Supplement Scholar
Compound

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref

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Prescription drug or research compound. Use only under the care of a licensed prescriber. Information here is educational and not a recommendation to obtain or use it.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref. Oral ghrelin mimetic that raises GH/IGF-1 (research reference).

How it works. Ghrelin receptor agonism stimulates pulsatile GH release.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Increases lean mass in elderly (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: Research only.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Insulin resistance.

Stacking. Pairs well with Creatine monohydrate, Whey or EAAs.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref. Oral ghrelin mimetic that raises GH/IGF-1 (research reference).

Molecular structureC27H36N4O5S · 528.7 g/mol

What it is

Oral ghrelin mimetic that raises GH/IGF-1 (research reference).

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Growth Hormone SupportMuscle Growth

How it works

Ghrelin receptor agonism stimulates pulsatile GH release.

Pathways

  • Ghrelin receptor agonism stimulates pulsatile GH release

Effects

  • ↑lean mass in elderly increases

What the research supports

Increases lean mass in elderlymoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
Research only
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Edema
  • Increased appetite

Serious

  • Insulin resistance

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Creatine monohydrateFoundational support for strength, power, and lean mass.
  • Whey or EAAsProvides amino acid substrate for muscle protein synthesis.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref — Increases lean mass in elderly ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref and "Increases lean mass in elderly". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Ref and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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