Dr. John Torres explains human growth hormone(Photo: KUSA)
KUSA - A recent report by Al Jazeera alleges Peyton Manning received Human Growth Hormone during
his recovery from neck fusion surgeries in 2011 -- an assertion the Denver Broncos quarterback fiercely denies, and says he might even sue over.
But what exactly is human growth hormone? 9NEWS Medical Expert Dr. John Torres offered us an explainer.
Dr. John says HGH is not a steroid, but rather a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and promotes cellular growth.
"It helps muscle growth, it helps bone growth. It pretty much helps us with every cell in our body." Dr. John said.
HGH is more commonly used to help children with stunted growth, or patients with muscle-wasting diseases.
Recently HGH has received a reputation as an anti-aging drug, although Dr. John says there's no credible proof to back that up.
"It can also help regulate things like sugar metabolism in our body. And people who don't have enough of it usually need replacements of it." Dr. John said.
Torres says HGH can also promote the growth of cancerous cells if they are already present in the body.
(© 2015 KUSA)