The Best IGF-1 Supplements For Muscle Growth & Growth Hormone Production

Last Updated on August 16, 2023 by Jim Marshall

Introduction

IGF-1 supplements, which are in a similar category to HGH supplements, work by increasing the production of insulin-like growth factor in the body. IGF-1 is similar in structure to insulin, hence the name insulin-like growth factor.

Part of a group of peptides known as somatomedins, IGF-1 is an endocrine hormone that’s mainly produced by the liver and regulates much of the growth-promoting effects of HGH. In simple terms, human growth hormone (HGH) signals the liver to produce IGF-1, which stimulates cell growth, healing, and development throughout the body.

So when IGF-1 levels increase, it’s a sure indicator that HGH levels are increasing as well – and it’s through IGF-1 that HGH delivers many of its benefits.

Normally, IGF-1 production reaches it’s peak during adolescent and pubescence, rapidly decreasing during adulthood. Significant benefits, however, can be achieved by adults who increase IGF-1 levels by using over-the-counter IGF-1 supplements.

IGF-1 supplements encourage the body to increase it’s own production of IGF-1 which can lead to heightened cell growth and development, healing, strengthening of the tissues, and a wide variety of other “anti-aging” benefits, including:

The Top 3 Best IGF-1 Supplements of 2023

The following list of recommended IGF-1 supplements was compiled based on our own research as well as personal experience from testing dozens of products. User reviews and feedback were also considered.

Currently, our top-rated picks for the best IGF-1 supplements of 2023 are:

PGH-1000

9.7

• Enhanced physical conditioning.
• Increased lean muscle mass.
• Promotes fat loss.
• Improved recovery and joint protection.
• Greater strength and stamina.

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GenF20 Plus

9.5

• Anti-aging benefits.
• Increased physical stamina.
• Weight loss with decreased body fat.
• Lean muscle growth.
• Speeds up metabolic rate.

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Sytropin

9.5

• Increases lean muscle mass.
• Decreases body fat.
• Improves recovery time.
• Boosts energy and performance.
• Enhances the immune system.

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Product Details

PGH-1000

PGH-1000 from Anabolic Research is our top-recommended IGF-1 supplement, and it’s by far the best we have researched and tested to date. Formulated to trigger lean muscle growth, increased strength and stamina, weight loss, and improved cognitive function, Pituitary Growth Hormone is the ultimate in hormone optimization.

PGH-1000 was designed to naturally stimulate anabolic activity and metabolic enhancement,  and it’s a highly-effective general performance supplement for promoting lean muscle mass and athletic performance. This product stimulates the metabolism in a way that promotes lean tissue growth with minimal body fat gain, while improving many other aspects of fitness, including deeper sleep, faster healing and recovery, and elevated mood.

PGH-1000 is one of the most efficient and potent products I’ve personally tested, and most other supplements don’t even come close. If you’re looking for massive gains in athletic performance and physical fitness, look no farther than PGH-1000.

WARNING: If you are a professional athlete or otherwise subject to testing by the IOC or other sports governing body, this product may cause you to test positive for performance enhancing drugs.

See Also: My Full PGH-1000 Review

GenF20 Plus

GenF20 Plus is another high-quality product manufactured by Leading Edge Health. Like HyperGH 14x, GenF20 Plus takes advantage of a two-pronged approach to raising growth hormone levels by combining a power-packed pill with a highly efficient oral spray, using the best of both worlds to safely and effectively increase IGF-1 production.

GenF20 Plus contains an exact formula herbal extracts, amino acids, and other growth factors that research has shown to increase IGF-1 levels and produce effects such as:

• Muscle gain
• Stronger bones
• Increased energy and motivation
• A more youthful appearance

…and many other benefits. In fact, after conducting a 12 week double-blind study, researchers noted that GenF20 Plus increased IGF-1 levels by 28% after just 12 weeks. (1)

I’ve used GenF20 Plus and know first-hand what an amazing, proven IGF-1 supplement system it is. With continued use, it can make you look and feel 10, 15, even 20 years younger. Highly recommended.

See Also: My Full GenF20 Plus Review

Sytropin

Sytropin is a potent oral spray supplement made by Speedwinds Nutrition. Using a blend of homeopathic growth hormone and effective IGF-1-releasing herbal extracts and amino acids, Sytropin is a top performer when it comes to IGF-1 supplementation.

Sytropin spray is absorbed into the bloodstream through the mouth’s lining, which is the best way to ensure potency and effectiveness. This way it bypasses the the stomach without being broken down too quickly through the digestive system.

Sytropin is not only a powerful HGH supplement, it’s also a convenient spray that’s fast-acting and gets absorbed into the blood stream quickly for rapid results. Highly recommended.

See Also: My Full Sytropin Review

IGF-1: A Shortcut to Muscle Growth

The quest for rapid muscle growth often leads fitness enthusiasts to explore a variety of solutions, from steroids and SARMs to natural testosterone boosters. Whether driven by impatience, a fierce determination to excel in their chosen sport, or achieve their dream physique, many athletes are willing to take shortcuts. One such shortcut is the use of IGF-1, a synthetic hormone known for boosting muscle growth in bodybuilding.

However, like many synthetic hormones and bodybuilding steroids, IGF-1 comes with its own set of health risks. These potential dangers are often overlooked by athletes who choose to focus solely on the benefits. Whether they are unaware of the risks or deliberately choose to ignore the, risks remain.

The popularity of IGF-1 isn’t without reason. As a potent anabolic hormone, it’s understandable why bodybuilders are lured by its promise of accelerated muscle growth. But is it worth the gamble?

This is a situation where each individual must weigh the pros and cons for themselves. If you’ve been contemplating the use of IGF-1 for bodybuilding and muscle growth, this article is intended to arm you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision.

Who Is IGF-1 For?

IGF-1, in its synthetic form, is a valid medical treatment used to address growth-related conditions in children who aren’t able to naturally produce sufficient levels of IGF-1. When administered correctly, it can effectively stimulate growth, offering significant benefits.

However, the treatment is not without its drawbacks, including potential side effects such as headache, vertigo, and heart murmurs.

Bodybuilders who take advantage of these injections are unnecessarily introducing excess IGF-1 into their bodies. While this may lead to gains in strength and muscle mass, it is not medically justified and enhances the risk of adverse effects.

Moreover, using IGF-1 injections for bodybuilding or sports activities is not only potentially hazardous to one’s health, but is also unlawful. Athletes should also understand that the use of this artificial hormone could lead to disqualification from competitions.

Why Bodybuilders Strive to Boost IGF-1 Levels

Increased Muscle Growth and Lean Muscle Mass

For muscle growth (or hypertrophy) to occur, it’s necessary for the amount of protein synthesis in the muscles to be greater than the breakdown of muscle tissue (catabolism).

Muscle tissue naturally breaks down in order to supply the energy required for motion. This process is accelerated during strenuous activities, like weightlifting, compared to less physically demanding ones, like driving a car.

You may have heard about situations where individuals underwent insane amounts of training just discover that their muscles only diminished in size and strength. This unfortunate scenario can occur when training is excessively intense, and rest and proper nutrition are neglected.

Even with a well-balanced diet and sufficient rest, muscle growth can be a slow process when you train hard. However, IGF-1 injections can expedite this process. The hormone works its magic when it latches onto the IGF-1 receptors in the muscles, initiating a chain reaction that prompts the production of mTOR and other vital proteins.

Besides this, IGF-1 also helps puts the brakes on molecules like FoxO-1, which are known to cause protein degradation.

Not only that, IGF-1 also triggers the satellite cells within the muscles. These cells merge with the muscle fibers to produce new myofibrils, which are thread-like structures that play a crucial role in muscle contractions.

Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity of the Muscles

IGF-1 enhances muscle tissue sensitivity to insulin. As a result, it allows a greater absorption of glucose from the bloodstream. This process is achieved when IGF-1 binds with the IGF-1/insulin hybrid receptors. When these unique receptors form a bond with IGF-1, it results in can an increase in energy levels and workout capacity.

On the other hand, excessive levels of IGF-1 can reverse this process, leading to insulin resistance. Similarly, insufficient IGF-1 levels can also bring about insulin resistance.

Finding the perfect balance without medical guidance can be tricky for bodybuilders. As such, without proper supervision the treatment may result in more harm than benefits.

Growth Hormone Therapy

Under certain circumstances, growth hormone therapy can be employed to raise IGF-1 levels in individuals diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone therapy includes administering synthetic growth hormone injections to stimulate growth and development.

However, this treatment is typically reserved for individuals with a diagnosed deficiency in growth hormone and a compromised immune system, and often comes with a whole range of unpleasant side effects.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of IGF-1

Even when administered for medically sound reasons, IGF-1 injections may lead to some rather uncomfortable side effects. These can appear as any of the following:

• Skin irritations
• A drop in blood sugar levels
• Recurring headaches
• Vertigo
• Heart murmurs
• Swelling of the tonsils and/or thymus
• Ear infections
• Seizures
• Weakening of muscles
• Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction

The risk of adverse effects increases significantly when IGF-1 is utilized without the guidance and approval of a medical professional.

Interestingly, due to its ‘insulin-like’ properties, the use of artificial IGF-1 for bodybuilding can make you more prone to diabetes. This is obviously a step backwards for your health, and developing this condition can critically impede your training routine at the very least.

What’s more concerning is that IGF-1 therapies have been connected to several forms of cancer, including prostate and breast cancer. There are any number of ways that the use of IGF-1 as a bodybuilding muscle growth booster may lead to severe health complications, or even shorten your lifespan.

If you’re seriously contemplating the use of IGF-1 to stimulate muscle growth, it’s essential to carefully consider this decision. Make sure you fully understand all the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Natural Methods to Increasing IGF-1 Levels

Get Regular Exercise

Consistent physical activity, particularly strenuous workouts such as weightlifting or sprinting, can amp up your IGF-1 levels. Exercise triggers the secretion of growth hormone, which subsequently enhances IGF-1 production. High-intensity workouts appear to be notably successful in elevating IGF-1 levels, probably due to the increased stress this type of exercise puts on the body.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Securing a good night’s sleep is paramount for balancing hormone levels, especially when it comes to IGF-1. During our slumber, the body gets busy producing and releasing hormones, including growth hormone and IGF-1. Studies indicate that lack of sleep can result in a reduction in IGF-1 levels, which is why it’s important to get plenty of quality sleep in order to maintain healthy hormone production.

Ensure Proper Nutrition

Give your body a boost in IGF-1 by consuming a well-balanced diet with plenty of proteins, healthy fats, and vital nutrients. Proteins play a crucial role in the production of IGF-1, because they supply its essential building blocks. The healthy fats contained in foods like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, contribute to the production of hormones. Nutrients like vitamin D, contained in foods like eggs, fish and fortified dairy products, helps your body in calcium absorption and promotes bone health, and is vital for IGF-1 production.

Take IGF-1 Supplements

Certain dietary supplements, for instance, colostrum, can potentially boost IGF-1 levels. For example, colostrum is a special type of milk produced by mammals during the initial days post birth. It is rich in growth factors, including IGF-1.

Preliminary research proposes that colostrum supplements could potentially elevate IGF-1 levels in humans, but comprehensive research is still required to fully comprehend the hormone level effects of colostrum.

Common Ingredients Used in IGF-1 Supplements

The ingredients found in IGF-1 supplements are often similar to those found in HGH products, and in fact, most HGH supplements work by raising IGF-1 levels. Some of these ingredients include things like:

• Amino acids
• Colostrum
• Deer Antler Velvet
• GABA

Not surprisingly, these types of supplements are a popular choice among bodybuilders, professional athletes, and people looking for anti-aging benefits.

L-Ornithine and L-Arginine

L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid and has a number of important functions. Two of these functions include stimulating the secretion growth hormone IGF-1.

L-ornithine has also been proven to increase the production of HGH. L-ornithine is an amino acid that can increase blood flow, muscle performance, and muscle growth.

Studies have shown that L-arginine combined with L-ornithine increases HGH and IGF-1 levels.

One 3-week study involved athletes who were randomly given either a combination of L-ornithine and L-arginine, or a placebo. Researchers observed that the athletes who were given L-ornithine and L-arginine saw significant increases in both growth hormone IGF-1 serum levels. (2)

The study showed that when taking l-arginine with l-ornithine you can expect to see an increase in HGH and IGF-1 after intense resistance training.

Colostrum

Colostrum, which is a fluid found in the breast milk of mammals (including humans) during late pregnancy or the days following birth. Colostrum promotes the production of human growth hormone.

Colostrum contains insulin-like growth factors, which are technically by-products of HGH. In fact,  IGF-1 levels are measured  to evaluate the amount of HGH produced in the body.

Bovine colostrum is nearly identical to human colostrum. However, bovine colostrum contains more growth factors (i.e. growth-stimulating hormones) than human colostrum.

IGF-1 is believed to be responsible for the health-enhancing effects of HGH. Colostrum provides a number of excellent benefits, such as boosted immunity, enhanced healing, increased muscle mass, stronger bones and anti-aging.

Deer Antler Velvet

Another common ingredient used for raising IGF-1 levels is deer antler velvet. Once banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, deer antler velvet contains several important growth factor components, including IGF-1.

However, because IGF-1 is known to aid in the regeneration of cartilage, tendons, and joints, many athletes continue to use it. In particular, it is used  following strenuous workouts and grueling competitions.

IGF-1 has been shown to accelerate healing and recovery, and a 100% legal way to experience this for yourself is to take a supplement containing deer antler velvet.

GABA

According anecdotal reports found on various bodybuilding websites, GABA supplements are claimed to boost the production of HGH. This is certainly true for GABA that’s naturally produced by the body, but evidence also supports the idea that oral GABA supplements can trigger HGH and IGF-1 production as well.

Men participating in a study at Virginia’s Shenandoah University were given either GABA supplements or a placebo prior to engaging in resistance training exercises. Researchers found that GABA increased the total amount of growth hormone the subjects produced as a result of training by a whopping 480 percent! (3)

The researchers concluded that ingested GABA supplements can significantly elevate resting and post-exercise growth hormone levels.

In another study, participants receiving GABA supplementation showed significant improvement in physical fitness, vitality, and mental function. IGF-1 levels within the GABA group also increased compared to the levels before intake. Additionally, there were no adverse effects or clinically concerning changes were observed. (4)

Additional research has also shown that GABA supplementation does indeed increase IGF-1 levels. (5)

References:

1. https://www.dovepress.com/effect-of-genf20-plus-on-serum-igf-1-levels-in-healthy-adults-a-random-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OAJCT
2. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2010/04000/Arginine_and_Ornithine_Supplementation_Increases.28.aspx
3. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2008/01000/Growth_Hormone_Isoform_Responses_to_GABA_Ingestion.15.aspx
4. http://www.pieronline.jp/content/article/0386-3603/48030/461
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8537617/
6. https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/igf-1-and-the-world-anti-doping-agency-prohibited-list/
7. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/35/4/768/38342/The-Association-Between-IGF-I-and-Insulin
8. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/(SICI)1097-4652(200004)183:1%3C1::AID-JCP1%3E3.0.CO;2-J
9. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/11/2/217