NOTE: This test is ONLY AVAILABLE TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS.
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a natural hormone the body produces. It contains seventy amino acid polypeptides that are produced by the liver and endocrine hormone system. IGF-1 also plays a role in cell repair in the muscles, brain, and heart.
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), also called somatomedin C, is a hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin. It plays an important role in childhood growth and continues to have anabolic effects in adults.
IGF-1 is produced primarily by the liver as an endocrine hormone as well as in target tissues in a paracrine/autocrine fashion. Production is stimulated by growth hormone (GH) and can be dysfunctional due to undernutrition, growth hormone insensitivity, and lack of growth hormone receptors. Approximately 98% of IGF-1 is always bound to one of 6 binding proteins (IGF-BP).
IGFBP-3, the most abundant protein, accounts for 80% of all IGF binding. IGF-1 binds to IGFBP-3 in a 1:1 molar ratio.
IGF-1 is a primary mediator of the effects of growth hormone (GH). Growth hormone is made in the anterior pituitary gland, released into the bloodstream, and then stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1. IGF-1 then stimulates systemic body growth and has growth-promoting effects on almost every cell in the body especially skeletal muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, nerves, skin, and lungs. In addition to the insulin-like effects, IGF-1 can also regulate cell growth and development, especially in nerve cells as well as cellular DNA synthesis.
Common Conditions:
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Lack of stamina
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of muscle tone
How to take the test
The test can be done right near your home or office. Testing for imbalances is really important due to its ability to prevent many serious health problems, the test includes:
- An authorized blood specimen order form that you take to your local accredited pathology for collection of your blood (Find a pathology near you here).
- A blood specimen test kit for the pathology to use to collect your blood sample
- Complete instructions for taking the test for you and the pathology
Test results are sent to one of our professional health practitioners within 7-10 business days for evaluation. Our practitioners contact you with the results and recommendations on any findings via email, mail or phone.
Testing for:
IGF1 (insulin-like growth factor 1)
IGF-BP3 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3)
