Is MK677 a real miracle?
MK677 known as Ibutamoren is a well-known compound in Sports and Nutrition industry. People have acknowledged great results while using ibutamoren but there is a lot of articles about its “darkside”. Are there any side effects? Is it a perfect supplement for quick results? Or is it just needless supplement that is “not working”. Read this blog post to find out.
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Contents
What is MK677?
MK-677 can be also called Ibutamoren or Nutrabol. It is a very popular compound on the market that boosts growth hormone. There are even more advantages of this product that will be described later in this article. If you like the more chemical stuff, then the next paragraph was written for you.
Ibutamoren (developmental code names MK-677, MK-0677, L-163,191; former tentative brand name Oratrope) is a potent, long-acting, orally-active, selective, and non-peptideagonist of the ghrelin receptor and a growth hormone secretagogue, mimicking the growth hormone (GH)-stimulating action of the endogenoushormoneghrelin. It has been shown to increase the secretion of several hormones including GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and produces sustained increases in the plasma levels of these hormones without affecting cortisol levels.
Ibutamoren is frequently displayed in the SARMS category, however, MK-677 is not a Sarm. It usually works better with the Sarms and that is why it is sold as a Sarm to be more clear. Just like for example Stenabolic.
One of the most notable claims made about Ibutamoren is that it can increase the secretion of growth factors-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH).
It does this by imitating the way the ghrelin hormone works. This allows it to bind onto one of the brain’s dedicated ghrelin receptors (GHSR). Once activated, GHSR then stimulates the production of the growth hormone in the brain.
| Compound Profile: | Recommended Dosage: | CAS Number: | Half-life: |
| MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | 10 to 20mg per day | 159634-47-6 | 6 hours |
It’s interesting to note that GHSR is especially present in the brain regions. This region functions like memory, biological rhythms, mood, pleasure, appetite, and cognition.
Therefore, among all benefits, the most interesting is how MK-677 supporting the growth hormone.
To better understand how MK-677 supports the GH, we will have a look at human growth hormone and what it is responsible for.
Human Growth hormone
Growth hormone release is not continuous; it is released in a number of ‘bursts’ or pulses every three to five hours. This release is controlled by two other hormones that are released from the hypothalamus (a part of the brain): growth hormone-releasing hormone, which stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone, and somatostatin, which inhibits that release.
Growth hormone levels are increased by sleep, stress, exercise and low glucose levels in the blood. They also increase around the time of puberty. Growth hormone release is lowered in pregnancy and if the brain senses high levels of growth hormone or insulin-like growth factors already in the blood.
So, now we know that growth hormone is responsible for growth in the whole body and not only muscles.
Naturally, MK677 may have an effect on these functions as well, whether it’s to increase or diminish them.
What makes MK-677 so unique is the fact that it can increase GH levels. But it does not disrupt the action of other hormones in your body such as cortisol which was found on numerous websites about MK-677.
If it was influencing other hormones such as cortisol, it could result in side effects. However, there have not been found any side effects when it comes to MK-677! These would include reduced immune function, impaired wound healing and a diminished ability to learn and memorize information and even more. Thankfully, that’s unlikely to happen with Ibutamoren. There is a study proving that cortisol has not been significantly changed.
A potent, orally active growth hormone (GH) secretagogue L-163,191 belonging to a recently synthesized structural class has been characterized. L-163,191 releases GH from rat pituitary cells in culture with EC50 = 1.3 +/- 0.09 nM and is mechanistically indistinguishable from the GH-releasing peptide GHRP-6 and the prototypical nonpeptide GH secretagogue L-692,429 but clearly distinguishable from the natural GH secretagogue, GH-releasing hormone. L-163,191 elevates GH in dogs after oral doses as low as 0.125 mg/kg and was shown to be specific in its release of GH without significant effect on plasma levels of aldosterone, luteinizing hormone, thyroxine, and prolactin after oral administration of 1 mg/kg. Only modest increases in cortisol were observed. Based on these properties, L-163,191 has been selected for clinical studies.
How does MK-677 work?
As mentioned, MK-677 works by imitating the activity of ghrelin. In case you’re wondering, ghrelin is a naturally occurring hormone.
It functions as a neuropeptide in the central nervous system. Mostly, this hormone is known for its ability to stimulate a ravenous appetite! That is why some people might get hungry after using the compound. It MIGHT also mean that the product is high quality and it really contains what it should.
This is in addition to the regulation of energy distribution in the body. It also affects the way our bodies metabolise fat. It can also influence our ability to recover from conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
When taken on its own, MK-677 has the potential to boost HGH production without disturbing other hormones as it was mentioned in the study with cortisol. Users also like the fact that Ibutamoren doesn’t suppress the body’s existing levels of growth hormones and testosterone, which is a huge bonus considering the benefits. As it does not suppress testosterone, you do not have to be worried about using post cycle therapy (PCT) as it does not affect your natural testosterone.
Benefits of MK-677
1. Promotes Muscle Growth
Ibutamoren taken orally once daily has anabolic benefits that promote an increase in lean body mass.
This results in greater muscle mass for individuals who supplement with Ibutamoren, and also gives benefits to users that are often not available in competing growth hormone stimulators.
Multiple studies have demonstrated both the muscle-building and fat-reducing qualities of the growth hormone that are activated by Ibutamoren.
In one of these studies, conducted at the University of Rochester in New York, a study of healthy 60-year-olds given growth hormone injections for three months resulted in an overall increase in lean body mass, and a significant increase in the strength of thigh muscles.
A similar study, this one conducted at the Division of Endocrinology in Seoul, Korea, observed the effect of growth hormone treatments when paired with dietary restrictions in two male and 22 female subjects ranging in age from 22 to 46 years old.
The 12-week study resulted in a greater loss of total and visceral fat for subjects given growth hormone treatments than those given placebo.
The growth hormone group also enjoyed increases in lean body mass and an improved nitrogen balance.
The study concluded that for obese subjects given a low-calorie diet, growth hormone treatments result in the accelerated fat loss, produce anabolic effects, and improve growth hormone secretion.
The findings suggest that paired with a low-calorie diet, growth hormone treatments have therapeutic effects for treating obesity.
2. MK-677 May Help Decrease Muscle Wasting
MK-677 has shown in recent studies to alleviate muscle wasting that can be caused by a decline in protein within an individual’s diet. In one study, a group of healthy young adults was tested to determine if MK-677 could reverse protein catabolism and the results proved to be quite positive. As a result, MK-677 is theorized to possibly be an effective treatment for individuals who suffer from catabolic conditions. The positive effects of MK-677 were seen in older individuals in regards to the function that can be negatively affected by muscle wasting. A study determined that MK-677 improved power when climbing stairs, increased gait speed, and lowered number of falls in older adults who previously suffered from hip fractures. It should be noted that this study had to be stopped early due to heart failure in a few patients in the study, and this must be researched further when treating older individuals with MK-677.
In order to gain the appropriate amount of muscle and strength, bodybuilders have to eat more than the average individual. Their protein intake has to be especially high depending on how much size they want to gain. Since MK-677 stimulates the body’s appetite by mimicking ghrelin, bodybuilders should increase the amount of food (and protein) they intake while going through their regimen. The increase in protein intake will prevent muscle wasting since the protein intake will be at an adequate level.
3. Positive Effect on Sleep
Though unclear how, or to what extent, it has long been known that growth hormone plays a role in the regulation of sleep patterns.
The Center for the Study of Biological Rhythms in Brussels, Belgium devised a study intended to answer lingering questions regarding MK-677’s effect on sleep patterns in human subjects.
Eight younger adults aged 18-30, along with six older adults with ages ranging from 65-71, were selected for the double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
In the younger patients, there was a 50% increase in stage four sleep and a 20% increase in REM sleep for subjects given MK-677, when compared to subjects that were given the placebo.
Also, deviations from normal sleep occurred at a rate of only 8% in the study for the younger patients given MK-677, while the placebo group deviated from normal sleep at a rate of 42%.
The older patients treated with MK677 gained a 50% increase in REM sleep, as well as a decrease in the time it took for patients to fall into a deep sleep.
Frequencies for normal sleep deviations also saw a decrease in older patients.
The findings of the study suggest that MK677 usage can improve sleep quality, while at the same time correcting age-related decline in growth hormone levels.
Critics have complained that the results of one study are not proof enough of MK-677’s potential role in improving sleep quality, but researchers remain optimistic.
4. Longevity
Once we’re done with puberty, the body’s GH secretion levels decline drastically. However, taking MK-677 can remedy this problem because it can increase IGF-1 and GH levels.
This is based on a double-blind randomized controlled trial study which was conducted with 65 elderly men. The participants were given a daily dose of MK677 and showed increased GH levels afterward.
Yet another double-blind randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 24 obese males and it showed the same positive results.
5. Nootropic Effects
Since Ibutamoren can stimulate the ghrelin receptor, it may cause nootropic effects as well. With that said, there’s no empirical evidence to suggest that the compound has any effects on cognitive performance.
What we do know is that MK-677 can help improve brain function by indirectly influencing two mechanisms, namely:
- Through the increase of IGF-1 which helps boost learning ability and memory retention
- Through improved quantity and quality of REM sleep. Sleep is vital to ensuring optimal cognitive function.
A multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial study conducted with Alzheimer’s patients tried to determine the compound’s effect on this disease. Unfortunately, the results were inconclusive, so no cure for Alzheimer’s yet.
6. Increases bone density
Ibutamoren (mk677) was shown to increase the bone density in elderly group of people compare to placebo by 29% which is crazy. The group was taking on average about 20mg every day over a few weeks.
7. Healing
With increased growth hormone levels in your body, your body’s potential tor rebuild your damaged tissue and heal wounds will be improved.
Therefore, the benefits of using MK677 when it concerns wound healing are remarkable. But, this specific benefit is shown on anecdotal evidence instead of scientific study.
And even more
There have been found a lot of benefits other than the ones mentioned such as MK677 for healing. There has been done a ton of studies that prove them. However, you have to note that as with every SARMS supplements, even MK-677 was tested on animals, which makes many times the issue when it comes to using MK-677. It is still a new product and therefore not a lot of research on humans. However, it is sold in supplement shops in the UK and it is completely legal to use and many people noticed positive changes proving that listed benefits are real benefits.
MK-677 dosage
MK677 is mostly available in a capsule form. It’s recommended to take orally in daily dosages up to 25 mg. It’s up to you to split the dosage or take it all at once. It was also found while looking on the research that injection of MK-677 might be more effective. The half life of MK 677 is roughly 24 hours, which means dosing once a day is sufficient.
There are a lot of users who take a higher dosage. We wouldn’t recommend you try that as higher dosages could expose you to serious adverse side effects that would not occur normally as with every other product.
It’s important that you start slow and slowly increase your dosage. So, for example, you can start off with 10mg of MK677 a day and up the dosage to 20-25mg a day, that is a maximum. Beginners can start the first 7 days with half of the dosage to make the body used to the new compound.
MK677 Cycle Example:
| Length: | Amount: |
| 8 weeks+ | 10 to 20mg per day |
MK677 side effects
Comprehensive clinical testing is required to determine the side effects of a drug, and ibutamoren has not undergone such testing. Thus, ibutamoren may have other (potentially severe) side effects which have not yet been discovered.
Although, athletes have reported increased appetite, muscle pain and increased water retention. Usually, you know when MK677 is working, once your appetite increases. That is why MK677 is preffered in bulking season. Other than that, no side effects have been indentified. So, is MK677 safe to use? It is, but due to lack of research, you should not be taking more than 20mg dose per day.
How to buy MK-677 (IBUTAMOREN)
It’s important that you buy MK677 from a reputable source. A lot of vendors are known to underdose their products. We supply our MK677 from the distributors that are producing high quality supplements and people are satisfied with them as for example: Metablack MK677, VST MK677 or TWP MK677. All of them are pretty much the same. The price differs due to the brand difference and also the amount of MK per capsule. Some of them are stronger and some weaker. We will make an article about how to choose MK677 in the future.
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