First of all, we could not be more zealous to mention that this article is for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!
We are NOT here to promote the use of any type of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) or anabolic steroid. Only your licensed healthcare professional can prescribe you drugs based on medical conditions.
That being said, if you decide to use Ostarine mk-2866, who are we to stop you?
Brace yourself as we discuss ostarine mk-2866, ostarine dosage, mk-2866 Benefits, ostarine side effects.
What is Ostarine mk-2866?
Although Ostartine is a prescription medication, it is often used by athletes, bodybuilders, and even recreational ‘gym-goers’.
The motivation behind Ostartine use is the super physiological modifications on skeletal muscle, improved physical performance and fat loss.
However, performance-enhancing drugs like Ostarine are strictly prohibited in professional and elite sports.
In the case of athletes being detected with Ostarine in the system, there is a high chance of disqualification, fine and ban from the sport.
How many of you have heard about the controversy when professional boxer Ryan Garcia went up against WBC super-lightweight world champion Devin Haney?
Ryan Garcia came in 3.2 pounds heavier than the weight limit and then absolutely demolished Devin Haney with multiple knockdowns.
But it turned out that Garcia was using Ostarine according to the VADA drug test on two separate occasions.
As a result, Garcia was fined $10,000 and a year’s ban. Garcia defended his case by claiming cross-contamination from tainted supplements and said, “I never cheated.” With such a spectacular performance, what do you think? Did Garcia use Ostarine?
Ostarine Dosage
Ostarine dosage varies from individual to individual. It would be logical for those who have never used Ostarine to take the lowest dose of 10mg per day. Starting on a small dose allows the user to reap some ‘beginner gains’ as well as assess tolerance.
Others who are familiar with Ostarine may opt for a 20mg dose or even as high as 30mg per day.
But remember, it is always recommended to cycle off Ostarine for the same length of time that it was used. Some may opt to go 8 weeks on and 8 weeks off. Lastly, never exceed a 12-week use period to reduce the risk of side effects.
Ostarine Benefits
There are a multitude of benefits of Ostarine use. We have shared five below.
Skeletal Muscle Enhancements
Ostarine is a well-known SARM that has been shown to bind androgen receptors in the muscle, thereby activating ‘muscle growth hormones’. Furthermore, it boosts muscle protein synthesis and recovery. Overall, you could expect lean muscle growth.
Fat Loss
Increasing lean muscle tissue boosts the metabolism, which then helps burn more fat mass over time. Not to mention, higher output during workouts and training sessions would burn a ton of calories.
Torque & Strength Enhancements
Along with muscle size and aesthetics, lifting strength and power for gym-based activities and sports are boosted.
Boosted Recovery
As we have already highlighted, Ostarine will raise muscle protein synthesis and recovery. This will allow users to train harder and recover in time for their next session.
Bone Mineral Density
It is well known that Ostarine binds to the androgen receptors of bones, too. This promotes bone mineral density (thicker and stronger bones). Strong bones are very important for high-impact sports and activities.
Ostarine Side Effects
Now, let’s not get too carried away with the benefits. There is also a dark side! Also known as negative side effects. We have covered four of the worst possible side effects of Ostarine use and abuse.
Organ Damage
It is a well-known phenomenon that Ostarine tablets and drugs, in general, damage the liver.
When Ostarine is taken, the liver is forced to break down the foreign chemical, which over time causes damage and bumps up the risk of liver failure.
Increased ‘Bad’ Cholesterol
With Ostarine use, your lipid profile will likely go out of whack, reducing HDL (good cholesterol) and raising LDL (bad cholesterol).
Over the long haul, ‘bad cholesterol’ can clog up the arteries in the heart, increasing the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart attack.
Hormone Issues
Ostarine is usually opted for as it has a lower risk of hormonal disruption. Regardless, there is always a chance that it can shut down natural testosterone production.
Lower testosterone means that one would have to rely on testosterone replacement therapy to prevent muscle loss and a decline in general health.
Skin Conditions
There have also been reports of Ostarine-causing skin conditions. Ostarine can stimulate the skin glands sebaceous as it increases oil production, clogging up pores followed by a corruption of acne and oily skin, which may be followed by scars.
Take Home Message
All in all, we have learned that Ostarine – MK-2866 is a SARM that interacts with the androgen receptors of the body.
This response increases muscle mass, strength/power, and bone density and may help reduce fat mass.
However, there is no ‘free ride’ as Ostarine may cause some negative side effects, the most life-threatening side effects include organ damage, a rise in bad cholesterol, poor heart health, hormonal issues, and skin conditions.
Generally, the dosage shown in the literature is between 10-30 mg per day taken for 8-12 weeks.
If you are considering Ostarine, please consult your licensed healthcare provider, who may be able to offer guidance.
REFERENCED RESOURCES
UKAD Protecting Sports, 2021 ‘Ostarine’ Available at: https://www.ukad.org.uk/ostarine (Accessed: 21/01/2025)
BBC Sport, 2024 ‘Garcia handed one-year doping ban’ Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/cd1175e56x7o#:~:text=Ryan%20Garcia%20has%20been%20handed,Devin%20Haney%20on%2020%20April (Accessed: 21/01/2025)
@refereezone, 2024 ‘Shocking Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia’ Available at: https://youtube.com/shorts/XVxzs99O3UU?si=DJwfm5Jk8aBm8YKn
Burmeister, M.A., &., Fincher., T.K Recreational Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators US Pharmacist, 45 (60): 15‐18, 2020
Efimenko, I.V., Valacy, D., Dublin, J.M., et al. Adverse effects and potential benefits among selective androgen receptor modulators users: a cross-sectional survey International Journal of Impotence Research, 34 (1): 757-761, 2022
DISCLAIMER
The content within this article cannot be amended, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or resold without direct written permission from the author and affiliates. The author cannot be held liable under any circumstances for possible damages, reparation, and monetary losses as a result of the information within this article. This article is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice and treatment provided by your physician or licensed healthcare provider
