IGF-1
IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) is a hormone made mainly by the liver in response to growth hormone.
IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) is a hormone made mainly by the liver in response to growth hormone. It drives growth in childhood and in adulthood takes part in tissue repair, the maintenance of muscle and bone, and metabolism. Its level closely follows growth hormone activity. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
IGF-1 is highest in the teenage years and declines gradually with age. Intake of protein and energy matters: long periods of under-eating or fasting lower it. Sleep and physical activity also play a part.
Foods that help
Enough protein from meat, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy, and enough energy overall from a varied diet.
Foods to limit
No specific food needs limiting for IGF-1. Long periods of under-eating or very low protein intake lower it.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →