IGF-1 LR3

Quickstart highlights

Dosing & reconstitution guide

Standard protocol (1 mL = 1 mg/mL)

A 1 mg vial dissolved in 1 mL bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Calculate your own dilution →

Reconstitution steps

1. Let the vial reach room temperature and wash your hands.
2. Disinfect both rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab.
3. Draw up 1 mL of bacteriostatic water.
4. Inject the water slowly down the glass wall, not directly onto the powder.
5. Swirl gently until clear — never shake.
6. Label the vial with date and concentration and refrigerate.

Supplies needed

• IGF-1 LR3 vial (1 mg)
• Bacteriostatic water
• Mixing syringe (1–3 mL) and U-100 insulin syringes
• Alcohol swabs and sharps container

Protocol overview

Dosing protocol in research

Values as described in literature and research protocols; not dosing advice.

Storage instructions

• Lyophilised (powder): cool, dry and dark; long-term at −20 °C.
• After reconstitution: refrigerator at 2–8 °C, use within ~4 weeks.
• Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.

Important notes

How this works

IGF-1 LR3 is a modified version of human insulin-like growth factor 1. Due to specific structural changes, this compound remains active in the body much longer than the natural form. Researchers study this peptide primarily for its influence on protein synthesis and cellular development.

The structure of this peptide differs from natural IGF-1 in two ways: thirteen amino acids are added to the start of the chain and glutamic acid replaces an amino acid at position three. These modifications prevent the peptide from binding effectively to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in the blood. Consequently, the half-life increases from roughly ten minutes to over twenty hours. Because it remains unbound, more free peptide is available to activate the IGF-1 receptor. This stimulates processes like muscle cell growth and amino acid uptake, while also exerting a direct effect on blood sugar levels due to its similarity to insulin.

Research into IGF-1 LR3 takes place primarily in laboratory and animal models; human clinical studies are very limited. Researchers investigate its potential for muscle recovery and metabolic disorders, but there is no official medical approval for human use. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has placed the substance on the list of prohibited substances. Questions remain regarding the long-term consequences of prolonged receptor activation. It is currently classified strictly as a research compound.

Potential benefits & side effects

Effects described in research

• Protein synthesis and muscle growth (animal studies)
• Muscle glucose uptake

Common side effects

• Hypoglycaemia
• Water retention
• Headache

A drop in blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, is the most frequently reported risk with this research compound. Temporary water retention, fatigue, and headaches have also been observed. No safety data exists regarding long-term exposure.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active or prior cancer
• Under 18 years of age
• Uncontrolled diabetes

Lifestyle factors

• Administration on an empty stomach (2 h after / 30 min before food) is most often described.
• Carbohydrates and fat around administration blunt the GH pulse.
• Adequate sleep supports natural nocturnal GH release.

Injection technique

• Choose a site with subcutaneous fat: abdomen (5 cm from the navel), thigh or back of upper arm.
• Disinfect, pinch a skin fold and insert at a 45–90° angle.
• Inject slowly, wait 5 seconds and withdraw.
• Rotate sites and use each needle once.

Recommended source

Quality varies widely between suppliers. Look for an independent HPLC/MS lab report per batch, purity ≥ 98% and clear storage and shipping conditions.

As a reference we use the IGF-1 LR3 from PeptideWinkel, which publishes lab reports per batch.

Frequently asked questions