[Johnny Bravo]

Description: Comes in 50 cc vials. This product is a freeze dried white powder that requires refrigeration and is light sensitive. This powder is supposed to be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water to equal an amount of 50 cc. IGF-1 or insulin-like growth factor 1 is a structural homologue of insulin that exhibits insulin-like activity. IGF-1 is synthesized in the liver and it is bound to carrier proteins that determine it's biological actions. IGF-1 is also the peptide through which growth hormone exerts most of its growth promoting effects. If you raise GH levels in the body, IGF-1 levels will also rise. IGF-1 does have an effect on insulin production in the body. It will lead to a decrease in insulin secretion which at the same time increase insulin sensitivity. IGF-1 is chemically the same as insulin but it is also somewhat different. IGF-1 does not seem to regulate glucose levels in the body like insulin does though.

As far as bodybuilders are concerned, IGF-1 has several good effects. It enhances nitrogen balance while simultaneously promoting fat loss. Bodybuilders are claiming a 5% drop in bodyfat per month and huge increases in strength. It also seems to lower LDL cholesterol. IGF-1 also normalizes hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. It stimulates DNA synthesis and cell multiplication. It might stimulate red-blood cell production thereby increasing endurance. This action would be similar to what EPO does for the body as well (see EPO description). It is about 3 times less effective in this process as EPO in that respect. EPO has bee used for years to increase oxygen utilization efficiency. Bodybuilders have also found that IGF-1 reacts synergistically with long duration testosterone's as well. Testosterone enanthate increases serum IGF-1 levels in the body up to 21%.

When taken on its own, IGF-1 has a short half life. As is, the active duration is only about 10 minutes in the body. Binding proteins added to the compound seem to extend the half-life dramatically. When coupled with IGFBP-3 (IGF binding protein-3), the half-life is extended to between 6 and 16 hours which is a much more usable time duration. This product is very hard to get ahold of as well. Most people will probably never even see a vial of this stuff. It is only made by three pharmaceutical companies in the world. To get some of this, you have to be either a research student or know someone who knows someone, who knows someone....if you can find it, IGF-1 will cost you between $600-800 per bottle for 50 cc.

Effective Dose: 1/10 - 1/2 cc every other day.

Stacking Info: It is commonly stacked with insulin, growth hormone, and any and all steroids.

[philosopher]

How to use IGF1

Assuming that you have acquired legitimate IGF1 (R3) long chain, That's IGF1 with the binding protein added. You should take dosages ranging from 60mcg up to 120mcg per day in divided doses. One injection in the morning and again at bed time. Never exceed 120mcg in one day. IGF1 can cause serious gastrointestinal problems such as tumors intestinal swelling diarrhea and vomiting. Most IGF1 comes in a concentration of 1000mcg per ML or CC so it makes it easy to measure in an insulin syringe. 10 IU on the syringe is 100mcg. Do the math.


IGF + Insulin

If you plan on doing IGF1 with Insulin, listen closely IGF1 is not that expensive, sure you can get away with using less by including insulin in the stack, but IGF1 and Insulin together have a pro-insulin effect on your blood sugar balance. It can enhance the chances of a hypoglycemic episode ten fold. I would recommend against it for any one not ABSOLUTLY comfortable with insulin or IGF1.

Here is how insulin and IGF1 work together. Igfbp3 is the binding protein, which allows IGF1 to remain active in the system for a long enough period of time to really work its magic. IGF1 by nature has a half-life of less than 10 minutes by its self. The molecule was so small it would escape the blood stream very rapidly. This was the reason IGF1 was so "underground". It took very frequent injections at high dosages to achieve even minimal results. Aside from this reconstituting the compound required a degree in biochemistry. This short acting version was the only IGF1 known until recently IGF1 would have been administered in 100 mcg dosages 4-6 times a day. That is a hell of a lot of IGF1. That explains a lot of the distended bellies. Now with R3 long chain IGF1 and the Binding protein IGFBP3 IGF1 will last up to 6 hours in the system. By binding IGF to the IGFBP3 you make the molecule larger and it gets trapped in the blood stream until the protein is broken down and the IGF molecule escapes. You can further its life by combining Insulin with it, although I here its very risky. Insulin prevents the breakdown of IGFBP3 and leaves the IGF1 molecule roaming free in the blood stream for longer periods of time up to 12 hours as insulin levels return to normal IGFBP3 will begin to break down and the IGF1 will escape from its bound protein IGFBP3 again having a half life of less than 10 minutes.

Insulin should be taken at the normal dosage it is usually administered at minus 10% about 45 minutes prior to the IGF1 infusion. Again let me remind you this can be deadly if you don't know what you are doing. And of course do not use Insulin for the nighttime injection of IGF1 by taking it in the morning you prolong the IGF1's half life to 12 hours and then take a 6 hour injection, you should be fine. Hell if you want to eat a big bowl of rice and drink another 100g of simple carbs 45 minutes before the bed time IGF1 infusion you could spike insulin for at least a few hours of extended IGF1 activity. If your not going to be using insulin in the stack then go ahead and do the same in the morning.