What is MK-677? 

MK-677 is a substance that is associated with more discussions on online forums than actual clinical research. However, the research so far does support several benefits of ibutamoren, associated with its ability to increase growth hormone and IGF-1 levels. Read on to find out what these benefits are, whether MK-677 can help you, and how to deal with potential side effects.   (Buy Legal MK-677 powder)

9 Benefits of MK-677

1) MK-677 Helps Build Muscles

MK-677 is frequently used as an anabolic substance, to increase lean body mass i.e. create bigger muscles. It is orally active and can be taken once a day. These are all benefits compared to other growth hormone stimulators.

As previously mentioned, ibutamoren increases growth hormone levels and IGF-1. Both growth hormone and IGF-1, in turn, increase muscle mass, muscle strength, and reduce body fat

In healthy obese men, a two-month treatment with ibutamoren increased lean mass, and transiently increased basal metabolic rate (BMR)

2) MK-677 Reduce Muscle Wasting

In food-deprived healthy volunteers, ibutamoren reversed diet-induced protein loss, that could cause muscle wasting.

In elderly patients with hip fracture, ibutamoren improved gait speed, muscle strength and reduced the number of falls.

3) MK-677 Increases Bone Density

Growth hormone (GH) increases bone turnover and eventually bone density. However, because of the increased turnover in subjects treated with growth hormone, bone density can initially decrease before increasing. Basically, it takes time (> 1 year) to see the bone density increase.

In healthy obese male volunteers, ibutamoren increased bone turnover.

In elderly adults, ibutamoren increased bone building, as measured by osteocalcin, a marker of bone turnover.

In post-menopausal women, ibutamoren increased bone mineral density, which helps increase bone strength and prevent osteoporosis.

4) MK-677 Improves Sleep

A study showed that in both younger and elderly subjects, ibutamoren improved sleep quality and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep duration.

Apart from scientific studies, there have been many reports of subjective improvements in sleep quality, across various online forums.

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5) MK-677 Combats Aging and May Increase Longevity

Growth Hormone (GH) secretion and muscle mass both decline from mid-puberty throughout life.

In a study in the elderly, daily ibutamoren increased GH and IGF-1 levels to those of healthy young adults without serious adverse effects. IGF-1 is known to have beneficial effects on longevity.

In another study, ibutamoren rejuvenated the growth hormone profile in obese subjects.

6) MK-677 May Have Nootropic Effects

Some people use ibutamoren as a nootropic because it acts on the ghrelin receptor, which has nootropic effects. You can read more about these effects in the post on ghrelin. Science is, however, yet to study if and how ibutamoren affects cognitive performance.

Two indirect mechanisms by which ibutamoren can improve brain function:

Ibutamoren increases IGF-1, which is known to improve memory and learning [R, R].
Ibutamoren also increases REM sleep duration and sleep quality [R]. And we know that sleep is essential for good cognitive function [R].
A study questioned the association of low IGF-1 and Alzheimer’s disease, and whether ibutamoren could be of help. However, in this study, ibutamoren was ineffective at slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s in humans.

7) MK-677 is Beneficial in Treating Growth Hormone Deficiency

Ibutamoren can increase growth hormone, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 levels in children with growth hormone deficiency. Furthermore, these effects are achieved without changing the concentrations of prolactin, glucose, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyrotropin, cortisol or insulin.

In severely GH-deficient men, ibutamoren increased IGF-1 and growth hormone, with no significant changes in cortisol, PRL, and thyroid hormone levels. However, insulin and glucose were increased.

8) MK-677 May Help with Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration

Growth hormone increases tissue regeneration and wound healing, so ibutamoren may help with these.

There are individual reports of ibutamoren being helpful, but scientific studies are lacking.

9) MK-677 May Help with Hangovers

This one is anecdotal, but people report curing hangovers with ibutamoren.

MK-677 Side Effects

The most frequent side effects of ibutamoren are an increase in appetite and transient, mild lower extremity edema and muscle pain [R].

Several studies report an increase in fasting blood glucose and a decrease in insulin sensitivity.

These side effects are similar to those observed in people with elevated growth hormone levels, mainly joint pain and insulin resistance.

Although most studies report little or no side effects, one study was terminated because of serious adverse events. In elderly patients with hip fracture, ibutamoren elevated blood pressure, blood glucose and HbA1c, and there were cases of congestive heart failure [R]. The patients experiencing congestive heart failure were over 80 and had a history of prior heart failure.

It would be prudent to watch your carbohydrate intake and regularly check blood sugar and insulin levels while taking ibutamoren.

As an anabolic, ibutamoren should be avoided if you have cancer. Both growth hormone and IGF-1 may promote cancer growth.