IGF-1 LR3: Benefits & Research

IGF-1 LR3's most distinctive benefit is promoting muscle cell hyperplasia — the creation of new muscle cells through satellite cell differentiation. This is distinct from hypertrophy (growth of existing cells) and represents a permanent increase in the muscle's cellular capacity for growth.

IGF-1 LR3 activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, increasing protein synthesis rates and inhibiting protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The extended half-life (20–30 hours vs 12–15 minutes for native IGF-1) provides sustained anabolic signaling.

IGF-1 LR3 enhances glucose and amino acid uptake into muscle cells, directing nutrients toward muscle tissue. This nutrient partitioning effect supports both anabolism and recovery. However, the glucose uptake also explains the hypoglycemia risk.