IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) Test

Measures IGF-1 — the primary mediator of growth hormone's effects on tissues. IGF-1 reflects your average growth hormone status (GH itself is pulsatile and difficult to measure accurately) and influences muscle maintenance, fat metabolism, bone density, and cellular repair. In longevity research, IGF-1 occupies a nuanced position — too low impairs tissue repair and muscle mass, too high is associated with accelerated ageing and cancer risk.

IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) is the primary mediator of growth hormone's effects on tissues throughout the body. Unlike growth hormone itself — which is released in pulses and difficult to measure accurately — IGF-1 provides a stable, reliable indicator of your average growth hormone status over recent weeks. IGF-1 influences muscle maintenance, fat metabolism, bone density, cellular repair, and cognitive function. In longevity research, it occupies a nuanced position. Adequate IGF-1 is essential for tissue repair, muscle preservation, and healthy ageing. However, chronically elevated IGF-1 is associated with accelerated cellular ageing and increased risk of certain cancers — it promotes cell growth and division, which is beneficial for repair but problematic when it stimulates pre-cancerous cells. The optimal IGF-1 range for longevity is debated, but most researchers suggest a moderate level — high enough to maintain muscle mass and tissue repair, low enough to avoid growth-promoting excess. Factors that raise IGF-1 include protein intake (particularly dairy), resistance training, and adequate sleep. Factors that lower it include caloric restriction, fasting, and plant-heavy diets. This makes IGF-1 a useful feedback marker for people adjusting dietary and lifestyle interventions. No fasting is required for this test. ClearLabs delivers results within 2-3 business days through the digital dashboard, displayed against age-adjusted reference ranges. IGF-1 naturally declines with age, so interpretation must account for your age bracket. For those tracking longevity biomarkers over time, IGF-1 pairs well with fasting insulin, HbA1c, and inflammatory markers to build a comprehensive metabolic picture.