IGF-1 stands for insulin-like growth factor, it’s a research polypeptide hormone that is similar in structure to insulin and has tremendous anabolic effects in adults. IGF-1 is naturally found in the body and peaks during adolescence. And reports from athletes on the EliteFitness.com forums suggest that injecting this compound can be very beneficial towards increasing muscle mass rapidly, promoting fat loss, increasing vascularity and helping to shuttle nutrients into the muscles. IGF occurs naturally in animals and humans.

* What makes IGF so popular?

Perhaps the most interesting and potent effect IGF has on the human body is its ability to cause hyperplasia, which is an actual splitting of cells. Hypertrophy is what occurs during weight training and steroid use, it is simply an increase in the size of muscle cells. After puberty you have a set number of muscle cells, and all you are able to do is increase the size of these muscle cells, you don't actually gain more. But, with IGF you are able to cause this hyperplasia which actually increases the number of muscle cells present in the tissue. So in a way IGF can actually change your genetic capabilities in terms of muscle tissue and cell count.

* Can IGF help burn fat too? How?

When IGF is active it behaves differently in various types of tissues. In muscle cells, protein and associated cell components are stimulated. Protein synthesis is increased along with amino acid absorption. As a source of energy, IGF mobilizes fat for use as energy in adipose tissue. In lean tissue, IGF prevents insulin from transporting glucose across cell membranes. As a result the cells have to switch to burning off fat as a source of energy, this is why users say they experience not only muscle gains but also fat loss!

* Why stack insulin with IGF?

Many who experiment with insulin by itself notice significant undesirable fat gains - defeating the ultimate goal of adding and maintaining muscle.

Well, IGF also mimic's insulin in the human body. It makes your muscles more sensitive to insulin's effects, so, if you are an athlete who currently uses insulin you can lower your dosage by a decent margin to achieve the same beneficial anabolic effects, and as mentioned IGF will keep the insulin from making you fat. They work well together although its not necessary to use both. Of note, insulin can be deadly if used improperly. You must know exactly what you are doing or else don't experiment.

* There are 2 versions of IGF-1 available, IGF-1 DES and IGF-1 LR3... What is the difference?

IGF-1 LR3 = longer half life, acts more like insulin.

IGF-1 DES = shorter half life and more likely to work locally in terms of satellite cells and muscle growth and less chance of hitting the intestines own receptors for IGF.

The more popular version is IGF-1 DES.

* How long to run a cycle of IGF? Dosage?

Athletes report on the forums that a standard cycle is 6 weeks on and 3-4 weeks off. Dosages can vary from 20mcg per day up to over 100mcg a day. It is best to use in the morning and/or after a workout.

* How do I mix the powder?

Details on how to reconstitute the powder can be found in posts on the EliteFitness.com forums.

* What kind of results can I generally expect?

Test subjects can expect 1-2 pounds of new lean muscle tissue every 2-3 weeks and increased vascularity. Many have said they have seen veins in places they never knew existed after a single cycle!