Benefits of IGF-1
Below are the major benefits that are possible with IGF-1 use:
- Increase Muscle Mass and Strength: One of IGF-1’s primary functions is to build tissue. Clearly, this is of great interest to bodybuilders, whose focus is to increase muscle.
- Speed Muscle Recovery: IGF-1’s other primary function is to repair tissue. It speeds muscle recovery, so that bodybuilders can lift weights more often, thus increasing muscle mass faster. IGF-1 also helps with injuries such as muscle tears.
- Help Joint Function: IGF-1 has an anti-inflammatory effect. It improves joint flexibility and fluidity, which in turn reduces joint pain. It is important for bodybuilders to have proper joint function so that movements can be done with full range of motion.
- Improve Heart Conditions: IGF-1 can lower blood pressure, increase blood supply and circulation. This not only reduces the risk for a heart attack but also improves the overall health of the heart.
- Boost Sexual Function: IGF-1 levels are significantly correlated to sexual function. Boosting IGF-1 in the body increases libido and treats sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction and infertility.
IGF-1 has been shown to increase the rate of muscle growth from training. Muscle fibers are also repaired more quickly after injury. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia both occur. Hyperplasia occurs when muscle fibers split, creating even more muscle fibers. Hypertrophy occurs when the existing muscle fibers increase in the size. Together, hypertrophy and hyperplasia make muscles bigger and stronger.
Lee Sweeney, Ph.D., Professor and Chairman of Physiology at the University of Pennsylvania, is a recognized expert on the subject of the genetic enhancement of skeletal muscle. Dr. Sweeney spoke to the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) with regard to the muscle building and regenerating properties of IGF-1.
Dr. Sweeney reported, “Rats that were given IGF-1 and did nothing were bigger and stronger than rats that weren’t given IGF-1 but exercised. And I’ll bet you guessed that rats that were given IGF-1 and exercised were the biggest, strongest rats in the house. The positive effects of IGF-1 on the rats continued for months after the rats stopped getting the supplemental hormone, whereas the exercising rats immediately lost size and strength as soon as they stopped exercising.”
In another study the muscle fibers of 27-month old rats – old age for rats – that were given IGF-1 during middle age, exhibited no deterioration of muscle fibers that indicate the classic and inevitable signs of aging. These rats did not lose any fast twitch muscle fibers – the fibers responsible for power and speed – and had the same speed and power output that they had when they were six months of age.
“So we were able to conclude that IGF-1 could prevent all of the hallmarks of age-related atrophy and loss of skeletal muscle function in mammalian aging,” Dr. Sweeney continued. He reported that rodents given IGF-1 before birth and at four weeks of age experienced a 35% increase in strength in targeted muscles, did not lose any size and strength as they aged and did not lose any of these gains when they stopped training.
Dr. Sweeney believes that IGF-1 could be used as an instant muscle builder for members of the general population. IGF-1 provides almost permanent muscle-creating, muscle-repairing, and anti-aging benefits and is totally undetectable.
Bodybuilders are using IGF-1 and so are athletes at the highest level of sport. It has been rumored that 50% of all major league baseball and football players use IGF-1 in the form of deer antler spray. Professional golfers, olympic athletes, collegiate athletes have all admitted to using deer antler spray.
Side Effects of IGF-1
There are synthetic and natural sources of IGF-1. Synthetic IGF-1, available in the form of IGF-1 injections (pictured below) has some bad side effects, such as jaw pain, swelling, headaches, and an irregular heartbeat. Taking too much IGF-1 can be counterproductive. Too much IGF-1 has been identified as the culprit for causing bloating in the abdominal region, which explains why you see some bodybuilders with a potbelly.
Taking synthetic IGF-1 could potentially be dangerous. It stays in the body longer, and is designed to treat growth and developmental delays in children, not to be taken for its anabolic properties by bodybuilders and power lifters.
Fortunately, there is a source of natural IGF-1. Deer antler spray (pictured below) contains natural IGF-1 that is similar to human IGF-1 and is usable by the human body. It appears to be safe and effective. Thus far, only mild side effects including headaches and upset stomachs have been identified. For long term use, deer antler spray is the better, healthier option.
Next: Where Can I Buy Natural IGF-1?