Usage of Growth Hormone Supplements Sees an Increase among American Teens: Survey

Intake of synthetic human growth hormone by American teens has increased in the recent years, finds a survey.

Human growth hormone (HGH) also called somatropin fuels cell growth, cell reproduction and regeneration in both humans and animals. The hormone promotes physiological changes and body growth and is hence taken by athletes and sports players to improve performance or achieve certain physical attributes. A recent research by the Drug-Free Kids involving 3,705 high school students found 11 percent of the participants took HGH at least once in their life. This figure is 5 percent higher than data from past four surveys. During the same period, the average number of adolescents using steroids rose from 5 percent to 7 percent, reports the Fox News.

The health officials blame aggressive marketing strategies and internet advertisements of nutritional supplements and performance-improving substances for the increased usage of HGH among high school students.  The overall usage rate of HGH surged 120 percent between 2012 and 2013 and students from African-American and Hispanic communities reported taking the hormone supplement more often than white American teens. In addition, the survey did not see any major differences among boys and girls taking HGH.

The researchers also observed a direct relation between intake of HGH and steroids. Almost one in every five students knew someone who used steroids and thought it was easy to procure the substance.

"These new data point to a troubling development among today's teens. Young people are seeking out and using performance-enhancing substances like synthetic HGH - and supplements purporting to contain HGH - hoping to improve athletic performance or body appearance without really knowing what substances they are putting into their bodies," said Steve Pasierb, president of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, reports the Washington Post.

Steroids and HGH based products that are sold as over-the-counter drugs in markets and pharmacies are not tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"That creates a false perception of safety driving impressionable teens to risk their health with potentially dangerous products that are untested," Pasierb said.