Insulin-like growth factor 1, as the name implies is a growth factor akin to insulin.
Just like insulin, it carries similar quantities of amino acids and triggers anabolic reactions to GH. IGF-1 is widely considered to be responsible for infant growth and considered to be greatly anabolic in adulthood. On the market it is sometimes referred to as the Increlex brand or the generic name mecasermin.
Important Background Information
In reality, IGF-1 has been around for some time. It is a vital element of all mammals without which they would die. Way back in the seventies, IGF-1 was called the Sulfation Factor and NSILA (“nonsuppressible” Insulin-like Activity). Moving towards the 1980’s, it later became known as “Somatomedin C.” Emerging on the informal market is the popular type of IGF-1 called Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1(Long R3IGF-I). This version is of a more durable type; having more amino acids in length, and can no longer be seen on the market today. The two common types of IGF available today are Media and Receptor grades, which essentially deal with the purity of a particular presentation.
Released in the liver, IGF-1 joins to the IGF receptors inside the cells. This in due course results in a stimulus of cell expansion and the cessation of cell destruction. Attributes are being a vastly anabolic and anti catabolic compound. In sports, this presents many positive results in that we witness increased nitrogen retention and protein synthesis.
IGF-1, where sufficient protein is present, actually advances growth of fresh muscle cells, which in turn boosts the total amount of cells in the muscle.
In addition to promoting growth of new motor neurons, IGF is involved in safeguarding the brain’s neurons.
A bird’s eye view of some advantages or benefits of IGF-1
- Advances growth of fresh muscles
- Boost the total amount of cells in the muscle
- Protects the brain’s neurons
- Improves the formation of collagen
- Helps in cartilage repair
- Contributes to bone construction and restoration
Experiments
A compound causing increased release of IGF-1 in muscle fibers was administered when carrying out a study on young adult mice. The result was an average increase of 15% and 14% of muscle mass and increase in strength respectively. Upon doing the study on adult mice, different results were obtained: an increment of 27% in strength in the injected muscles in comparison to the non-injected muscles. An added benefit was the prevention of muscle aging. Interestingly, muscle accumulation and muscle fiber growth were alike those present in young adults.