Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.
Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.Looking for information on IGF-1 DES dosage, but not sure where to start?
Researchers interested in studying this IGF-1 analog may be aware of some of its potential benefits, including:
- Enhanced muscle growth and repair
- Anti-aging properties
- Better recovery following exercise
Yet there is not much credible information on how to dose this IGF-1 analog, which is considerably more potent than regular IGF-1.
That is why we have put together an IGF-1 DES dosage calculator and guide, where we discuss what researchers may need to know about properly dosing the compound.
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IGF-1 DES Dosage Chart | Quick Breakdown
| Timeframe | Daily IGF-1 DES Dosage for Research |
| Weeks #1-6 | 50-100mcg (consider initiating at lower dose to assess tolerance) |
| Week #7-12 | Washout |
| Weeks #13-18 | 50-100mcg |
| Weeks #19-24 | Washout |
What is IGF-1 DES?
IGF-1 DES, also known as insulin-like growth factor 1 DES, is a truncated version (splice variant) of IGF-1, a hormone produced by the human liver. IGF-1 DES itself is present in the brain and promotes cell proliferation and differentiation.
Chemically, IGF-1 DES is a 67 molecule-long chain of amino acids, lacking the first three amino acids at the N-terminus of IGF-1, which contains 70 amino acids. IGF-1 is primarily synthesized in the liver, and then binds to specific receptors of cellular structures inside the body—most notably, in bones, muscle, and cartilage.
One of the primary functions of natural IGF-1 is to regulate the effects of growth hormone in the body, which is why it is often discussed in tandem with human growth hormone (hGH) . Various studies have also shown evidence that IGF-1 and its derivatives, including IGF-1 DES and IGF-1 LR3, can help build and retain muscle and bone mass in subjects. In addition, it plays a role in maintaining levels of blood glucose and a robust metabolism.
IGF-1 was identified in 1957 by Salmon and Daughaday, and originally designated “sulfation factor” because of its ability to stimulate sulphate incorporation into rat cartilage. Clinically, IGF-1 is used to treat patients who suffer from muscle wasting due to conditions like HIV, or patients with hormonal deficiency [1].
What sets IGF-1 DES apart from IGF-1 is that it is ten times more potent than the latter in stimulating hypertrophy due to higher bioavailability from not binding to insulin growth factor binding proteins. However, its half-life is significantly shorter than that of other IGF-1 derivatives, lasting approximately 30 minutes [2, 3].
IGF-1 DES Benefits and Research Applications
Based on clinical trial data, IGF-1 DES is known to offer a number of benefits. Below we present researchers with potential applications of insulin-like growth factor-1 DES.
IGF-1 DES stimulates build muscle growth and increases strength
Researchers will note that IGF-1—and IGF-1 DES—have been proven to enhance skeletal muscle hypertrophy and stimulate the body to draw energy via glycolytic metabolism. IGF-1 DES helps the body activate processes that also encourage other growth factor hormones to flourish, with dramatic and complex effects on tissue proliferation. In addition, IGF-1 administration has been found to improve tetanic and fast twitch strength in subjects [4, 5].
In contrast, studies on human senior subjects show that low IGF-1 levels are associated with poor knee extensor muscle strength, slow walking speed, and difficulty with mobility tasks [6].
IGF-1 DES promotes healing and prevents muscle wasting
Age-related skeletal muscle mass wasting (also known as sarcopenia) tends to affect elderly individuals, since the body’s ability to regenerate declines with age. IGF-1 DES has been found to help in preserving lean muscle mass. IGF-I stimulates myoblast proliferation and differentiation, and is implicated in the regulation of muscle growth [6, 7].
IGF-1 DES aids in preventing cognitive decline
Researchers have noted a significant correlation between high levels of circulating IGF-1 and improved motor skills, information processing speed, and fluid intelligence. In fact, data has shown that higher levels of IGF-1 in older adults helps to prevent neuronal loss and age-related cognitive decline, specifically in terms of protecting against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Conversely, a lack of IGF-1 signaling has been linked to cognitive dysfunction [6, 8, 9].
IGF-1 DES can improve insulin sensitivity
Insulin and IGF-1 are both responsible for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Studies have found that IGF-1 DES can cause blood sugar levels to decrease, as well as to improve insulin sensitivity and blood lipids in type 2 diabetic patients. This also leads to a reduced insulin requirement [10, 11, 12].
IGF-1 DES enhances bone health and formation
Data from clinical trials shows that IGF-1 DES stimulates bone formation via direct effect on osteoblasts, as well as having notable anabolic activity and bone protective effects. Higher IGF-1 levels are associated with greater bone mineral density in older female subjects [6, 13].
Growth hormone and IGF-1 are also fundamental in skeletal growth during puberty. Data regarding a study on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in 11 female participants aged 7–10 years found that higher plasma IGF-1 DES concentrations were correlated with superior BMD and BMC [14].
IGF-1 DES can alleviate inflammation
IGF-1 DES can reduce inflammation and plaque in blood vessels, given the compound’s ability to reduce endothelial cell oxidative stress. Researchers should note that cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is associated with reduced levels of IGF-1 [15].
IGF-1 DES Side Effects
Excessive levels of IGF-1 in the body have been shown to cause a few side effects, mainly in terms of how the body responds to insulin and fluctuating glucose levels.
Possible side effects of IGF-1 DES can include [1, 16]:
- Impaired glucose metabolism and hypoglycemia
- Fatigue
- Changes in sexual function
- Swelling of soft tissues
- Hyperandrogenism
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fluid retention
- Gynecomastia
- Orthostatic hypotension
One of the more serious side effects of prolonged IGF-1 DES administration is acromegalic cardiomyopathy (enlargement and weakening of the heart). Excessive levels of IGF-1 DES along with HGH can lead to cardiac abnormalities and issues with cardiac rhythm and heart valves [1, 15].
In light of the above concerns, establishing a proper IGF-1 DES dosage protocol is of paramount importance to any researcher wishing to study the compound.
IGF-1 DES Dosage Calculator and Guide
In this section, researchers can obtain an in-depth understanding of how IGF-1 DES may be dosed and how to administer this peptide to test subjects.
Currently, there are no human trials with IGF-1 DES. However, due to the similarities between IGF-1 and IGF-1 DES, this research peptide likely has similar dosage considerations. The data below is also based on anecdotal evidence from IGF-1 DES experiments.
IGF-1 DES Administration Notes
When administering IGF-1 DES, researchers are advised to keep the following notes in mind:
- IGF-1 DES is best administered following the subject’s completion of strenuous exercise. Sufficient protein must then be ingested to observe optimal muscle growth in the subject.
- Administering an insulin-like growth factor-1 DES dose at a specific time on a consistent daily basis is highly recommended, as the half-life of IGF-1 DES is approximately 30 minutes.
- The typical method of administering an IGF-1 DES dose is via subcutaneous injection, though it may also be administered intramuscularly to a target area.
- A higher IGF-1 dosage does not necessarily result in more pronounced effects. For example, a three-year study was conducted on subjects between the ages of 3 and 16 suffering from GH insensitivity. Results showed that a twice daily native IGF-1 dose of 120mcg/kg produced almost identical effects as that of a twice daily 80mcg/kg dose [17].
- No adverse effects have been found in test subjects being administered native IGF-1 for periods between two to twelve weeks [18, 19]. As such, IGF-1 DES research study durations tend to last between four to six weeks, followed by an equivalent duration of rest.
Sample IGF-1 DES Dosage Protocol
For reference purposes, here is a sample IGF-1 DES protocol that researchers may administer to subjects to observe cell proliferation and muscular hypertrophy:
- Daily Dosage: 50-100mcg of IGF-1 DES.
- Frequency: Administer up to two subcutaneous injections daily, such as two hours prior to and after the subject has undergone physical activity. Keep in mind that administering the peptide too close to physical activity may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Study Duration: Four to six weeks.
- Repeat Cycle: Each IGF-1 DES course should be followed by an equivalent pause.
- Notes: Monitor subject’s glucose levels to prevent hypoglycemia. Researchers should note that endogenous growth hormone release can be inhibited if an IGF-1 DES dose is administered less than two hours before bedtime. A six-week trial at 100mcg will require four vials of 1mg IGF-1 DES.
Where to Buy IGF-1 DES Online? | 2024 Edition
High quality IGF-1 DES can be difficult to find online.
In an effort to determine legitimate sources of IGF-1 DES, our team has made small test orders from various vendors to assess which had top-notch peptides and reasonable prices and shipping times.
Here is where we recommend researchers source from:
PureRawz
Our team firmly believes that PureRawz is the best vendor selling 99% pure IGF-1 DES to researchers in the United States.
This company stands out in the following ways:
- Third-party testing: PureRawz apart tests every batch of IGF-1 DES for purity by submitting samples to a third-party laboratory. This offers a strong guarantee to researchers that the product they’re purchasing is in fact research-grade.
- Fair prices: The vendor offers IGF-1 DES 1mg for $114.98, while Receptor Grade IGF-1 LR3 1mg is also available for $245.48. This is impressive pricing for high purity IGF-1.
- Fast, reasonable shipping: Shipping is free on all U.S. orders above $100, with options available for internationally-based researchers. U.S. orders are typically delivered one week.
- Friendly service: Researchers can email a dedicated support team with any peptide or order-related question and expect a response within one to two business days. The vendor has a policy of replying to all emails.
Researchers looking to buy high-quality IGF-1 DES for their next study are advised to check out PureRawz when sourcing. Highly recommended.
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Bacteriostatic Water and IGF-1 DES
To get the most out of research, it is important to safely prepare and store peptide solutions. This applies to IGF-1 DES and all other peptides that are being worked with during research.
Safety protocols call to have certain supplies on hand, such as alcohol wipes, sterile vials, bacteriostatic water, and more.
IGF-1 DES Dosing | Verdict
In comparison to the regular IGF-1, IGF-1 DES is regarded as a more delicate chain with much higher potency, and has been noted for its efficacy in promoting concentrated cellular growth.
While some adverse side effects have been noted in clinical trials, IGF-1 DES is generally well-tolerated, and produces a number of performance-enhancing and regenerative benefits.
Researchers interested in exploring the potential of IGF-1 DES, head over to our top-rated vendor to place an order.
David Warmflash, M.D.