If you read and remember just one of my blog posts this winter, I hope it's this one, with video! (you need to register first, though) ...

What is the truth about HGH?HGH has some definite and proven medical benefits. It is currently approved medically in the United States for two primary indications, short stature in children and growth hormone deficiency in adults.[2] All of these HGH benefits, however, are in individuals with growth hormone deficiency. In people with normal GH levels, HGH does not improve athletic performance in terms of muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. In fact, several placebo-controlled studies have been negative. A 4-week, double-blind Swedish study using 2 doses of HGH and placebo found no differences in subjects exercising on a bicycle in terms of power output and oxygen uptake.[3] In another study, a single injection of HGH increased plasma lactate and reduced exercise performance.[4] [snip]In addition to the lack of effectiveness for enhancing athletic performance, HGH has a downside. It can cause dose-related side effects including diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, fluid retention, joint stiffness, muscle pain, and high blood pressure. It turns out that, like Paul Bunyan, the athletic benefits of HGH is a myth.That's my opinion. I'm Dr. George Griffing, Professor of Medicine at St. Louis University and Editor in Chief of Internal Medicine for eMedicine.

Dr. George Griffing might be wrong. But his analysis seems to be based on the best science available at the moment, which means unless you're some sort of super-genius your best bet is to believe the Conventional Wisdom. Actually, not the Conventional Wisdom. According to the CW -- as espoused by sports columnists and quack dentists, among others -- HGH is some sort of super serum that will turn you into Captain America. Apparently it's not. Which isn't to say it shouldn't be frowned upon, as it may be unhealthy and is often, as obtained by professional athletes, illegal. But it now seems quite possible that not a single home run or strikeout has been gained from the ill-gotten, illusory benefits of human growth hormone.