IGF-1 DES peptide is a less commonly known derivative of insulin-like growth factor (IGF).
The shorter half-life of IGF-1 makes it effective yet only for brief periods of time.
Consequently, derivatives like IGF-1 DES were created to combat this issue.
For this reason, the peptide has transformed into a popular new supplement for muscle growth.
Learn more about IGF-1 DES and its benefits in our complete review.
Table of Contents
What is IGF-1 DES Peptide?
Note: Click Here to visit the page on IGF-1 DES on the official Core Peptides website.
There is nothing more frustrating than hitting the gym religiously and trying out every workout regime to no avail.
As such, muscle growth supplements like IGF-1 were created to assist men with gaining lean muscle and strength.1
Unfortunately, growth hormone (GH) has a tremendous impact on your body (especially with age).2
Consequently, GH deficiency not only causes a decrease in muscle mass but also hurts bone growth and other health factors.3
For this reason, many men have responded by supplementing peptides like IGF-1 DES.
The muscle growth supplement is a derivative of insulin-like growth factor (IGF).
However, unlike traditional IGF, the DES derivative provides more centralized, targeted growth.
As a result, men that use IGF-1 DES generally report substantial gains in lean muscle and muscle mass.
More importantly, the muscle replaces unwanted fat and provides a range of other benefits (more information, below).
IGF-1 DES peptide was created as an alternative to the standard version which features a notoriously short half-life.
Thus, the synthetic peptide was developed to deliver more long-lasting effects, among other benefits.
How Does It Work?
Studies indicate that growth hormone (GH) stimulates the production of several other hormones and biological factors.4
It includes insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) which is released from the liver.5
Accordingly, IGF-1 works in coordination with growth hormone (GH) to protect the body from many inherent dangers.
Furthermore, it also influences the growth of muscles along with the healing and repairing of damaged cells.
Nonetheless, any disturbance in the coordination pathway where IGF-1 exists can disrupt normal growth.
Even worse, the decrease in IGF-1 increases the risk of developing many severe medical conditions.
These include an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, hepatic conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders.
The only problem with IGF-1 injections is that they feature a short half-life with only a brief lifespan of activity before being consumed by the liver.
Consequently, scientists have developed multiple alternatives of IGF-1, including the DES variant.
IGF-1 DES peptide not only features a longer half-life but is also far more potent.
Thus, many users report incredible muscle gains along with other impressive health benefits (see, below).
IGF-1 vs. IGF-1 DES Peptide
It has been reported that IGF-1 DES is approximately 5x more potent than its original, parent compound.6
The necessity for a more potent, longer-lasting synthetic peptide is related to the short half-life of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
Thus, most suggest using IGF-1 DES when you are targeting specific areas of the body.
IGF-1 DES peptide has shown impressive results directly around the injection site which makes the treatment very centralized.
As such, men may want to consider stacking IGF-1 DES with other peptides or SARMS for a more complete approach to muscle growth and weight loss.
Still, research indicates (more information, below) that the synthetic peptide is extremely effective at producing new, lean muscle.
Benefits of IGF-1 DES
Currently, research suggests that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is essential to moderating the activity of growth hormone (GH).
Additionally, it’s been demonstrated that IGF-1 (and its many derivatives) influences several other health factors.
For example, IGF-1 DES peptide has been linked to the following benefits:
- Extreme Muscle Growth & Muscle Mass
- Minimizes Fat Storage (Weight Loss)
- Improved Bone Growth & Cellular Repair
- Stronger Cartilage and Ligaments
- Improved Workout Performance & Recovery
There are many reasons why athletes value IGF-1 for its rare ability to improve performance along with recovery between workouts.
And, unlike many other performance-enhancing substances, does not pose any dangerous side effects (see, below).
What’s more, new research suggests that IGF-1 and other peptides have positive effects on the nervous system and cognitive function as well.7
In fact, IGF-1 is also promoted for its anti-aging effects, including the ability to extend lifespan.
Then, there is also the consideration that IGF-1 may mitigate the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.8
Still, nothing conclusive can be said about insulin-like growth factor since its effects continue to be examined on the human body (more details, below).
What is already known is that IGF-1 DES improves metabolism, and cellular production, along with minimizing fat storage.
IGF-1 DES Peptide Side Effects
In general, IGF-1 DES is considered a safe peptide for human consumption so long as the proper dose is administered.
Unfortunately, in the past, misuse of insulin-like growth factor has contributed to several misconceptions about the peptide.
However, with that being said, any new supplement or form of treatment carries some risks.
Thus, men should exercise caution using IGF-1 DES to make sure they are not taking too high of a dose (see, below).
IGF-1 has the potential to cause certain forms of cancer when used in extremely high doses and for long periods of time.9
Still, these risks are not fully examined and require more research to gain a full understanding.
In general, IGF-1 DES causes few side effects outside of traditional muscle and joint pain at the site of injection.
IGF-1 – unlike most peptides – is actually legal and safe to use according to the FDA.
Consequently, while some health risks are plausible, most side effects are not severe with proper use.
How to Use
There are conflicting guidelines as to the proper dosage of IGF-1 DES, especially because it’s a derivative of insulin-like growth factor.
In the past, most experts have suggested a dose of 20 – 100mcg per day for standard IGF-1.
However, IGF-1 DES is a much more potent version of the original peptide.
Thus, many suggest a far lower dosage between 25 – 50mcg for men and 20 – 40mcg for women.
In general, most recommend consuming IGF-1 DES after an intense workout.
The reconstitution of the substance is also important if you want to guarantee consistent results.
Generally, the procedure of mixing water into the vial is classified as the “reconstitution” phase of lyophilized powder peptides.
Often, one of the biggest mistakes is shaking the vial during reconstitution.
Lastly, results are not always immediate with certain peptides like IGF-1 DES.
It often takes a few weeks or more to notice any difference, and 3 – 6 months before the results really pour in.
Thus, consistent and steady usage is necessary to achieve the results you desire with insulin-like growth factor.
Nevertheless, the results are impressive with due diligence and patience.
Does It Really Work?
Fortunately, there is more research dedicated to IGF-1 compared to many other peptides.
Notwithstanding, much still remains known about the substance as research for peptides, in general, is lacking.
Thus, while the exact mechanism of action remains unclear, research does suggest that IGF-1 DES does bind more strongly to cells compared to other derivatives.10
Accordingly, it ensures the regeneration and regrowth of cells that have previously been damaged.
Traditionally, insulin-like growth factor is produced in the body throughout a lifetime yet reaches a peak during puberty.
For this reason, men that are getting older usually notice depletions in IGF-1 and testosterone, among other hormonal imbalances.
Moreover, IGF-1 has been studied by researchers for its ability to influence autism and other neurological disorders.11 12
IGF-1 DES peptide has also been linked to improved immune function and cellular growth / differentiation.13 14
The peptide has shown the unique ability to stimulate muscle growth by binding to several receptors, including IGF-1R.15
Thus, IGF-1 DES is associated with improving lean muscle mass along with strengthening bones, ligaments, and joints.
Where to Buy?
IGF-1 DES is available from multiple online suppliers.
However, that doesn’t mean they are all created equally.
Accordingly, we recommend buying from CORE Peptides.
The online supplier has excellent reviews from satisfied customers thanks to its customer service and free shipping on $200+ orders.
Furthermore, CORE Peptides features outstanding prices on high-quality peptides, including IGF-1 DES.
Click Here to see their page on IGF-1 DES.
Conclusion
There is promising evidence that IGF-1 DES influences muscle growth.
Even better, the synthetic version of insulin-like growth factor is far more potent and longer-lasting compared to standard IGF.
As a result, more men are using IGF-1 DES as an effective muscle growth and weight-loss supplement.
CORE Peptides features an outstanding selection of high-quality peptides available at affordable prices.
References
- Anderson LJ, Tamayose JM, Garcia JM. Use of growth hormone, IGF-I, and insulin for anabolic purpose: Pharmacological basis, methods of detection, and adverse effects. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2018;464:65-74. doi:10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.010 (source)
- Brinkman JE, Tariq MA, Leavitt L, et al. Physiology, Growth Hormone. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. (source)
- Danowitz M, Grimberg A. Clinical Indications for Growth Hormone Therapy. Adv Pediatr. 2022;69(1):203-217. doi:10.1016/j.yapd.2022.03.005 (source)
- Olarescu NC, Gunawardane K, Hansen TK, et al. Normal Physiology of Growth Hormone in Adults. [Updated 2019 Oct 16]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000. (source)
- Laron Z. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): a growth hormone. Mol Pathol. 2001;54(5):311-316. doi:10.1136/mp.54.5.311 (source)
- Yang F, Johnson BJ, White ME, Hathaway MR, Dayton WR. Effect of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and Des (1-3) IGF-I on the level of IGF binding protein-3 and IGF binding protein-3 mRNA in cultured porcine embryonic muscle cells. J Cell Physiol. 1999;178(2):227-234. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1097-4652(199902)178:2<227::AID-JCP12>3.0.CO;2-W (source)
- Wan Y, Gao W, Zhou K, et al. Role of IGF-1 in neuroinflammation and cognition deficits induced by sleep deprivation. Neurosci Lett. 2022;776:136575. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136575 (source)
- Higashi Y, Gautam S, Delafontaine P, Sukhanov S. IGF-1 and cardiovascular disease. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2019;45:6-16. doi:10.1016/j.ghir.2019.01.002 (source)
- Key TJ. Diet, insulin-like growth factor-1 and cancer risk [published online ahead of print, 2011 May 3]. Proc Nutr Soc. 2011;1-4. doi:10.1017/S0029665111000127 (source)
- Ross M, Francis GL, Szabo L, Wallace JC, Ballard FJ. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding proteins inhibit the biological activities of IGF-1 and IGF-2 but not des-(1-3)-IGF-1. Biochem J. 1989;258(1):267-272. doi:10.1042/bj2580267 (source)
- Vahdatpour C, Dyer AH, Tropea D. Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 and Related Compounds in the Treatment of Childhood-Onset Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Neurosci. 2016;10:450. Published 2016 Sep 30. doi:10.3389/fnins.2016.00450 (source)
- Salehi Z, Mashayekhi F, Naji M. Insulin like growth factor-1 and insulin like growth factor binding proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum from patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Biofactors. 2008;33(2):99-106. doi:10.1002/biof.5520330202 (source)
- Smith TJ. Insulin-like growth factor-I regulation of immune function: a potential therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases?. Pharmacol Rev. 2010;62(2):199-236. doi:10.1124/pr.109.002469 (source)
- Huat TJ, Khan AA, Pati S, Mustafa Z, Abdullah JM, Jaafar H. IGF-1 enhances cell proliferation and survival during early differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to neural progenitor-like cells. BMC Neurosci. 2014;15:91. Published 2014 Jul 22. doi:10.1186/1471-2202-15-91 (source)
- Peled N, Wynes MW, Ikeda N, et al. Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) as a biomarker for resistance to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr). 2013;36(4):277-288. doi:10.1007/s13402-013-0133-9 (source)
See Also
8 Best Peptides For Muscle Growth
6 Best Peptides For Weight Loss & Fat Burning
IGF 1 LR3 Peptide Review: Benefits, Dosage, Results, & More
5 Best Peptides For Testosterone
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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