PurpleDaisy Logo
PurpleDaisyResources
BiomarkersReference MatrixLab PanelsCalculatorsCompareGuidesBlog
Download on the App Store
BiomarkersReference MatrixLab PanelsCalculatorsCompareGuidesBlog

Biomarker Encyclopedia

500+ Items
Master Catalogs
  • All 500+ Biomarkers Directory
  • Longevity Reference MatrixPDF
Categories (500+ Markers)
  • Cardiovascular & Lipidology
  • Metabolic & Glycemic Control
  • Renal Physiology & Electrolytes
  • Hepatic & Biliary Function
  • Hematology & CBC
  • Iron Metabolism & Oxygen Transport
  • Endocrinology & Hormones
  • Micronutrients & Vitamins
  • Immunology & Longevity Clocks
Download Meridian on the App Store
Home/Biomarkers/Endocrinology & Hormones/IGF-1
Endocrinology & HormonesSomatotropic Axis & Anabolic Signaling

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)

Primary stable downstream mediator of growth hormone action and master regulator of cellular growth and autophagy.

Standard Range100 - 300 ng/mL (age adjusted)
Optimal Longevity130 - 200 ng/mL (longevity sweet spot)
Measurement Unitng/mL
Organ SystemSomatotropic Axis & Anabolic Signaling
Routine Panels:Comprehensive Longevity PanelAnabolic Signaling

Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesng/mL

Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.

Interactive Range Analyzer
Unit: ng/mL
ng/mL
Presets:
70 ng/mLOptimal Zone Target405 ng/mL
Optimal Longevity Zone(165 ng/mL)

Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.

Standard Reference Interval

100 - 300 ng/mL (age adjusted)

General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.

Optimal Longevity Target

130 - 200 ng/mL (longevity sweet spot)

Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.

Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose

Binds IGF-1R tyrosine kinase, activating PI3K-Akt-mTOR to stimulate protein synthesis and suppress FOXO autophagy.

Differential Diagnosis

Elevated Levels (IGF-1 High)

  • •Acromegaly
  • •High animal protein diet
  • •Exogenous GH/IGF-1 therapy

Low Levels (IGF-1 Low)

  • •Growth hormone deficiency
  • •Protein malnutrition
  • •Cirrhosis / hepatic failure

Technical Reference & Deep Dive

Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
At the molecular level, Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is critically involved in somatotropic axis & anabolic signaling. Synthesis, transport, and receptor kinetics are tightly regulated to preserve physiological homeostasis. Cellular pathways involve key transcription factors, carrier proteins, and enzymatic degradation cascades.
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Exhibits a U-shaped all-cause mortality curve: mid-normal levels protect against sarcopenia while minimizing oncogenic risk.
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup

Pre-Analytical Considerations:

Collect in standard collection tubes as specified by the laboratory protocol. Avoid hemolysis and process serum/plasma promptly within 2 hours. Discontinue interfering supplements prior to testing when applicable.

Reflexive Testing Protocol:

  • Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker panel evaluation for IGF-1
  • Targeted imaging or functional organ assessment related to somatotropic axis & anabolic signaling
  • Comprehensive metabolic and inflammatory baseline panel (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
  • [1]Clinical Reference and Physiological Dynamics of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 33890124
  • [2]IGF-1 in Human Longevity and Pathophysiological Risk Stratification - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35122901
Common Panels:Comprehensive Longevity PanelAnabolic Signaling
View All Panels

Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators

Medicine 3.0

Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) into overall healthspan optimization.

The Budget Biomarker Panel Under $150
Self-ordering Quest & Labcorp direct blood tests
Interactive Longevity Calculators Suite
Yale PhenoAge, HOMA-IR, FIB-4 & eGFR

Related Endocrinology & Hormones Biomarkers

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein
hs-CRP · < 0.5 mg/L
Serum Creatinine
Cr · 0.8 - 1.1 mg/dL (stable across time)
Apolipoprotein B
ApoB · < 60 mg/dL (or < 50 mg/dL in high-risk phenotypes)
PreviousHuman Growth Hormone (GH)Endocrinology & HormonesNextInsulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3)Endocrinology & Hormones