Update 2/16/20. Can SeroVital raise human growth hormone (HGH) by 682%, reduce wrinkles, decrease body fat or increaase your bone density? Can it make you look –and feel- DECADES younger? You've seen the SeroVital commercials on TV and you may have wondered if it really worked. In this review, I'll help you better understand SeroVital by breaking it down into questions and answers. I'll show you the research and the pros and cons and help you figure out if SeroVital is right for you.
1. What Is Growth Hormone?
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone made in the brain. It's also called somatotropin (so-mat-to-tro-pin). By whatever name you call it by, HGH does a LOT of things such as:
- Helping muscles grow
- Helping fat loss
- Helping collagen formation
- Helping the immune system
- Helping brain functioning
We tend to make less HGH as we get older and this is why people are interested in this hormone as a way to turn back the clock of aging and help us grow younger again. Some people might even take HGH injections too. SeroVital is not the same thing as HGH injections you may get from your doctor.
2. What Is A Secretagogue?
This very complicated word is pronounced “se-kreet-a-gog.” It's a science term and refers to anything that makes your body secrete something. SeroVital contains secretagogues (amino acids and herbs) which, are supposed to help your body secrete (produce) more growth
3. Don't Confuse HGH With HCG
HGH – human growth hormone – is not the same thing as HCG. HCG refers to a pregnancy hormone called human Chorionic Gonadotropin. People sometimes use HCG to help with weight loss.
See the HCG review for more on this.
4. Who Makes SeroVital?
The company is called SanMedica International. They hold the patent on SeroVital too. It's US Patent Number 8,551,542 Here is the US patent if you want to read it.
5. Contact SeroVital
The company address is 5742 W Harold Gatty Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116-3777. Two other companies are also at this address:
- Basic Research LLC (BasicResearch.org)
- LimitLess WorldWide LLC (LimitlessWorldWideLLC.com )
To contact SeroVital by phone call 801-517-7007
6. Better Bureau Ratings
When this review was last updated,
- The BBB rating for SeroVital
- The BBB rating Basic Research LLC
- The BBB rating Limitless Worldwide LLC
See the BBB files for updates and more information.
7. The SeroVital Box Controversy
Depending on where you purchased this supplement, you may or may not see “HGH” on the box. Most boxes of SeroVital contain the letters HGH – which stands for human growth hormone. But some -like the box I have – do not. Why?
While it's hard to know for sure, in the comments below someone had mentioned that SeroVital purchased from Costco does not contain the HGH reference. So whether or not you see HGH may be related to where you purchased it from.
Does SeroVital really raise HGH 682%? Well, the box does say “Clinically Tested 682% Mean Increase” – but if you look closely, it doesn't say a 682% increase in HGH.
8. SeroVital Research
There is clinical research on this dietary supplement. The SeroVital study title is Elevated Growth Hormone 120 Minutes a Single Low Dose of Amino Acids in Healthy Subjects.” This investigation was presented at an Obesity Society meeting in 2012.
This investigation involved 16 people (12 men and 4women) in their 30s. The study lasted 2 weeks. During one week, people
Results: These researchers found HGH levels were higher 120 minutes after taking SeroVital compared to placebo. Levels of IGF-1 were also noted to be higher 8 hours later. IGF-1 is the molecule that is actually responsible for many of HGH effects.
Another Study
Another study was presented at the 2019 Endocrine Society Conference (ENDO 2019). This investigation contained 45 people (mostly women) with low HGH levels. The presented study noted SeroVital raised IGF-1 levels and HGH levels. The study sounds fascinating but it may not yet be published. When the study is published, this secion will be updated.
9. SeroVital Study Problems
The SeroVital research study does show it raises HGH levels. Here are my thoughts on the study:
1. The study doesn't seem to be peer-reviewed. It was presented at the Obesity Society as an abstract (an abstract is a summary of research). The study is listed with ClinicalTrials.com and was completed in 2012.
2. The study involved 16 people, mostly men.
3. The study showed HGH levels were higher 120 minutes after taking SeroVital.
4. This investigation did not measure:
- body fat
- testosterone levels
- muscle strength
- wrinkles
Grated some of this will take longer to see a difference.
5. This study involved people in their 30s. Since this is an anti-aging supplement, it would have been nice to involve older people.
10. What Are Normal HGH Levels?
According to Medline Plus, normal HGH levels for men and women are:
- Men: 1 – 9 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml)
- Women 1 – 16 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml)
11. SeroVital Benefits
The company says HGH is associated with:
- Reduced body fat
- Improved mood & energy
- Heightened sex drive
- Stronger bones
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Reduced appearance of wrinkles
Remember, the benefits of HGH do not necessarily mean SeroVital has the same benefits.
12. SeroVital Ingredients
SeroVital contains 5 amino acids and 1 herb. According to the box I have, 4 capsules of SeroVital have the following ingredients:
| Amount Per Serving | Percent Daily Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Blend Containing | 2.9 grams | |
| L Lysine HCL | N /A | |
| L Arginine HCL | N /A | |
| Oxo-Proline | N /A | |
| N-Acetyle L Cysteine | N /A | |
| L Glutamine | N /A | |
| Schizonepeta (arial parts) Powder | N /A |
Other ingredients that are also listed in SeroVital are:
- Gelatin
- Steric Acid
- Magnesium Stearate
- Titanium Dioxide
- Rice Flour
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Candurin Silver Fine
- Yellow # 5
- Silicon Dioxide
- Yellow #6
These other ingredients play no role in the benefits of the supplement.
If we look at the 6 main ingredients (4 amino acids and 1 herb) we see 4 capsules of SeroVital has a total of 2.9 grams for all of the ingredients.
Let's look at the HGH research for the ingredients in SeroVital.
Lysine
Lysine makes up most of the ingredients in the supplement. Lysine is an essential amino acid (essential means we don't make it ).
In a 1981 study, lysine alone did not raise HGH levels – in young men – when it was combined with the amino acid, arginine. The amount used in this investigation was 1200 mg of lysine and 1200 mg of arginine.
In a 1993 study, the combination of lysine and arginine did not raise HGH levels in older men compared to placebo. This study used 3 grams of lysine and 3 grams of arginine used 2x per day for 2 weeks.
Researchers in Finland noted 2 grams of lysine did not raise HGH levels in weight lifters who were 19-35 years of age.
Arginine
Arginine is a non-essential amino acid (we can make it). It's the second most abundant ingredient in Serovital.
In one study, researchers noted the combination of 1500 mg of arginine and 1500 mg of lysine, raised HGH levels. Ironically, the amino acids did not raise HGH levels when people exercised. That's odd.
Another study reported that both 5g and 9g of arginine raised growth hormone levels in young men more than a placebo. In another investigation, 6 grams of arginine did not raise HGH levels (or other hormones) in 15 runners compared to a placebo.
In a 2007 study, arginine used for 7 days didn’t raise HGH or IGF-1 in adults. These people took 7 grams of arginine per day.
In this paper, the researcher states while both arginine and exercise increased HGH levels. But, when combined together, the rise is less than seen with exercise alone.
In another paper, it was noted arginine, given before strength training reduced HGH levels. These researchers gave people 0.075 mg of arginine per kilogram of body weight
Translation: there are 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. So, if you were 180 lbs (82 kg), you’d get 0.075 x 82 =6.15 grams of arginine.
Oxo-Proline
Oxyproline, also known as pyroglutamic acid is a type of amino acid. Evidence for oxo-proline raising HGH in people cannot be located.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine
Another name for this stuff “NAC”. N-Acetyl-Cysteine is a version of the amino acid cysteine. In supplements, NAC is often used to increase glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.
Here's NAC on Amazon
Glutamine
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid. In a study from 1995, researchers noted 2 grams of glutamine, raised HGH levels in 8 of 9 healthy men (32-64 years of age). SeroVital contains only 1 mg of glutamine in 4 capsules.
See the review on glutamine for more insights.
Schizonepeta
Schizonepeta is an herb. Other names for this include Jing Jie and Japanese Catnip. Does schizonepeta raise HGH levels? Evidence cannot be located. Preliminary evidence suggests this herb may have anti-inflammatory properties. There is speculation cellular inflammation may reduce HGH levels.
13. Ingredients With Evidence
Based on the research which could be located, ingredients with the most HGH research are:
To be fair, it is possible the unique blend in the product may work better than any single ingredient.
14. SeroVital And Fertility
Growth hormone (HGH) is involved in both female and male fertility. So it makes sense some might wonder if SeroVital can help a woman get pregnant. Research linking Serovital to pregnancy cannot be located.
15. SeroVital And Birth Control Pills
There is no evidence SeroVital interferes with birth control pills. Women who are concerned about this are encouraged to speak to their pharmacist for more insights.
16. SeroVital And HIV
People with HIV/AIDS may be interested in natural ways to boost growth hormone levels. Can SeroVital help? No evidence can be located. For now, the best advice is to show the ingredients to a doctor/pharmacist and see what they say.
17. How To Take SeroVital
The company recommends taking take 4 capsules of SeroVital on an empty stomach, either 2 hours before meals or about 2 hours before going to bed. Taking the capsules on an empty stomach, however, appears necessary.
Do not take more than SeroVital 4 capsules per day.
These same directions also hold true for the liquid concentrate version too. SeroVital Liquid has the exact same ingredients as the capsules.
18. What's Growth Factor 9?
Growth factor 9 (GF9) is another supplement touted to raise HGH. Growth Factor 9 has the same ingredients as Serovital. The Growth Factor 9
19. What's Thrive HGH
Thrive HGH is a supplement by the company called Limitless World Wide LLC. Thrive HGH contains the same ingredients as SeroVital.
20. SeroVital vs. Growth Factor 9 vs. Thrive HGH
Here are the ingredients in all 3 supplements side-by-side
| SeroVital | Growth Factor 9 | Thrive HGH |
| Blend 2.9g made of | Blend 2.9 g made of | Blend 2.9g made of |
| L Lysine | L Lysine | L Lysine |
| L-Arginine | L-Arginine | L-Arginine |
| Oxy-Proline | Oxy-Proline | Oxy-Proline |
| NAC | NAC | NAC |
| L-Glutamine | L-Glutamine | L-Glutamine |
| Schizonepeta | Schizonepeta | Schizonepeta |
- 3 different supplements
- 3 different names
- Same Ingredients
21. SeroVital vs. GenF20?
GenF20 is another supplement reported to improve HGH levels. No studies could be located which compare these supplements to each other. GenF20 other ingredients like Tribulus Terrestris. For more information see the GenF20 review.
22. Where Can You Buy SeroVital
This supplement is very popular and can be purchased at many locations such as Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, Target, Walmart, Khols, Bed Bath and Beyond, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Costco, Ulta Beauty, and many online retailers.
23. SeroVital Cost
When purchasing from SeroVital.com a bottle costs $99 for a one-month supply. If you go on their Preferred Customer Program (auto-ship program), the price is $79.20. Both prices include free shipping.
24. The Preferred Customer Program
The SeroVital preferred Customer Program is their auto-ship program. If you choose this option, the company will send you a new shipment of the supplement every 28 days. Your credit card will be charged $79.20 per month.
25. How To Return SeroVital
SeroVital is sold at many local stores so returning it to where you purchased it is the fastest way to get a refund. If you bought it from the its website, the company lists this address for returns:
Attention Returns Department: 5742 Harold Gatty Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116. They also list this phone number: 1-800-898-5153 where people can get more specific information. I recommend you call the company before sending it back so you know exactly how to do it.
26. Is SeroVital FDA Regulated?
All dietary supplements are regulated. Many don't know this but it is true. While the FDA does not test supplements, there is a regulation. The supplement law is called The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). It's been in effect since 1994.
27. Is It Made In America?
Yes, the company which makes it is located in Utah.
28. Can SeroVital Change The Microbiome?
Does SeroVital impact gut health? While clinical studies cannot be located, preliminary research shows arginine can alter the bacteria in the mouth. So, while it's possible SeroVital may positively impact the microbiome, the best way to ensure a healthy gut is to eat lots of fruits, veggies, beans, and seeds.
29. SeroVital Hair And Skin?
Some people have reported, SeroVital HGH has lead to better-looking skin (see comments). This is interesting but no clinical studies so far have looked at this.
30. Is SeroVital Gluten-Free?
I'm not sure. The website did not say either way when this review was updated. Rice flower is part of the “other ingredients” but according to the Celiac Disease Foundation, rice is naturally gluten-free.
The best way to know for sure is to call the company. You can reach them at 801-517-7007.
31. What Happens If you Stop Taking It?
In theory, if you were seeing benefits from and stop taking SeroVital, you'd likely go back to where you were to begin with. How long this might take to happen I can't say. If you combined it with exercise and eating a better diet, how far you might slide downhill would likely be less. There are no clinical studies showing what happens to people after they take SeroVital for several months and then stop taking it.
32. Do You Have To Take It Forever?
If you are happy with SeroVital HGH and stopped taking it, in theory, you might go back to where you started. How long this might take to occur is not known.
33. Can Teenagers Take SeroVital?
Teenagers are teeming with growth hormone so there is no reason for them to take this supplement. The supplement website says not to take it if you are younger than 18.
34. Is SeroVital Better With An NAD Booster?
This supplement is touted to be an anti-aging. Some of the most popular anti-aging supplements today are things like Tru Niagen, Niacel and Elysium Basis. These supplements are said to slow aging by raising a compound called NAD levels our cells. Whether or not SeroVitalHGH would work better with a NAD supplement is unknown. No study has looked at this (yet). For more information see these reviews:
35. SeroVital And Weight Loss
While growth hormone may be associated with reduced body fat, there is no evidence SeroVital burns fat or helps people lose weight. If you are taking it for weight loss, any effects would be magnified If you combined the supplement with exercise and eating fewer calories.
36. Does SeroVital Contain HGH?
No. There is no human growth hormone in this supplement. The ingredients in the supplement are supposed to help your body to make more of its own HGH naturally.
37. Does It Have The Side Effects Of HGH?
While HGH is a necessary hormone, too much HGH associated with some bad things such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint pain
- Diabetes
- Fluid build up causing swelling
SeroVital will not produce the same side effects as too much HGH.
38. Can It Help Me Grow Taller?
Growth hormone therapy is sometimes prescribed by doctors to help kids grow taller. That said, there is no proof this supplement would help
39. Is Powdered SeroVital Better?
The Rapid Dissolve Crystalline Powder version of SeroVital contains the same ingredients and amounts as the capsules. The big advantage of the powdered version is if you did not like swallowing pills.
40. Is Maximum Strength Better?
When I looked into this, I noticed some websites selling “Maximum Strength” SeroVital but the ingredients – and amounts of ingredients – are identical to “regular strength.”. I did not see Maximum Strength listed on the supplement's official website. Could the max strength product be counterfeit? When in doubt, call the company and ask them.
41. Can Men Use SeroVital?
Yes, you can. Remember, even though the product is advertised to women, the SeroVital study mostly consisted of men.
42. SeroVital Side Effects
I think SeroVital is safe in healthy people. While there isn’t a bunch of any single ingredient, here are a few things to keep in mind and ask your doctor about if you think they apply to you. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than recommended for the first week to see if you have any side effects
- N-Acetyl-Cysteine and arginine may reduce blood pressure. Consider if you take high blood pressure medicine
SeroVital HGH Supplement Stop taking SeroVital at least 2 weeks before surgery
- Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding also
- If you have a history of cancer, speak to your doctor. Remember, HGH causes things to grow.
- Schizonepeta contains a compound called pulegone which might damage the liver in high amounts. Schizonepeta is the last ingredient listed, so there is not much in the supplement. If you have liver problems, speak to your doctor first.
- If you take any medications like blood thinners, speak to your doctor and pharmacist
On the plus side, some people -in the comments below – have said their skin looked better after taking SeroVital
Some online reports -which cant be confirmed -suggest the supplement might cause:
| Constipation | Acne | Swollen hands/feet |
| Dizziness | Lethargy | Headaches |
The odds of any of these happening is unknown. These may be isolated incidents not likely to occur in most people. Like many things in the supplement world, results – and side effects- may vary.
43. SeroVital Pro & Con
Here is a quick overview of what I liked and didn't like about this supplement. These are my opinions. Take them for what they are
| Pro | Con |
| Wildly available in stores | Very expensive |
| Been around several years | Lots of hype |
| It has a US patent | Low-quality study |
| Growth Factor 9 and Thrive HGH are the same thing as SeroVital | |
| No clinical proof it does what HGH does |
44. Does SeroVital Work?
To be honest, I have my doubts but since I did not try SerVital myself, I can't say for sure if it works or not. To be fair, some people, provided testimonials below, saying this supplement helped them. For those who take this supplement, it's important to remember it's best if you also eat well and exercise. Kudos to the SeroVital company for also saying this too.
Here it is on Amazon