Which supplement has potential adverse effects including diabetes, cardiomyopathy, hepatitis, and renal failure?

Which supplement has potential adverse effects including diabetes, cardiomyopathy, hepatitis, and renal failure?

• A. DHEA
• B. Creatine
• C. Ephedra
• D. Growth hormone

Answer: (D)

Growth hormone affects many tissues beyond promoting height, so supplements that provide extra GH can have widespread metabolic and organ effects. One major impact is on glucose metabolism: GH reduces insulin sensitivity and increases hepatic glucose production, which over time can lead to hyperglycemia and diabetes. In the heart, prolonged exposure to GH/IGF-1 stimulates cardiac muscle growth; when this is excessive, it can produce cardiomyopathy with impaired cardiac function. The liver is a key target of GH, driving IGF-1 production and altering liver tissue and enzyme activity; in some cases this can manifest as liver function abnormalities and, rarely, inflammation consistent with hepatitis. The kidneys can be affected too, as GH influences fluid balance and kidney workload; edema and changes in renal function can occur, with potential renal impairment in susceptible individuals. Taken together, these potential adverse effects underscore the need for careful monitoring during growth hormone supplementation.

Growth hormone affects many tissues beyond promoting height, so supplements that provide extra GH can have widespread metabolic and organ effects. One major impact is on glucose metabolism: GH reduces insulin sensitivity and increases hepatic glucose production, which over time can lead to hyperglycemia and diabetes. In the heart, prolonged exposure to GH/IGF-1 stimulates cardiac muscle growth; when this is excessive, it can produce cardiomyopathy with impaired cardiac function. The liver is a key target of GH, driving IGF-1 production and altering liver tissue and enzyme activity; in some cases this can manifest as liver function abnormalities and, rarely, inflammation consistent with hepatitis. The kidneys can be affected too, as GH influences fluid balance and kidney workload; edema and changes in renal function can occur, with potential renal impairment in susceptible individuals. Taken together, these potential adverse effects underscore the need for careful monitoring during growth hormone supplementation.