, joint pain, and potential insulin resistance.
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