Proper IGF-1 Protocol Means More Benefit and Less Side Effects
IGF-1, or insulin growth factor 1, is important in the development of children. Similar to insulin, the hormone, helps in the development of children and has anabolic effects on adults. It’s a protein consisting of 70 amino acids in a single chain and it is primarily produced in the liver. GH (growth hormone) stimulates the production of IGF1, which is produced throughout a person’s lifetime, with the greatest levels of production occurring during puberty.
For those who are deficient or don’t produce GH at normal levels, injections and other supplement forms of IGF1 are a viable solution to helping increase those deficiencies.
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IS IGF-1 SAFE?
IGF1 is safe, as it is naturally occurring in the body and is produced by the liver. In fact, containing 70 amino acids makes it essential for people who want to live a healthy life. Therefore, it is important to ensure IGF1 is being produced by the liver at normal rates, and if not, it is common for injections to be utilized to help in treating said deficiencies.
For most adults, IGF1 levels should remain at 175 ml or below; for those who aren’t into fitness, or don’t workout regularly, levels of 150 ml or below are appropriate for most. When supplementing, it is important to keep these numbers in mind to avoid overdosing. This is where the primary question of its safety comes into play.
As long as levels are within a normal range, most adults don’t have to use a supplement. For bodybuilders, people trying to lose weight, or those who are otherwise deficient, supplementing with IGF1 can help in achieving specific goals you’re trying to achieve. Noting the appropriate dosage levels and dosing instructions is imperative to ensure your safety when injecting.
HOW DO I INJECT IGF-1?
IGF1 should be injected intramuscularly. A good time to inject is post-workout for people who are using it to help in muscle development and strength training. If using it for deficiencies, you can inject in the morning hours on an empty stomach. It is best to wait to drink any liquids for a period of 20 to 30 minutes after injection as well. This will allow the injection to work its way through the bloodstream, to maximize the retention levels of the IGF1 injection that you’re administering.
WHAT IS THE PROPER DOSAGE AND FREQUENCY FOR INJECTING IGF-1?
It is advisable that no more than 40 to 50 mcg of IGF1 be injected on a daily basis for men, and should cap off at 20 mcg for female users. A longer halflife means it shouldn’t be injected more than twice daily for those who are using the LR3 form. For IGF1 DES you can increase dosage between 50 to 150 mcg a day.
The injections can be administered twice daily; administration can be done pre and post-workout. On non-training days, you can administer the IGF1 injection at any time of the day. It is important, however, to note that you should try to inject at the same time each day if possible.
A typical dosage cycle of IGF1 will run between 2 to 12 weeks. For those who are new to injecting, starting at the 2-week mark with a lower dosage level is advisable. For bodybuilders, or those who have been using IGF1 injections for longer periods of time, you might be comfortable at the higher end of the dosage level and cycles. If you have any questions or concerns, you might want to speak with your doctor regarding dosage, especially if they have suggested or prescribed IGF1 in treating deficiencies.
If levels are too low or high after a dosage cycle ends, you can modify dosage levels accordingly to help you achieve the results you’re trying to achieve. It’s important to keep the maximum dosage limits in mind, however, and to consider your age, fitness level, and other external factors, to ensure you don’t increase the dosage levels too much.
WHO SHOULD USE IGF-1?
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IGF1 is popular in the bodybuilding industry and for people who workout regularly. It helps improve the recovery time after workout, helps give you a “pump” during your workout, and can help individuals achieve fitness goals they’ve struggled with without supplementation.
It is also common for adults and children to use IGF1 injections if they are deficient in the GH. Because there are several essential amino acids found in IGF1, many doctors will prescribe it to young children who aren’t developing at the appropriate rate, or to adults who are deficient.
Of course, for each of these groups, the dosage will vary. And, dosing instructions and frequency, as well as the dosage cycle are likely to vary as well. Many people can benefit from using IGF1 injections, and as long as it is used safely, and at the appropriate levels, it can promote optimal health, wellness, and fitness in users.
WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY BENEFITS OF IGF-1?
Several benefits exist revolving around the use of IGF1, and this is why it is such a popular injection in the health and wellness industry. Some of the benefits users will experience include
- Muscle growth and development
- Development of lean muscle mass
- Protection against muscle wasting
- It fights autoimmune diseases
- It can help protect against heart disease and plaque buildup
- It works to improve blood sugar regulation
- It can increase levels of IGF1 in those who are deficient
- It aids in development, especially for young children, who are deficient
- It helps users get essential and non-essential amino acids they aren’t getting in their diet alone
In some, it can help fight the signs of aging. It will also help increase antioxidant levels, and decrease inflammation. IGF1 can work to help improve cognitive functions, and can serve as anti-depression and anti-anxiety treatments for some users.
These benefits, of course, are noticed when IGF1 is taken safely and when injections are purchased from a reputable supplier. Or, if they are given directly by your doctor in a prescription form, you can also safely use the IGF1 injections at the prescribed level.
ARE THERE ADVERSE OR NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS I SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE USING IGF-1?
We do, however, have to highlight some of the negative side effects which are linked to using IGF1. These are often rare, and if they develop, users should stop using the injection and talk to their doctor. If a life threatening issue arises, users should contact emergency medical services right away.
Some of the common side effects linked to IGF1 use include
- Links to certain forms of cancer development (studies are inclusive and dosage levels are extremely high in these cases)
- Acne
- Nausea, upset stomach
- Pain or swelling at the point of injection
- Redness or irritation of the skin, namely at the point of injection
Again, the side effects are typically mild, and are usually linked to the actual injection (pain or discomfort), as opposed to being life threatening. However, it is important for users to know that some of these risks do exist, if they are considering using IGF1 injections, so they can determine if it something they want to continue using.
HOW SOON AFTER I START USING IGF-1 WILL I SEE RESULTS?
For the most part, results will typically begin to show themselves within a couple of weeks of starting a dosage cycle of IGF1. In order for the full effects to take effect, a period of three to six months must elapse before users reap the benefits of using IGF1.
When treating deficiencies, results might begin to show themselves after a couple of weeks. This is because the body is deficient, and introducing higher than normal levels of IGF1, will help counterbalance the deficiencies users are experiencing.
External factors will impact how long it will take to see results, and the actual results a person is going to experience when using IGF1. For example, weight, age, health history, family history, other medications people are taking, their fitness levels, and whether or not a person works out, will all impact how IGF1 is going to work. Results can also vary from one person to the next. So, what works exceptionally well for one user, might only have mild effects on the next person.
In order to determine if it is worth staying on IGF1, it is advised to at least complete one dosage cycle to see how the body responds. From there, you can adjust levels accordingly, in deciding if it is the right supplement for you.