What you need to know about MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

MK-677 has gotten plenty of attention for its claims about promoting muscle growth, better sleep and enhanced recovery. But here’s what you need to know about the substance and its impact on your health.

What is MK-677? 

MK-677 is a small molecule that stimulates the production of human growth hormone (hGH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The effects of MK-677 are similar to peptides that increase hGH levels, but MK-677 can be taken orally as a powder, tablet or liquid, whereas peptides need to be injected.

The increases in hGH and IGF-1 levels cause changes in body composition, such as muscle growth, but these gains aren’t permanent, and effects wear off when people stop taking the drug. The health effects of long-term use of MK-677 have not been investigated, and they should not be assumed to be safe.

What are the side effects of MK-677?

Researchers stopped at least one clinical trial of MK-677 early because of concerns that it might cause heart failure. Many studies show diabetes-like impacts of MK-677 including increases in blood glucose levels, reductions in insulin sensitivity and increases in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). It can also affect bone mineral density.

MK-677 has been around since the mid-1990s, but it’s still considered an experimental drug. Researchers have trialed it for treating frailty in older people and children with growth hormone deficiency, but there are no approved uses for the drug in Australia, and MK-677 is banned in sport.

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What are peptides?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids, kind of like a smaller version of proteins, which make up parts of our bodies like nails, hair, muscles, and skin. Your body’s cells create peptides, and these peptides help with different things, such as boosting the immune system, helping the body grow and repair itself, and managing how we use energy. Some peptides are really good at helping muscles grow, and there are some man-made drugs that work in a similar way. There is not enough evidence to support the use of peptides to improve athletic performance. One review found that while human growth hormone increases muscle mass, it may not improve strength, it can worsen exercise capacity and increase your risk of experiencing swelling, fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain and sweating. Learn more about peptides here.

People also ask

Is MK-677 worth taking?

No. There are no evidence of its benefits and plenty of harmful side effects.

Are SARMs bad for your liver?

Yes. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued warnings about the health effects of SARMs including liver and heart damage. Development of acute liver failure requiring liver transplant is a possibility.

Are MK-677 gains permanent?

No. The effects of MK-677 wear off when you stop taking the drug.

Is MK-677 anabolic?

MK-677 has anabolic effects, but it is not technically classified as an anabolic steroid or SARM

Does MK-677 show up on a drug test? Is it detectable?

MK-677 is detectable in blood samples and urine tests. The detection window varies depending on dosage, duration of use and your metabolism but it can be up to several weeks.

Keywords

Anabolic steroids
Peptides
Testosterone

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