Growth Factor-9 Review – Does This Supplement Really Work?

Growth Factor-9 features a unique patented combination of specific amino acids and a plant extract called SeroVital. The proprietary ingredient in Growth Factor-9 has several clinical trials supporting its claims. These studies were conducted by the ingredient manufacturer, San Medica International LLC. Notably, this exact product is also marketed under the name SeroVital but targets older women rather than the bodybuilding community.

Growth Factor-9 claims the product can boost growth hormone production by nearly 700%. Consequently, the product is marketed to enhance several desirable attributes in the fitness industry including increased lean muscle and faster recovery. The dosing instructions recommend four capsules daily on an empty stomach to achieve the clinically tested 2.9g dose.

GF9 Benefits

Naturally Boost Your hGH Levels up to 682%.

This claim references one of the clinical trials SeroVital conducted on the proprietary blend of amino acids and Schizonepeta powder. However, by boosting hGH, Growth Factor-9 claims they can deliver several additional benefits. Their bottle and website state that hGH has been associated with all of these remarkable benefits:

• Increasing lean muscle mass
• Strengthening bones and joints
• Recovering quicker
• Sleeping better
• Improving energy
• Improving mood
• Increasing sex drive

While these are accurate statements, they stretch the evidence from their research. Growth Factor-9 attempts to claim that boosting hGH will directly result in these improvements.

Growth Factor-9 Ingredients

SeroVital

SeroVital is a proprietary blend of amino acids combined with Schizonepeta. The company claims what makes this blend unique is how the five amino acids have been linked together. San Medica, the company manufacturing SeroVital, references 4 clinical studies when making claims about the amino acid blend’s benefits. Most of these studies are patent applications rather than peer-reviewed articles in medical literature.

L-lysing hydrochloride

Lysine is among the most common amino acids. You can find it in both animal and plant-based foods. Some studies demonstrate that lysine, combined with other amino acids, can stimulate growth hormone production. However, it’s difficult to determine the required dosage since these studies often involve IV infusions rather than oral supplementation.

L-arginine hydrochloride

Arginine is a popular amino acid throughout the bodybuilding and fitness industry. This amino acid is most commonly associated with pre-workouts because it can enhance blood vessel dilation. Regarding arginine and hGH, most research has utilized at least 5 grams. One study revealed that exercise was more effective at boosting hGH than arginine supplementation.

Oxo-proline

There doesn’t appear to be a connection between proline and hGH. Instead, proline may be included in this product to help accelerate healing and collagen production.

N-acetyl cysteine

N-acetyl cysteine, or NAC, is common throughout the supplement industry. It offers benefits ranging from immune health and energy support to reducing inflammation and pain. NAC was likely included in this formulation for those reasons rather than its effects on hGH.

L-glutamine

Like creatine, glutamine is one of the most established supplements worldwide. It has a proven track record of delivering benefits in both laboratory and gym settings. Glutamine is essential for rebuilding muscle after exercise. Glutamine participates in protein synthesis and hGH secretion. Research demonstrates that taking 2 grams of glutamine can significantly boost serum hGH levels.

Schizonepeta Powder

This traditional Chinese herb has been used for centuries, primarily for its anti-inflammatory and immune system effects. There doesn’t appear to be a direct impact on hGH, but controlling inflammation is crucial for recovery after intense gym sessions. Doses typically range from 2.5 – 9g for adults.

How Does Growth Factor-9 Work?

Growth Factor-9 uses SeroVital as its sole ingredient. One study demonstrates it can increase hGH levels. Therefore, Growth Factor-9 likely does boost hGH to some degree. However, the question remains whether that boost is sufficient to produce the other benefits they claim, such as increasing muscle mass, accelerating recovery, and improving sleep. It’s unlikely that Growth Factor-9 impacts hGH production enough to meaningfully affect these areas.

Claims vs. Reality

Growth Factor-9 makes one primary claim: that taking the product can boost your serum hGH levels by as much as 682%. However, the study they reference involved only 16 participants. Additionally, that 682% increase doesn’t refer to peak hGH levels—it only refers to the amount of serum hGH observed over a specific time period.

Growth Factor-9 makes several implied claims on their website and label. They extrapolate that because hGH is associated with certain benefits, and Growth Factor-9 can boost hGH, then Growth Factor-9 can deliver those benefits. Without studies demonstrating that Growth Factor-9 can actually produce those benefits, making such claims is misleading.

Currently, only a few proven methods exist to boost hGH. One of the best approaches for increasing hGH is optimizing your sleep. Most of our hGH is produced during late-night and early-morning hours while we’re in deep sleep. Improving your diet can also positively impact hGH levels. Specifically, controlling blood sugar is important, as elevated blood sugar may suppress hGH. The only other viable option is receiving hGH replacement therapy from a physician, who will administer a specific peptide that signals your pituitary to produce more hGH.

Safety

hGH is a hormone that requires responsible handling. If Growth Factor-9 can boost hGH, it may be important to have these levels measured and monitored by your physician.

Where to Buy Growth Factor-9

You can purchase Growth Factor-9 on the GNC website. On GNC, a one-time 120 capsule purchase costs $99.99. If you enjoy Growth Factor-9 and want to save money, GNC also offers an auto-delivery option that saves you 10% and includes free shipping.

Growth Factor-9 is also available on other online retailers (see below).

• GNC Growth Factor-9 $99
• Amazon Growth Factor-9 $82;59
• SeroVital Website $99
• Amazon SeroVital with prime $93.97

Relevant Studies

• Growth Hormone
• Human Growth Hormone – HGH – The Life Extension Manual
• Schizonepeta tenuifolia Supplement – Science-based Review on Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects | Examine.com
• Impact of growth hormone replacement therapy on sleep in adult patients with growth hormone deficiency of pituitary origin
• Impact of adult growth hormone deficiency on daily functioning and well-being
• Effects of an Amino Acid-Based hGH Secretagogue on Triiodythyronine – Study Results – ClinicalTrials.gov