NEW YORK (AP) - A new report suggests human growth hormone isn't the "wonder drug" many believe it to be.
Doctors at San Jose's Santa Clara Valley Medical Center looked at more than two dozen studies with a total of 440 participants. The review says it doesn't look like the drug helps boost athleticism, and there's even a "hint" of evidence it may worsen athletic performance.
The studies were limited, and none followed subjects for longer than three months. But they suggested no difference in strength or exercise stamina between those on the drug and those who weren't taking it. Those who got the hormone had more side effects including swelling and fatigue.
Those on HGH did pack on five extra pounds of muscle, although researchers say it could just be fluid buildup.
HGH made the list of performance enhancing drugs in Baseball's Mitchell Report.
On the Net:
Annals of Internal Medicine:
http://www.annals.org/
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