What are the potential benefits of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)?

Skeletal muscle protein synthesis stimulation. Bone mineral density maintenance. GH-mediated anabolic effects (mediator). Neuroprotection and neurite outgrowth promotion. FDA-approved for primary IGF-1 deficiency (mecasermin)

What compounds work synergistically with Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)?

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) has been studied alongside Growth Hormone, IGF-1 LR3, MGF, Insulin for potential synergistic effects.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) — Mechanism, Benefits, Research & Synergies

Overview

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a 70-amino acid single-chain growth factor structurally homologous to insulin, primarily synthesized in the liver in response to growth hormone stimulation. IGF-1 mediates most of the anabolic effects of growth hormone including linear growth, muscle protein synthesis, and bone mineral accretion. Serum IGF-1 declines approximately 14% per decade after age 30, contributing to sarcopenia, reduced bone density, and metabolic changes associated with aging. Recombinant IGF-1 (mecasermin, Increlex) is FDA-approved for IGF-1 deficiency states.

Mechanism of Action

IGF-1 binds the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), a receptor tyrosine kinase structurally homologous to the insulin receptor. IGF-1R autophosphorylation activates IRS-1/2 adapter proteins, leading to PI3K → PDK1 → Akt → mTORC1 signaling (protein synthesis, cell survival) and Ras → MEK → ERK1/2 signaling (cell proliferation). In skeletal muscle, Akt-mTORC1 activation phosphorylates p70S6K1 and 4E-BP1, driving ribosome biogenesis and mRNA translation for muscle protein synthesis. IGF-1 also inhibits FoxO-mediated expression of MuRF-1 and MAFbx (atrogenes), preventing muscle protein breakdown.

Potential Benefits

Skeletal muscle protein synthesis stimulation
Bone mineral density maintenance
GH-mediated anabolic effects (mediator)
Neuroprotection and neurite outgrowth promotion
FDA-approved for primary IGF-1 deficiency (mecasermin)

Research Dosage Notes

The following reflects doses used in published research studies. This is not medical advice.

Mecasermin (approved): 0.04–0.12 mg/kg SC twice daily for IGF-1 deficiency. Research/off-label use in athletes: highly variable (not recommended without medical supervision).

Amino Acid Sequence

Gly-Pro-Glu-Thr-Leu-Cys-Gly-Ala-Glu-Leu-Val-Asp-Ala-Leu-Gln-Phe-Val-Cys-Gly-Asp-Arg-Gly-Phe-Tyr-Phe-Asn-Lys-Pro-Thr-Gly-Tyr-Gly-Ser-Ser-Ser-Arg-Arg-Ala-Pro-Gln-Thr-Gly-Ile-Val-Asp-Glu-Cys-Cys-Phe-Arg-Ser-Cys-Asp-Leu-Arg-Arg-Leu-Glu-Met-Tyr-Cys-Ala-Pro-Leu-Lys-Pro-Ala-Lys-Ser-Ala

Side Effects & Safety

Hypoglycemia (most important; insulin-like activity)
Jaw pain and facial bone growth at high doses
Edema
Potential cancer risk with prolonged supraphysiological levels (controversial)
Acromegaly-like features with chronic excess

Synergistic Compounds

The following compounds have been studied alongside Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) for potential complementary or synergistic effects:

Growth HormoneIGF-1 LR3 MGFInsulin

Learn More

Beginner's GuideNew to peptides? Start here Stacking GuideSynergistic combinations Administration RoutesSubQ, IM, oral, nasal & more Reconstitution CalculatorCalculate exact dosing Peptides vs SARMsFull comparison How Peptides Are MadeSPPS, purification & QC

References & Further Reading

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Quick Facts

Molecular Weight	7648.9 g/mol
Research Status	Native IGF-1: well characterized; diagnostic biomarker for GH disorders. Mecasermin (recombinant IGF-1, Increlex): FDA-approved for IGF-1 deficiency. IGF-1 LR3 (research analog): extensive preclinical and off-label use.

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Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)