Introduction
Formula: C71H119N17O19S
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), also known as Somatomedin C, is a hormone alike in molecular structure to insulin, which plays an important role in childhood growth, and has anabolic effects in adults.
IGF-1 is one of many growth factors required for standard human development. IGF-1 is synthesized mostly by the liver but also centrally in numerous tissues.
IGF-1 consists of 70 amino acids. Similar to insulin, IGF-1 has an A and B chain connected by disulphide bonds. The C peptide region has 12 amino acids.
Usage
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) helps encourage normal bone and tissue growth and development and also has the ability to decrease blood glucose levels.
IGF-1 advances to fat cells and therefore burns fat. Subsequently, it increases lean body mass and decreases fat. These effects are desired mostly by athletes and bodybuilders. Increased IGF-1 levels are also comparable to weight gain. This weight gain is a result of lean body mass growth, not fat production.
IGF-1 is favored in the bodybuilding industry and for people who workout regularly. It helps enhance recovery time after workout and improves energy during the workout.
IGF-1 injections are common for adults and children if they have a growth hormone deficiency. IGF-1 contains many necessary amino acids that can help children who are not developing at a standard rate and supplement adults that are deficient.
Research has also shown that the anabolic effects of IGF-1 may reflect inhibited protein breakdown and stimulated protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and that this response may be caused by a direct effect of IGF-1 on muscle tissue, therefore assisting burns on the skin and other tissue abnormalities.
Mechanism of Action
IGF-1 is a hormone found naturally in human blood. Its primary function is to manage the effects of growth hormone in the body. Normal IGF-1 and growth hormone functions include tissue and bone growth. IGF-1 is formed in different tissues as a result of growth hormone in the blood.
IGF-1 promotes systemic body growth, and has growth-stimulating effects on mostly every cell in the body, mainly bone, cartilage, skeletal muscle, liver, kidney, nerve, skin and lung cells. As well as the insulin-like effects, IGF-1 can also manage cellular DNA synthesis.
Administration
Mode of Administration: Subcutaneous injection to a fleshy part of the body, typically to the stomach or abdominal area. IGF-1 can also be administered intramuscularly.
Before administering IGF-1, always be sure to use a clean and sterile syringe.
- Hold the IGF-1 vial upright and insert the syringe in the center of the cap.
- Draw the plunger until you have the correct amount (see ‘Dosage’ below) in the syringe and carefully remove it.
- Before administering the syringe, use alcohol to cleanse the area of skin.
- Pinch the skin around the area to be injected, leave about 2 cm on each side.
- Hold the syringe at a 90 degree angle to your skin and swiftly insert the syringe.
- Depress the plunger fully, until the syringe is empty, and carefully draw out.
Dosage
Dosage Amount: For lean muscle growth and fat loss
40 mcg - 50 mcg daily (men)
10 mcg - 20 mcg daily (women)
IGF-1 should not be injected more than twice daily
A typical dosage cycle of IGF-1 will continue for 2 to 12 weeks
Children and adults who are prescribed IGF-1 for development deficiency should consult with a care provider about correct dosing.
Side Effects
The side effects of IGF-1 can be similar to those of other growth hormones. These include growth of excess body tissue, also known as acromegaly, and damage to the joints, liver, and heart. IGF-1 could possibly cause joint pain, muscle pain, headaches and nausea. IGF-1 can also decrease levels of blood glucose, resulting in hypoglycemia. Researchers also associate IGF-1 with an increased risk of developing some cancers, such as lung, breast, colorectal and prostate.
Benefits
- Facilitation of protein synthesis in the body
- Regulation of stored fat and channeling it to be used for energy production, resulting in fat loss
- Promotion of positive effects on metabolism and increasing lean body mass and muscle growth
- Protection against autoimmune disease, heart disease and plaque buildup
- Aid development in young children and adults deficient in essential amino acids
- Improvement in blood sugar regulation
- Promotion of optimal health, wellness and fitness in users