Blutwerte · Marker

IGF-1

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 · Somatomedin C · IGF1

Hormone — GH/IGF-AchseZeitabhängig

Einheit:: ng/mL

IGF-1 quantifies the serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone involved in growth and anabolic processes.

Reference Ranges

Age Group

Reference

50–300ng/mL

100

150

300

LowNormalHigh

Reference

Optimal

Unit · ng/mL

Ranges vary by age and sex; levels decline with age.

Overview

Übersicht

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), also known as Somatomedin C, is a hormone primarily produced in the liver in response to growth hormone (GH) stimulation. It plays a crucial role in childhood growth and continues to have anabolic effects in adults. IGF-1 is involved in cell growth, differentiation, and survival, acting through the IGF-1 receptor to mediate the effects of GH. Clinically, IGF-1 levels are used to assess growth disorders, such as acromegaly and growth hormone deficiency. Elevated levels may indicate conditions like gigantism or acromegaly, while low levels can suggest GH deficiency or malnutrition. IGF-1 is also implicated in cardiovascular health, with studies linking it to interventricular septal thickening. For athletes and biohackers, IGF-1 is of interest due to its potential role in muscle growth and repair, as well as its implications for longevity. However, its levels can be influenced by factors such as age, sex, and nutritional status, making interpretation complex. Researchers observed that IGF-1 levels are less influenced by inflammation compared to other nutritional markers, but they are not specific enough to diagnose malnutrition. Time of day and fasting status can affect IGF-1 measurements, and levels may vary with age and sex, necessitating careful consideration of these factors during testing.

Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated IGF-1 levels may indicate acromegaly or gigantism, while reduced levels can suggest growth hormone deficiency or malnutrition. IGF-1 is also associated with cardiovascular changes, such as interventricular septal thickening.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising IGF-1 levels may indicate acromegaly or excessive GH therapy. Re-test in 4 weeks if outside optimal range.

Falling Values

Progressively falling IGF-1 levels may suggest GH deficiency or malnutrition.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

Acromegaly
Gigantism
Puberty
Pregnancy
High protein intake

Cause

Low Levels

Growth hormone deficiency
Malnutrition
Liver disease
Chronic kidney disease
Hypothyroidism

Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

Regular exercise
Adequate sleep
Stress management

Lever

Nutrition

Balanced diet with adequate protein
Avoiding excessive sugar intake

Lever

Supplementation

Creatine
Arginine

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle or dietary changes.

Testing Guidelines

✓Fasting Not Required

🕐Time-Sensitive

IGF-1 levels can vary throughout the day; consistent timing is recommended.

Testing Frequency

Annually for adults with growth concerns or as directed by a healthcare provider.

Interfering Factors

Recent intense exercise
Acute illness
Nutritional status

Related Peptides & Hormones

Growth Hormone

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that while serum IGF-1 is less influenced by inflammation compared to traditional nutritional markers, its concentration changes lack specificity for clinical use in diagnosing malnutrition. Researchers have not yet established optimal reference ranges for IGF-1 in various populations, particularly in relation to aging and metabolic disorders. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the precise role of IGF-1 in conditions like androgenetic alopecia and its potential as a therapeutic target.

29 Research Publications

1,055

Total Citations

Human/RCT

5.3

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort

Filter

01Top

#01

Nutritional Laboratory Markers in Malnutrition.

HumanInfluence32.0

645

This study examined the role of serum IGF-1 as a potential biomarker for malnutrition. Researchers found that while IGF-1 levels decrease during malnutrition, its changes are not specific enough to be clinically useful. The study emphasizes the importance of combining laboratory markers with thorough physical examinations for diagnosing malnutrition.

View on PubMed

02Top

#02

GH and ageing: Pitfalls and new insights.

Review

This study explored the complex relationship between growth hormone (GH), IGF-1, and aging. Researchers found that alterations in GH and IGF-1 signaling are associated with longevity and age-related diseases. The findings suggest a biphasic relationship between IGF-1 levels and healthy aging.

View on PubMed

03Top

#03

The AR/miR-221/IGF-1 pathway mediates the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia.

HumanInfluence1.0

Researchers found that the miR-221/IGF-1 pathway plays a crucial role in the development of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study revealed that increased miR-221 expression suppresses IGF-1, impacting hair follicle health. This suggests that targeting this pathway could be a novel approach for treating AGA.

View on PubMed

#04

miRNA-486-5p: signaling targets and role in non-malignant disease.

ReviewInfluence1.0

Researchers reviewed the role of miR-486-5p in non-malignant diseases and its targets, including IGF-1. The study highlighted that miR-486-5p regulates pathways involved in cellular processes, suggesting its potential as a biomarker in various diseases.

View on PubMed

#05

Targeting FABP4 in elderly mice rejuvenates liver metabolism and ameliorates aging-associated metabolic disorders.

Lv Jian, et al. · Metabolism: clinical and experimental · 2023

AnimalInfluence1.0

This study investigated the effects of targeting FABP4 in elderly mice to improve metabolic health. Researchers observed that silencing FABP4 rejuvenated liver metabolism and reversed aging-related metabolic disorders. Additionally, circulating IGF-1 levels were evaluated as part of the metabolic assessment.

Key findings

01FABP4 was identified as a reliable aging biomarker in both humans and mice.
02Silencing FABP4 in elderly mice rejuvenated their metabolic activities and improved cholesterol and fatty acid breakdown.
03Using an FABP4 inhibitor provided metabolic benefits in older mice.

View on PubMed

#06

Genetic causes of isolated short stature.

HumanInfluence2.0

Researchers examined genetic factors contributing to isolated short stature, focusing on the GH-IGF-1 axis. The study highlighted that many genetic defects affecting growth are linked to this axis, suggesting the need for genetic studies to identify causes of short stature in children.

View on PubMed

#07

Skeletal muscle-on-a-chip in microgravity as a platform for regeneration modeling and drug screening.

In Vitro

Researchers studied the effects of IGF-1 in an engineered muscle model exposed to microgravity. The study found that IGF-1 partially inhibited muscle atrophy effects induced by microgravity, suggesting its potential role in muscle regeneration.

View on PubMed

#08

Biomarker endpoints in cancer cachexia clinical trials: Systematic Review 5 of the cachexia endpoint series.

Human

Researchers conducted a systematic review of biomarker endpoints in cancer cachexia trials, finding that IGF-1 was among the biomarkers used. The review emphasized the need for biomarkers to correlate with clinical benefits for regulatory approval, highlighting IGF-1's role in assessing treatment efficacy.

View on PubMed

#09

Growth hormone deficiency and human immunodeficiency virus.

HumanInfluence1.0

This study reviewed the growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 axis in patients with HIV. Researchers found that GH secretion is often reduced in these patients, contributing to metabolic issues, and discussed therapeutic strategies targeting this axis to improve health outcomes.

View on PubMed

#10

Effects of 12-week whole-body vibration training versus resistance training in older people with sarcopenia.

Zhuang Min, et al. · Scientific reports · 2025

HumanInfluence3.0

This study compared the effects of whole-body vibration training and resistance training on older adults with sarcopenia. Researchers observed significant improvements in serum IGF-1 levels and muscle strength in the whole-body vibration training group. Both training methods enhanced physical performance and quality of life.

Key findings

01WBVT led to significant improvements in body composition, muscle strength, physical performance, and quality of life.
02RT also improved body composition, muscle strength, and physical performance, but was more effective for knee extension strength.
03Both training methods positively influenced blood biomarkers associated with muscle health.

Research publications about IGF-1 over time

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