Somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone) — evidence review — Intervention & Protocol Data

**Linear growth in GH-deficient children** (approved).
**Linear growth in selected non-GHD pediatric short-stature syndromes** (approved, brand-specific).
**Body-composition repair in adults with documented GHD** (approved replacement).
**Lean mass, weight, and endurance in HIV-associated wasting** (approved; Serostim).
**Nutrient absorption support in adult short-bowel syndrome** (approved; Zorbtive).
**Lean-mass gain and fat-mass loss in healthy adults** (off-label / illegal-distribution claim).
**Rise in circulating IGF-1** (pharmacodynamic surrogate, often sold as if it were a benefit).
**Athletic performance** — strength, aerobic capacity, sprint / anaerobic capacity (doping claim; WADA-prohibited).
**Anti-aging / restored youth** — skin, vitality, bone, lifespan (off-label claim; not approved; US distribution for this use is illegal).
**Improved insulin sensitivity or metabolic health** (sometimes claimed; physiology predicts the opposite).

Somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone) — evidence review