4 Functions of IGF-1 (aka. deer antler spray)

Powering many of the benefits associated with workout supplements like Deer Antler Velvet Spray is a growth factor that has been demonized by many naysayers due to its almost-comically controversial history.

This growth factor is known as IGF-1, and it is a potent growth potentiate (all too often untapped) within the human body. 

IGF-1 has been hailed as one of the strongest compounds when it comes to achieving fitness goals—especially in health and athletic performance.*

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor) Can Be Found In Deer Antler Spray &…

…is a powerful hormone produced in the liver, then transported through the bloodstream; it has effects on muscle bone, and way more. 

Called IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor) because it’s a growth factor of polypeptides with insulin-like properties, the “1” (in IGF-1) stands for “Binding Protein 1”. 

Now, there are binding proteins from 1 to 6 but, here’s the thing, it is the Binding Protein #1 that’s been extensively studied and has shown effects for muscle growth.*

Furthermore, IGF-1 is mediated by growth hormone. We see after exercise a testosterone response followed by a growth hormone response then a delayed Insulin-like growth factor release. There’s a delayed response of about 8-24 hours before we see the effects of IGF. We know that growth hormone is the primary hormone responsible for stimulating the release of IGF from the liver (affected by testosterone and thyroid hormones).

Functions of Deer Antler Velvet Has A Prime Growth Factor — for Fitness

IGF-1 plays several critical roles in building muscle, increasing fat loss, and longevity.* It is particularly beneficial for muscle building.* This is due to Four Functions of IGF-1:

  • Increased Protein Anabolism (Muscle Protein Synthesis)*
  • Decreased Catabolism (Muscle Protein Breakdown)*
  • Inhibits Glucocorticoids (Effect on Gluconeogenesis)*
  • Increased Insulin Sensitivity*

We will analyze each of these beneficial functions. Before we do though, we need to ensure you understand the fundamentals of muscle growth.

Hypertrophy: Foundational Knowledge Needed to Drink From The Fountain of Gainz

Hypertrophy is defined as an increase in muscle cells—and consequently, increased lean muscle mass. 

You probably know that one of the most important aspects of muscle hypertrophy is a two-fold process of:

  1. Muscle protein synthesis (anabolism)
  2. Muscle protein breakdown (catabolism). 

When we perform resistance training, we induce small micro tears in the muscle fibers. The body pulls from amino acids found in muscle proteins to repair and rebuild the torn muscle fibers. Think of the torn muscle fiber like a frayed strand of twine. The body fuses new muscle protein fibers to the damaged fiber to form stronger, thicker rope, thereby increasing the size and strength of the previously torn muscle. And, voila! We have muscle protein synthesis.

While muscle protein synthesis is occurring, another process is occurring that tends to get in the way of stimulating muscle growth. It is the evil opposition attempting to thwart your mission for muscle growth, and it is called proteolysis (commonly referred to as muscle protein breakdown). Muscle protein breakdown tries to degrade those new muscle proteins you might try to use to grow.

If you’d like to learn more about deer antler velvet, be sure to read, Deer Antler Spray for Women Devoted To Health & Fitness.