Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular exercise
- Adequate sleep
- Stress management
Blutwerte · Marker
IGF-1
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 · Somatomedin C · IGF1
Hormone — GH/IGF-Achse
- Einheit:
- ng/mL
IGF-1 quantifies the level of insulin-like growth factor 1 in the blood, reflecting growth hormone activity.
Reference Ranges
Age Group
Reference
10–300ng/mL
10
150
250
300
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · ng/mLRanges vary by age and sex; higher in adolescents, lower in older adults.
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 various physiological processes. Clinically, IGF-1 is significant as it reflects the activity of the GH/IGF axis and can provide insights into growth disorders, aging, and metabolic conditions. It is used in diagnosing growth hormone deficiencies and excesses, such as acromegaly. Low levels of IGF-1 are associated with malnutrition, chronic diseases, and aging, while high levels may indicate pituitary tumors or excessive GH production. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, IGF-1 is of interest due to its potential to enhance muscle growth and repair. It is also studied for its role in longevity, as it influences metabolic processes and cellular aging. However, the relationship between IGF-1 levels and longevity is complex, with some studies suggesting that lower levels may be associated with increased lifespan. Caveats in measuring IGF-1 include its variability due to age, sex, and nutritional status. Fasting is not required for testing, but levels can be influenced by recent physical activity and stress. Time of day does not significantly affect IGF-1 levels, making it a stable marker for assessing GH activity. Researchers recommend considering these factors when interpreting IGF-1 concentrations in clinical and research settings.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated IGF-1 levels may indicate growth hormone excess, such as in acromegaly, while reduced levels can suggest growth hormone deficiency, malnutrition, or chronic disease. It is also used to monitor treatment efficacy in growth disorders.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising IGF-1 levels may suggest excessive growth hormone activity; re-test in 4 weeks if outside optimal range.
Falling Values
Progressively falling IGF-1 levels may indicate declining growth hormone activity or nutritional status.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Acromegaly
- Pituitary tumors
- Excessive growth hormone therapy
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
Cause
Low Levels
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Malnutrition
- Chronic liver disease
- Aging
- Hypothyroidism
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet rich in protein
- Adequate caloric intake
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Lever
Supplementation
- Arginine
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if underlying health conditions exist.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
IGF-1 levels can vary throughout the day; consistency in testing time is recommended.
Testing Frequency
Annually for adults with growth concerns, more frequently if monitoring treatment.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Acute illness
- Stress
Related Peptides & Hormones
Growth Hormone
hormoneDirectly measures
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that while serum IGF-1 is less influenced by inflammation compared to traditional nutritional markers, its concentration changes are not sufficiently specific for clinical use in diagnosing malnutrition. Researchers have not yet established optimal reference ranges or the precise role of IGF-1 in various conditions, such as sarcopenia and androgenetic alopecia. Unanswered clinical questions include the potential therapeutic applications of IGF-1 modulation and its interaction with other biomarkers in aging and metabolic disorders.
27 Research Publications
1,017
Total Citations
14
Human/RCT
4.9
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Nutritional Laboratory Markers in Malnutrition.
HumanInfluence29.0
629
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 concentration changes are not specific enough for clinical use. The study suggests that IGF-1 could complement physical examinations in assessing nutritional status.
02Top
#02
GH and ageing: Pitfalls and new insights.
Review
61
This review examined the complex relationship between growth hormone (GH), IGF-1, and aging. Researchers noted that while GH levels decline with age, subtle alterations in GH signaling may be linked to reduced mortality and improved longevity. The findings suggest a biphasic relationship between IGF-1 levels and healthy aging.
03Top
#03
The AR/miR-221/IGF-1 pathway mediates the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia.
HumanInfluence1.0
51
Researchers found that the miR-221/IGF-1 pathway is involved in the development of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study revealed that miR-221 suppresses IGF-1 expression, which affects hair follicle function. This suggests that targeting miR-221 could be a novel approach for treating AGA.
04
#04
miRNA-486-5p: signaling targets and role in non-malignant disease.
ReviewInfluence1.0
49
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.
05
#05
Genetic causes of isolated short stature.
UnknownInfluence2.0
39
This study explored genetic causes of isolated short stature, emphasizing the role of the growth hormone-IGF-1 axis. Researchers found that defects in related genes can lead to growth disorders, underscoring the need for genetic studies in diagnosis.
06
#06
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
38
Researchers identified FABP4 as a reliable aging biomarker that affects metabolic processes. The study found that silencing FABP4 in elderly mice improved metabolic activities and reversed aging-related disorders. This suggests a potential target for enhancing healthy aging.
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.
07
#07
Skeletal muscle-on-a-chip in microgravity as a platform for regeneration modeling and drug screening.
In Vitro
26
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.
08
#08
Growth hormone deficiency and human immunodeficiency virus.
HumanInfluence1.0
24
This historical review focused on growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in HIV patients. Researchers found that GHD is common in this population and linked to metabolic changes. The study discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting the GH/IGF-1 axis to address fat redistribution associated with HIV-related lipodystrophy.
09
#09
Biomarker endpoints in cancer cachexia clinical trials: Systematic Review 5 of the cachexia endpoint series.
Meta-Analysis
23
This systematic review assessed the use of biomarkers in cancer cachexia trials, noting that IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were among the most frequently measured. Researchers found that these biomarkers correlate with lean body mass, indicating their relevance in clinical trials.
10
#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
20
This study evaluated the effects of whole-body vibration training and resistance training on older adults with sarcopenia. Researchers observed significant improvements in blood biomarkers, including IGF-1, in the whole-body vibration training group. Both training methods enhanced physical performance and muscle strength.
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.
Publication Trend
Research publications about IGF-1 over time
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