MK-677 Guide: Ibutamoren Benefits, Risks, Dosage & Cycle

Last Updated on May 12, 2022 by Jim Marshall

Contents

What is MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?

MK-677, also referred to as Ibutamoren, stimulates the production of human growth hormone (HGH) & increases IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor). Ibutamoren imitates the action of the hormone ghrelin and binds to a ghrelin receptor in the brain called GHSR. This process increases growth hormone levels.

When GHSR becomes activated, it triggers growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. Clinical research has investigated ibutamoren’s ability to increase appetite. GHSR is located in the areas of the brain responsible for appetite, pleasure, circadian rhythms, mood, memory and cognition.

It is believed that these functions may be affected by ibutamoren. While it raises growth hormone levels, it causes little, if any, increases in cortisol or other hormones. Cortisol, the “stress hormone”, can suppress the immune system, decrease the healing rate, and interfere with memory and learning. Having elevated levels of this hormone is not good for general health.

Is MK677 a SARM?

MK-677 is not a SARM, and should not to be confused with this class of drugs. Ibutamoren is often sold as a SARM, or selective androgen receptor modulator, by many online vendors, but it’s actually a powerful GH and IGF-1 secretagogue, and it works in a different way.

However, this drug is commonly stacked with SARMs to enhance their benefits.

MK-677 Ibutamoren Benefits

MK-677 has many benefits, including muscle growth, increased bone density, improvement in sleep quality, muscle wasting treatment and anti-aging effects. It can also be helpful in the treatment of growth hormone deficiencies and may have nootropic properties as well.

MK-677 is an orally active growth hormone secretagogue that imitates the effects of GH and mimics the action of the hormone ghrelin. It triggers growth in almost all the body’s tissues, including muscles and bones. This is primarily due to the production of IGF-1.

The potential benefits of ibutamoren include:

Boosts IGF-1 levels
Improves sleep quality and REM sleep
Increases lean muscle mass
Reduction in body fat
Stronger bones
Greater endurance and stamina
Enhanced healing and recovery

These benefits are generally experienced by most users, but results may vary from individual to individual. Continue reading for a more detailed look at some of these benefits.

1. Promotes Muscle Growth

Although not an anabolic steroid, Ibutamoren is often used by bodybuilders to increase body mass. It can be taken orally once daily.

MK-677 triggers the release of growth hormone and IGF-1, which both help substantially to maintain lean muscle mass. Since growth hormone is thought to cause an increase in muscle strength and size, MK-677’s ability to increase GH levels makes it a common choice among fitness enthusiasts.

Research conducted with participants in their 60s found that injections to trigger growth hormone resulted in greater strength of the thigh muscles. The individual results of muscle growth stimulated by MK-677 will differ from person to person, depending upon their workout regimen and general health.

Another study involving overweight men resulted in an increase in lean body mass and a greater BMR (basal metabolic rate) in participants after two months of using Ibutamoren.

2. Increases Bone Strength

A number of studies have shown that MK-677 can be very effective in increasing bone mineral density when taken for extended periods. These results can be beneficial to many groups, including the elderly, women with menopause, and overweight individuals. Low bone mineral density can lead to health issues in these populations.

For many of these people, MK-677 has been proven to be an effective treatment. For example:

Ibutamoren was found to increase bone growth in otherwise healthy obese male participants.
Ibutamoren was found to increase bone growth in older adults (ages 65+)
One study involving postmenopausal women found that ibutamoren improved bone mineral density. This leads to increased bone strength and helps prevent osteoporosis.

More research is needed to examine MK-677’s potential long-term effects, since it typically takes more than one year of use to see an increase in bone density.

3. Accelerates Recovery

Growth hormone aids in the repair of muscle and tissues. It also affects metabolism and fat loss, and skin appearance.

These processes are accelerated if GH levels are increased, allowing for faster recovery and achieving a higher level of intensity during exercise. This can provide substantial benefits for athletes.

Users who have tried this compound say it takes up to two weeks for them to notice the effects.

4. May Boost Cognitive Function

MK-677 has many similarities to Ghrelin, and because it binds to its receptors it’s possible that MK 677 could have the same effect on the brain as Ghrelin.

There is not enough research to prove that MK 677 has nootropic effects on brain, however. Scientists believe that MK 677 may be able to aid cognitive function through indirect means. One promising method is Ibutamoren’s ability increase REM sleep to improve sleep quality.

It is vital to get the right amount of sleep every night in order to maintain sufficient cognitive function. MK-677 may be able to improve cognitive function by ensuring a restful night’s sleep.

Additionally, MK-677’s ability to trigger the production of IGF-1 can improve cognitive function indirectly, due to it’s role in cognitive function. A study found that IGF-1 had a positive effect on people’s performance in cognitive tests.

Good cognitive function is dependent on good sleep.

5. Improves Sleep Quality

Because growth hormone has been shown to improve sleep quality, Ibutamoren Mesylate is believed to help promote sleep quality as it triggers growth hormone production.

Previous research showed that ibutamoren had a positive effect on sleep quality and REM duration in both older and younger subjects.

There have been numerous anecdotal reports of improvements in the quality of sleep, which are not yet supported by scientific evidence.

6. May Fight Aging and Lengthen Lifespan

Like other hormones, growth hormone starts to naturally decline as we age. MK 677 can be beneficial for those who are older as growth hormone and IGF-1 levels will rise when using it. MK677 can boost the general hormone profile of aging individuals by increasing their GH levels.

One study found that older men and women who used daily ibutamoren saw their GH and IGF-1 levels restored to those of young adults, without any adverse effects. Ibutamoren restored the growth hormone profile of obese men in another research study.

7. Reverses Muscle Wasting

Recent research has shown that MK-677 can help treat muscle wasting caused by a reduction of protein in a person’s diet. One study showed that MK-677 can reverse protein catabolism in otherwise healthy young adults. Because of this, MK-677 could potentially become a treatment option for people suffering from catabolic conditions.

8. Treats Growth Hormone Deficiency

Ibutamoren can be used to increase the levels of growth hormone, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in children who have growth hormone deficiencies. These benefits can be attained without altering the concentrations prolactin, glucose, insulin, cortisol, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, or thyrotropin.

Ibutamoren was found to increase growth hormone and IGF-1 in severely GH-deficient males. without significant changes in thyroid hormone levels, cortisol, or PRL levels. However, glucose and insulin were both increased.

MK-677 Side Effects

MK 677 does not appear to have many side effects that would be cause for concern. However, some groups of people might experience certain side effects.

MK-677 may pose a risk to individuals who have diabetes or insulin sensitivity. MK-677 use could exacerbate these conditions.

Like all drugs, MK-677 should be used correctly and in the right dosage. The dosage was an important factor in studies that examined how MK-677 increased muscle mass.

MK-677 side effects are often experienced for two reasons: long-term use and improper dosage. Most side effects reported from MK-677 use are due to unnaturally high levels growth hormone in the body. This can be caused by taking too much of it too often.

Some symptoms can include:

Increase in appetite
Fatigue
Joint pain
Headaches
Anxiety
Water retention
Insulin resistance
Possible rise in prolactin levels

MK-677 has very few side effects when administered correctly.

MK-677 Dosing and Cycle

To acquire the benefits that MK 677 offers, it’s very important to use the correct dosage.

A 20-25mg daily dose of MK-677 seems to work best, according to the scientific data. It appears to be most effective at increasing GH and IGF-1 at this dosage.

In reviewing the clinical data and and anecdotal reports, it appears that most standard dosages range anywhere from 10-30 mg daily. However, most users take between 20-30 mg daily. This is the level at which users claim the effects are optimal, which is consistent with scientific research.

The possibility for side effects increases at higher doses (see below).

A MK-677 cycle will typically last for 8-16 weeks. Due to the beneficial effects of the compound, many people use it for longer periods of 3-4 months.

To help increase strength, lean muscle mass, and performance, many users stack MK-677 with SARMs like RAD140 or LGD4033.

MK 677 has a 24-hour half-life, so most users only need to take it once daily in order for their levels to remain stable.

MK 677 is usually taken once daily either in the morning before breakfast, or at night before bed. Many people prefer to take MK 677 before bed because it helps with sleep and can cause an increase in appetite.

Where to Buy MK-677

Ibutamoren is a very popular supplement that should only be purchased from a reliable vendor. It’s vital to locate a trustworthy website that can guarantee a high-quality product using third-party lab testing.

After thorough research, we found SwissChems to be a highly reputable vendor from which to purchase Ibutamoren. They sell MK-677 in bottles of 60 10 mg capsules. Click here for the official SwissChems product page.

We believe this company is the best option because of their superior quality control standards.

There are a large number of online vendors don’t have their products 3rd-party tested, so you can’t know for sure of what you’re buying. If you are firm on your decision to purchase MK-677, make sure you get a product that’s been properly vetted for purity and effectiveness.

Safer Alternative to Ibutamoren

Because the current available data on this research chemical is so limited, we cannot recommend using MK-677. It could possibly lead to serious adverse effects.

This drug is popular because of its increases in fat loss, endurance and energy. Even so, since it has not been proven safe, we recommend that you look at other options.

We suggest trying two Ibutamoren alternatives called IBUTA-677 and IBUTALEAN. Made by CrazyBulk and Brutal Force respectively, these legal SARMs alternatives contain powerful all-natural HGH- and IGF-1-boosting ingredients that are formulated to imitate the effects of MK-677.

Each safely increases muscle mass, recovery, fat loss, energy, and metabolism. IBUTA-677 and IBUTALEAN are legal and safer choices for taking your performance to the next stage.

For more information about these products, see our CrazyBulk review and Brutal Force review.

Conclusion

MK-677 has been shown to offer several benefits to health for people with certain conditions. MK-677 can be very beneficial for those with diminished bone density, people who have difficulty sleeping at night, as well as individuals suffering from catabolic conditions.

MK 677’s ability to secrete both growth hormone and IGF-1 effectively may prove to be an valuable treatment for many people. Numerous studies have shown MK 677 to be beneficial for the elderly, people with low bone density and those who have trouble sleeping, among others.

These groups can benefit from MK 677 as an aid to address issues caused by a deficiency of growth hormone or IGF-1.

See Also: The 5 Best Legal HGH Supplements

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