About IGF-1 & 2: IGF-1 is a metabolite of human growth hormone. It offers many of the same health benefits. Scientists have discovered that an extract of the velvet on the antlers of a particular species of deer (Cervi parvum cornu) provides IGF-1 and all of its benefits. IGF-1 helps restore and maintain muscle mass and reduces the breakdown of proteins for energy production in the absence of glucose. IGF-1 improves energy and endurance, promotes the growth of new tissue, supports healthy joints, boosts the immune system and supports sexual performance. Muscles stay larger and stronger longer.
IGF-1 also helps to provide extra glucose for the nervous system. Without sufficient energy stores, nerves can become affected, and organs and body systems reflect this in old age. Deer antler velvet has been used for over 10,000 years in China and Korea. We now have it in BioAge Reverse in potencies that will work. Researchers have found that it contains eight known growth factors, prostaglandins, nerve-protective fatty acids, prohormones, amino acids and components of cartilage (including glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, collagen type I, collagen type II and minerals).
The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are polypeptides with high sequence similarity to insulin. IGFs are part of a complex system that cells use to communicate with their physiologic environment. This complex system (often referred to as the IGF "axis") consists of two cell-surface receptors (IGF1R and IGF2R), two ligands (IGF-1 and IGF-2), a family of six high-affinity IGF binding proteins (IGFBP 1-6), as well as associated IGFBP degrading enzymes, referred to collectively as proteases.
Almost every cell in the human body is affected by IGF-1, especially cells in 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. IGF-2 is secreted by the brain, kidney, pancreas and muscle in mammals. It is more specific in action than IGF-1. In adult humans it is found at 600 times the concentration of insulin.