Human growth hormone has been marketed widely as an anti-aging treatment. Although the FDA has repeatedly taken regulatory action against certain distributors, unsubstantiated claims for HGH treatment continue to be made and it continues to be sold illegaly.

Now a Stanford University report published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine says that there is no proof that human growth hormone prevents aging but there is proof it can cause some serious side effects.

Use of human growth hormone could cause joint swelling and pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and increase your risk of developing diabetes. In studies, HGH did not increase bone density or lower cholesterol and use of HGH treatment resulted in an increase of less than 5 pounds of muscle mass and a decrease in the same amount of fat - results you could achieve through regular exercise.

HGH is prescribed by doctors for only two conditions: the wasting syndrome caused by AIDS and growth hormone deficiency.

For more information:

Researchers: No Proof That Human Growth Hormone Extends Life Span

Growth Hormone Schemes and Scams