The systematic review of growth hormone in the fit and young, and what it did not find

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Liu and colleagues published in 2008 a systematic review of 44 articles describing 27 studies of growth hormone in healthy young adults, mostly physically fit, with a total of about 300 participants who received the hormone. Lean body mass increased by about two kilograms on average. Strength and exercise capacity did not improve in the studies that measured them, and lactate levels during exercise were higher in treated participants, suggesting impaired rather than enhanced anaerobic metabolism. Soft-tissue oedema, fatigue, joint pain and carpal tunnel symptoms were more frequent. The review concluded that the evidence did not support performance enhancement.

What was reviewed

Randomised and non-randomised studies, mostly short — days to weeks — with body composition, strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity as outcomes. The hormone was given alone in nearly all; two studies combined it with other agents. Study quality was variable and the exposures were brief relative to what the review authors noted might be used outside trials.

The participants were young and lean, the population most relevant to the question of performance.

What was found and not found

Lean mass up, which may reflect fluid as well as tissue over short periods. Fat mass down slightly. No gain in strength, no gain in maximal oxygen uptake, and a signal of impaired exercise metabolism. Adverse effects as in other populations. The review could not address long exposures or combinations.

The Meinhardt trial two years later addressed sprint capacity directly.

Why it is here

Because the belief that the hormone enhances athletic performance is widespread and the evidence says otherwise, and because this site states evidence. It describes no use of the pack.

Somatropin is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity and purity documented for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
HGH Somatropin Pack24 mg (72 IU)AED 850In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

What was reviewed?

Randomised and non-randomised studies, mostly short — days to weeks — with body composition, strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity as outcomes. The hormone was given alone in nearly all; two studies combined it with other agents. Study quality was variable and the exposures were brief relative to what the review authors noted might be used outside trials.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

HGH Somatropin Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

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Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.