IGF-1
Shop IGF-1Also called: Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 Protein
IGF-1 stands for insulin-like growth factor 1. It is a small protein made of 70 building blocks called amino acids. Your body makes most of it in the liver. It helps children grow and helps adults keep and build muscle, bone, and cartilage. IGF-1 works like a growth messenger.
It tells cells to grow, multiply, and survive. It is shaped a lot like insulin, the blood sugar hormone, so the two can affect each other's jobs. Doctors use a lab-made copy of IGF-1, called mecasermin, to help children who are not growing well. Lower IGF-1 levels have been linked to having too much body fat. Scientists are still learning about IGF-1.
Some clinic websites say it may help with weight loss, metabolism, and insulin problems, but strong proof in people is limited. Side effects like swelling have caused people to drop out of studies. IGF-1 is a strong growth signal, so it should only be used under a doctor's care. People with some cancers may need to be careful, because it can make cells grow.
Benefits
What IGF-1 Helps With
The main themes across 34 research studies, in plain language.
Musculoskeletal
Muscle growth & maintenance
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 21 underlying claimsResearch suggests IGF-1 plays a central role in stimulating muscle cell proliferation, enhancing protein synthesis, and increasing muscle mass.
Bone density & skeletal health
72/100Rated 72/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 5 underlying claimsEvidence suggests IGF-1 helps maintain bone mineral density and supports the health of skeletal tissues.
Anti-aging & longevity
Growth & development mediation
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 10 underlying claimsIGF-1 is identified as a key mediator of growth hormone effects, supporting linear bone growth and overall development in children.
Laron syndrome & disease resistance
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 3 underlying claimsObservational studies in Laron syndrome suggest unique IGF-1 profiles may be associated with resistance to cancer and diabetes.
Other
Bioavailability & half-life extension
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 11 underlying claimsFormulation research focuses on extending the active half-life of IGF-1 and reducing binding to inhibitory proteins to improve bioavailability.
Formulation stability & integrity
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 underlying claimsResearch indicates that specific formulation methods, such as lyophilization, can preserve the structural integrity and bioactivity of peptides.
Tissue repair & wound healing
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 11 underlying claimsResearch suggests IGF-1 facilitates cellular growth, angiogenesis, and the repair of various tissues, including skin and internal organs.
Gut health & enteric function
90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 4 underlying claimsStudies suggest IGF-1 may support the assembly of neural networks in the gut and the maintenance of the enteric nervous system.
Immune modulation & early development
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 underlying claimsEvidence suggests IGF-1 is present in colostrum and may contribute to early immunological health outcomes in infants.
Cellular defense & survival signaling
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 8 underlying claimsResearch indicates IGF-1 activates critical pathways (such as PI3K/Akt) that regulate cell survival, growth, and apoptosis.
Body composition & weight management
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 4 underlying claimsResearch suggests IGF-1 influences nutrient partitioning, potentially promoting lean mass accretion and supporting fat metabolism.
Metabolic regulation & insulin sensitivity
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 13 underlying claimsStudies indicate IGF-1 helps regulate fat metabolism, supports insulin sensitivity, and is associated with a lower risk of metabolic abnormalities.
Cardiovascular & vascular support
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 4 underlying claimsResearch points to potential cardioprotective effects and roles in plaque stabilization within blood vessels.
Neuroprotection & cognitive support
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 12 underlying claimsEvidence points to neuroprotective properties that may support neuronal survival, cognitive health, and delay the progression of conditions like ALS.
Physical performance & recovery
40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 8 underlying claimsStudies suggest potential benefits for improving stamina, accelerating recovery from training, and reducing muscle fatigue.
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How People Use It
1 reported routine — each line links to the source it came from.
From published sources
Routines as reported in peer-reviewed papers, clinical guidance, or vetted media — each linked to the source it came from.
SubQ
- 25 μg kg−1 •hr−1 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ source
mg vs mcg: one milligram (mg) equals 1,000 micrograms (mcg) — multiply by 1,000 going from mg to mcg, divide by 1,000 going from mcg to mg. Mixing the two up is a thousand-fold dosing error: 1 mg taken instead of 1 mcg is a 1,000× overdose; 1 mcg instead of 1 mg is a 1,000× underdose. Always double-check the unit label and the decimal place.
Safety
Known Side Effects
Adverse effects reported in the research and by community use.
- Insulin Resistance / HyperinsulinaemiaSevere 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Sodium Retention / EdemaModerate 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Increased Adiposity (if deficient)Moderate 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Cancer Progression RiskSevere 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Menstrual Abnormalities (Amenorrhea)Severe 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Slight pain or bruising at the needle siteMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ medlineplus.gov
- Cognitive Impairment (via IGFBP5 accumulation)Moderate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Increased Blood Glucose/InsulinMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Reported in research and community sources — not exhaustive. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.
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Evidence
Research Citations (12)
Every claim above traces back to a source you can check — here are 12 of them.
- Source
Mechano growth factor, a splice variant of IGF-1, promotes neurogenesis in the aging mouse brain.
2017 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Hybrid receptors formed by insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) have low insulin and high IGF-1 affinity irrespective of the IR splice variant.
2006 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The nutritional quality of an infant food from quinoa and its effect on the plasma level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in undernourished children.
2002 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
IGF-1 has plaque-stabilizing effects in atherosclerosis by altering vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype.
2011 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Mechanisms of IGF-1-Mediated Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy and Atrophy.
2020 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Figure - Overview of the cardiovascular effects of the GH/IGF-1 axis
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Antisense Oligonucleotide-Mediated Downregulation of IGFBPs Enhances IGF-1 Signaling.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
IGF-1R Antagonism in Thyroid Eye Disease and Female Reproductive Function.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Nutrition, GH/IGF-1 signaling, and cancer
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Higher circulating levels of IGF-1 are associated with longer leukocyte telomere length in healthy subjects
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Higher plasma IGF-1 levels are associated with increased delta sleep in healthy older men
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Low protein intake is associated with a major reduction in IGF-1, cancer, and overall mortality in the 65 and younger but not older population
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Timeline
History & Milestones
Key moments in IGF-1’s research and regulatory timeline — sourced and dated.
- Muscle expression of a local Igf-1 isoform protects motor neurons in an ALS mouse modelPublicationJan 17, 2005Related:IGF-1
News
Latest on IGF-1
Dated, sourced reporting that mentions IGF-1.
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Impact on Alzheimer's Disease: Role in Inflammation, Stress, and Cognition
The review examines IGF-1's role in the aging brain, Alzheimer's disease pathology, neuroinflammation, and cognition. It surveys evidence that elevated serum IGF-I levels have been linked to better cognition and overall brain health. It also cites findings that higher baseline IGF-1 levels were linked to better performance on executive function tasks in Alzheimer's patients.
Eton Pharmaceuticals 8-K (Item 2.01 — Completion of Acquisition of Increlex from Ipsen)
Eton Pharmaceuticals completed its asset acquisition of Increlex (mecasermin injection) from Ipsen S.A. on December 19, 2024, paying $22.5 million at closing plus $8.7 million for product inventory. The filing states Increlex is a biologic used to treat children and adolescents from 2 to 18 years old with severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency (SPIGFD). Eton also expanded its SWK Holdings credit facility to $30 million as part of the transaction.
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