Dude,
There are some bad side effects to almost everyhting people use in BBing. IGF-1 is no different, it's not as hard on the liver/kidneys as AAS but there are plenty of sides to worry about. Here's some info as an example (from
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/ins_0303.shtml):
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1
(IGF-1)
DESCRIPTION
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a single-chain polypeptide of 70 amino acids. It is a trophic factor that circulates at high levels in the blood-stream and mediates many, if not most, of the effects of growth hormone. Although the main source of IGF-1 in the serum is the liver, many other tissues synthesize it and are sensitive to its trophic action. IGF-1 was called somatomedin in the older literature. IGF-1 and insulin have similar three-dimensional structures.
IGF-1 appears to influence neuronal structure and functions throughout the life span. It has been shown to have the ability to preserve nerve cell function and promote nerve growth in experimental studies. Because of these properties, recombinant human IGF-1 is in clinical trials for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Recently, recombinant human IGF-1 has entered the dietary supplement marketplace, as have recombinant human growth hormone and several so-called growth hormone secretagogues or releasers.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
ACTIONS
Supplemental IGF-1 has putative anabolic and lipolytic activities.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
The mechanism of the putative actions of supplemental IGF-1 is unknown.
PHARMACOKINETICS
Orally administered IGF-1 has very poor bioavailability. There is no credible evidence that IGF-1 is absorbed from the oral mucosa if administered as a spray. It is likely that orally administered IGF-1 is digested in the small intestine to the amino acids that comprise the molecule.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Claims for supplemental IGF-1 are sweeping and include antiaging, promotion of lean muscle mass, enhanced athletic and sexual performance, joint protection, antidiabetic and antiatherosclerotic effects, sleep aid, immune enhancer, neuroprotector and much more. There is no credible evidence to support these claims for oral IGF-1. High levels of IGF-1 have been associated with elevated risk of several cancers, especially prostate cancer.
RESEARCH SUMMARY
There is no research to support the use of IGF-1 as a nutritional supplement, whether in oral or injected form. There is research showing associations between high levels of circulating IGF-1 and several cancers.
Claims that IGF-1 supplements significantly increase lean muscle mass are unsubstantiated. Use of IGF-1 in doses far higher than those used by most bodybuilders failed to produce more than very modest anabolic effects in AIDS patients. It is possible that some clinical indications, but not supplemental indications, will emerge from experimental work currently underway with IGF-1. There is a hint in some of this work that IGF-1 might, for example, have some neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects in some conditions.
CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Supplemental IGF-1 is contraindicated in those with any evidence of active malignancy. It is also contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of an IGF-1-containing product.
PRECAUTIONS
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of supplemental IGF-1-containing products.
Adolescents should avoid the use of supplemental IGF-1-containing products.
Supplemental IGF-1 is not meant to be used parenterally and should never be used in such a manner.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
None known for supplemental IGF-1-containing supplements.
INTERACTIONS
There are no known interactions for supplemental IGF-1-containing supplements.
OVERDOSAGE
No reports for supplemental IGF-1-containing supplements.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Supplemental IGF-1 is available and marketed as a dietary supplement, typically in the form of an oral spray. There are no recommended doses.
LITERATURE
Carro E, Nuñez A, Busiguina S, Torres-Aleman I. Circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 mediates effects of exercise on the brain. J Neurosci. 2000; 20:2926-2933.
Chan JM, Stampfer MJ, Giovanucci E, et al. Plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 and prostate cancer risk: a prospective study. Science. 1998; 279:563-566.
Giovannucci E, Pollak MN, Platz EA, et al. A prospective study of plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 and binding protein-3 and risk of colorectal neoplasia in women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2000; 9:345-349.
Hankinson SE, Willett WC, Colditz GA, et al. Circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 and risk of breast cancer. Lancet. 1998; 351:1393-1396.
Le Roith D. Insulin-like growth factors. N Engl J Med. 1997; 336:633-640.
Lewis ME, Neff NT, Contreras PC, et al. Insulin-like growth factor-1: potential for treatment of motor neuronal disorders. Exp Neurol. 1993; 124:73-88.
Magee BA, Shooter GK, Wallace JC, Francis GL. Insulin-like growth factor 1 and its binding proteins: a study of the binding interface using B-domain analogues. Biochem. 1999; 38:15863-15870.
Mantzoros CS, Tzonou A, Signorello LB, et al. Insulin-like growth factor 1 in relation to prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia. Brit J Cancer. 1997; 76:1115-1118.
Niblock MM, Brunso-Bechtold J, Riddle DR. Insulin-like growth factor 1 stimulates dendritic growth in primary somatosensory cortex. J Neurosci. 2000; 20:4165-4176.
