Introduction
For those looking to gain muscle mass, lose weight, and overall feel healthier and full of vitality, you may have taken a look at HGH supplements. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a non-androgenic anabolic hormone that’s naturally created by our body. Among other things, it plays a role in the growth of lean muscle mass, the process of fat breakdown, and skeletal muscle synthesis.
In this Growth Factor 9 review, we’re looking at whether or not this product really has what it takes to increase your natural production of growth hormone.
Readers please note that statements on this page are fair comment based on observation. This content is produced on a matter of public interest. Statements on this page are our honest opinion.
What Is Growth Factor 9 (GF-9)
Growth Factor 9, also referred to as GF-9, is a growth hormone booster supplement created by a US-based nutrition brand named Novex Biotech.
One bottle of Growth Factor 9 costs $99.00, contains 120 capsules and will last users for approximately 30 days, based on the set directions of 4 capsules per day; it is available from the official Growth Factor 9 website.
Similar to the rest of the Novex Biotech product range, GF-9 is targeted towards those who feel they may be lacking in growth hormone, as well as those who are looking to increase their lean muscle mass, and lower their body fat percentage.
The product itself is a natural complex of amino acids and a herbal extract named Schizonpeta Powder. Novex Biotech describe Growth Factor 9 as a “clinically tested human growth hormone secretagogue”, going on to state that it can increase “hGH levels [by] up to 682%”.
Consumers of Growth Factor 9 are promised effects such as the increased ability to gain/maintain lean muscle mass, increase skeletal muscle, reduced body fat, faster recovery times, improved sleep, and higher energy and sex drive levels.
Does Growth Factor 9 Work?
After some further in-depth research into the formula inside GF-9, we are not fully convinced that this product will actually help increase the secretion of growth hormone for everyone who uses it, however it could potentially be useful for some.
Firstly, let’s look at the positives. The formula contains some useful amino acids for bodybuilders, such as L-Arginine, which can help improve blood circulation, allowing for improved athletic performance and bigger muscle pumps in the gym.
It also contains L-Lysine which has anti-anxiety effects and may also help improve calcium absorption according to one study.
The two “main” ingredients powering Growth Factor 9 are L-Lysine and L-Arginine. When combined in sufficient amounts, one study has shown that the combo can potentially help increase growth hormone in those who are inactive and not lifting. The study went on to confirm that the combo was ineffective at boosting HGH levels in those who were active and working out.
It was concluded that ingestion of 1,500 mg arginine and 1,500 mg lysine immediately before resistance exercise does not alter exercise-induced changes in [GH] in young men. However, when the same amino acid mixture is ingested under basal (resting) conditions, the acute secretion of GH is increased.
Let’s look at the main claim – that GF-9 can boost HGH by a whopping 682%. When looking at the clinical trial that was conducted by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, we can see that researchers found that a complex of L-lysine HCl, L-arginine HCL, Oxo-proline, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, L-glutamine, and Schizonepeta increased HGH levels by 628%.
While these may seem like impressive results, there are a few serious flaws with the study. Firstly, it has not been peer-reviewed, which essentially means the medical community has not validated the findings. It’s not FDA-recognized either.
Secondly, the test didn’t actually involve directly testing the “increase in HGH” in participants via a conventional means, like a blood test. Instead, they tested the “increase in HGH” by measuring the test participants thyroid function, based on the hypothesis that the formula suppresses somatostatin, a hormone known to suppress Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Thyoid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
Finally, the study was only conducted 16 people, which is a tiny sample size.
The bottom line: this supplement contains some useful ingredients for those who lead an active lifestyle, but the science is totally up in the air. If you take this product without exercising, it may potentially boost your HGH levels, but if you are exercising, it probably will not. The statement that it increases HGH by 628% is up for debate – the study that found those results wasn’t tested on many people, and didn’t have the best methodology, in our opinion.
The Pros & Cons Of Growth Factor 9
Below we have listed everything that we like and dislike about this product:
The Pros
- May help improve blood flow.
- Can cause bigger pumps in the gym.
- May support concentration and mental performance.
The Cons
- Inconclusive scientific evidence to suggest that ingredients inside GF-9 will truly boost growth hormone secretion for everyone who uses it.
- Potentially negative side effects are possible.
What Are The Growth Factor 9 Ingredients?
We have found the following supplement facts for this product:
One Serving Contains: Proprietary Blend 2900mg (L-Lysine HCl, L-Arginine HCl, Oxo-Proline, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, L-Glutamine, Schizonpeta Powder).
Is Growth Factor 9 Safe?
Based on the ingredients, yes we believe that this product is safe to use provided you do not exceed the daily recommended dosages.
What Are The Growth Factor 9 Side Effects?
We’ve compiled the following potential side effects based on the ingredients inside this formula:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Allergies
- Airway inflammation
- Worsening of asthma [1]
Note: these side effects are possible but may not be the typical user experience.
Are There Any Growth Factor 9 Reviews From Customers?
We have found the following Growth Factor 9 review testimonials via customers online:
I didn’t really feel much difference after taking it for a whole month. No major increase in strength or obvious reduction in body fat.
Stuff definitely gives you way better pumps in the gym and helps you sleep better.
Our Final Verdict On Growth Factor 9
To conclude our Growth Factor 9 review, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. While there is a study showing that the formula can potentially increase the user’s growth hormone levels, the study isn’t exactly well done, nor is it peer reviewed or acknowledged by the FDA.
There are more studies showing that the formula likely will not have any impact on HGH levels, compared to studies showing that the formula can boost them.
If you’re using this product purely for the purposes of boosting your HGH levels, then we recommend that you use it without exercising, as that’s been the only circumstance where scientific research has shown the formula was successful at increasing HGH levels – if you do exercise, it likely won’t have any impact.