Ghrelin vs Ibutamoren
Head-to-head comparison of Ghrelin (Ghrelin (acylated human ghrelin; endogenous growth hormone secretagogue)) and Ibutamoren (Ibutamoren mesylate (MK-677)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
Research Score
| Property | Ghrelin | Ibutamoren |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone | Growth Hormone |
| Full Name | Ghrelin (acylated human ghrelin; endogenous growth hormone secretagogue) | Ibutamoren mesylate (MK-677) |
| Molecular Weight | 3367 Da | N/A |
| Half-Life | 20-30 minutes | about 24 hours |
| Amino Acids | 28 | N/A |
| Typical Dose | 1-3 mcg/kg | 10-25 mg/day |
| Route | Subcutaneous/Intravenous | Oral |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 2000 | 180 |
| Research Status | Clinical research | Clinical |
Ghrelin Benefits
- ✓increases GH pulses
- ✓supports appetite and energy intake
- ✓may support lean mass preservation
- ✓promotes recovery signaling
Ibutamoren Benefits
- ✓raises GH/IGF-1
- ✓increases appetite
- ✓supports lean mass retention
- ✓oral non-peptide secretagogue
Ghrelin Dosing
1-3 mcg/kg SC or IV|repeat dosing in short research windows|titrate to GH response in monitored studies
Ibutamoren Dosing
10-25 mg orally once daily|take consistently at the same time each day|monitor fasting glucose and edema in longer studies
Ghrelin Side Effects
- ⚠hunger/nausea
- ⚠transient flushing
- ⚠changes in glucose/insulin
Ibutamoren Side Effects
- ⚠increased appetite
- ⚠water retention/edema
- ⚠somnolence or lethargy
Research Overview
Ghrelin
Ghrelin is the canonical ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor and is used extensively as a reference compound in GH-axis research. Human and animal studies consistently show rapid, dose-dependent GH release after acyl-ghrelin administration.
Ibutamoren
Clinical studies show oral ibutamoren reliably elevates GH and IGF-1 over 24 hours with once-daily dosing. Body composition and appetite effects vary by population, and development has been limited by metabolic side effects.
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