🧬 Growth Factors (Growth Hormone/IGF-1) and Metabolic Health
How IGF-1 affects aging and longevity
IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) is a key growth factor affecting aging. Let's look at its role in longevity and metabolic health.
What is IGF-1
IGF-1 is a hormone that stimulates cell and tissue growth. It is linked to growth hormone and affects muscles, bones and metabolism.
- Stimulates growth.
- Linked to growth hormone.
- Affects muscles.
- Affects bones.
IGF-1 and aging
High IGF-1 is beneficial for growth in youth, but in adulthood its level is linked to accelerated aging and disease risks.
- High in youth.
- Linked to aging.
- Disease risks.
- Declines with age.
Nutrition and protein
Protein raises IGF-1. Moderate protein intake is linked to lower IGF-1, studied in the context of longevity.
- Protein raises IGF-1.
- Protein moderation.
- Link to longevity.
- Balance with muscles.
Fasting
Intermittent fasting may lower IGF-1 and activate repair processes (autophagy). This is studied for longevity.
- Lowers IGF-1.
- Activates autophagy.
- Cell repair.
- Studied for longevity.
Exercise
Physical exercise affects IGF-1 and insulin sensitivity, supporting metabolic health and muscle mass.
- Supports muscles.
- Improves sensitivity.
- IGF-1 balance.
- Metabolic health.
Norms
| Age | IGF-1 (ng/ml) |
|---|---|
| 20–30 years | 100–450 |
| 30–50 years | 80–300 |
| 50+ years | 50–250 |
Practice
- Moderate protein (1.2–1.6 g/kg).
- Intermittent fasting.
- Strength training.
- Weight and sugar control.
- Sleep and recovery.
- Consult a doctor.
What is IGF-1?
An insulin-like growth factor that stimulates cell and tissue growth.
How does IGF-1 affect aging?
High levels are linked to accelerated aging and disease risks.
How does protein affect IGF-1?
Protein raises IGF-1; moderation is studied for longevity.
Does fasting help lower IGF-1?
Yes, intermittent fasting may lower IGF-1.
What are IGF-1 norms?
They depend on age, sex and lab; usually 50–450 ng/ml.
Do exercises affect it?
Yes, they support muscles and insulin sensitivity.
Should I lower IGF-1 artificially?
No, only under a doctor's care and with tests.
What matters for longevity?
Protein balance, fasting, movement and metabolic health.
When to take a test?
With suspected growth or metabolic disorders.
When is a doctor needed?
With growth, metabolic abnormalities and hormone use.