IGF-1 is not an anabolic steroid but a protein hormone (also known as a peptide or simply a peptide hormone), structurally highly similar to the hormone insulin—another peptide/protein hormone. IGF-1 is primarily produced and synthesized naturally within the human body, mainly in the liver. The liver is stimulated by human growth hormone (HGH) to trigger IGF-1 production. Essentially, HGH is the hormone for IGF-1, and most of HGH’s anabolic effects are actually produced through IGF-1 action.
Weight gain when using IGF-1 is not caused by water retention; all weight increase results from actual muscle growth. Unlike steroids that cause excessive water retention, you won’t gain unrealistically large amounts of weight. Instead, the muscle you build is exceptionally dense and pure. The most significant effect of IGF-1 is increasing the number of muscle fibers. Steroid users achieve hypertrophy, meaning we can gain substantial muscle size simply by increasing the number of existing muscle fibers within the muscle.
Two Additional Forms of IGF-1
IGF-1 LR3 and DES IGF-1 (LR3 stands for Long-Acting, DES for Short-Acting). IGF-1 has an extremely short half-life, causing it to be rapidly broken down by the body. This is the primary reason IGF-1 was modified to create the amino acid analog IGF-1 LR3, which possesses a longer half-life. Another IGF-1 variant, DES IGF-1, is a truncated form of IGF-1 with ten times the potency. Both IGF-1 variants share similarities with standard IGF-1 but exhibit distinct modes of action. This functionality allows them to work together in different and specific ways.
IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 has a half-life of approximately 20-30 hours. LR3 is more effective than conventional IGF-1 because it provides sustained release in the body for over a day. It binds more efficiently to cellular receptors in muscle cells and activates cellular signaling, thereby enhancing muscle growth rates throughout the day. IGF-1 LR3 inhibits glucose movement into body cells, promoting fat burning and energy production from stored fat. It circulates systemically, binds to muscle cell receptors, and remains active for approximately one day.
IGF-1 DES
DES IGF-1 is the fast-acting, short-duration version of IGF-1, exhibiting five times the potency of standard IGF-1. With a half-life of approximately twenty to thirty minutes, it requires injection only at your weak points. DES IGF-1 possesses a greater capacity to stimulate muscle fibers than IGF-1 LR3. In summary, this short-acting IGF-1 yields optimal muscle growth effects when administered via local injection. DES IGF-1 binds to receptors in cells already deformed by lactic acid, which accumulates in high quantities during strength training and intense activity. This characteristic allows DES IGF-1 to attach to mutated receptors that send tissue growth signals even during training. DES can be used more frequently and for longer durations than IGF-1 LR3.
Administration and Injection
IGF-1
This variant of IGF-1 should be injected 7 days per week. Injection after workouts is optimal. A daily dose of approximately 20 mcg to 50 mcg is recommended. Due to IGF-1’s very short half-life, desensitization is rarely observed.
IGF-1 LR3
This variant of IGF-1 should be injected 7 days per week. Doses should range from 20 mcg to 50 mcg. Desensitization typically occurs around 40 days or approximately 4 weeks.
IGF-1 DES
DES IGF-1 should be administered multiple times per day, ideally targeting specific areas and muscles post-workout at a dose of approximately 50 mcg to 150 mcg. Due to DES IGF-1’s extremely short half-life, desensitization is rarely observed. You should always ensure precise targeting of the intended muscle group. For instance, to enhance your biceps, administer the injection directly into the biceps muscle.