Many bodybuilders are interested in IGF-1 LR3, as it’s a better and more metabolically stable version of IGF-1.
Some even claim that the former has less side effects, which is a common misconception.
In this IGF-1 LR3 review, we’ll be looking at the purported benefits of the compound, dosages, side effects and so on.
IGF-1 LR3, also written as long arginine 3-IGF-1 is an artificial protein and extended version of IGF-1.
We’ll discuss differences and why IGF-1 LR3 is often touted as the better option in a subsequent chapter.
IGF-1 LR3 is special since it has an arginine amino acid in its composition, which should lead to more protein in the body.
Reason being that arginine is a common component of protein, helping the body not only build but also absorb more protein from exogenous sources.
All this leads proponents to believe IGF-1 LR3 to be a potent muscle builder.
As we’ll later see, a common problem presents itself with IGF-1 LR3; lack of human studies.
How Does It Work
IGF-1 LR3 should work just the same as regular IGF-1, with the added benefit of lasting longer in the body, being more potent and so on.
To recap, IGF-1 is a protein modulated by GH (growth hormone).
It’s most active during growth spurts in puberty, which is why many people ask whether IGF-1 can make them taller later in life.
When taken recreationally by adults, IGF-1 exhibits anabolic effects.
Basically, it promotes growth in every cell of the body but it also inhibits programmed cell death, which is why some researchers are concerned about IGF-1 causing cancer.
IGF-1 primarily works by binding to IGF-1R, a receptor crucial for the metabolic and proliferative effects of the former.
IGF-1, with the help of GH, also modulates the amount of insulin in the body.
Is IGF-1 LR3 Legal
While I haven’t seen IGF-1 LR3 listed on the WADA or USADA form of prohibited substances, IGF-1 is present and is completely banned.
It’s only natural that not all derivatives and analogues of IGF-1 are listed, meaning that IGF-1 LR3 is illegal in competitive sports and competitions.
However, if you’re just a regular bodybuilder, there’s nothing stopping you from getting IGF-1 LR3 for research purposes.
With the advent of the internet, you can find pure and tested IGF-1 LR3 in just a few minutes.
Near the end of the article, I’ll show you my favorite places to buy pure peptides.
IGF-1 LR3 Benefits
Please note that many websites try to swindle their readers by equalizing the effects of IGF-1 and IGF-1 LR3.
While they are similar, there are no human studies showing the effects of IGF-1 LR3.
They are all either cellular or done on rats or other animals.
With that being said, here are the purported effects of IGF-1 LR3!
1. IGF-1 LR3 Increases Muscle Mass
Based on what we know about IGF-1 LR3, it should act just as injected IGF-1 in the body and exhibit anabolic effects.
The biggest proponent of this claim is this study, which showed anabolic effects in dexamethasone-treated rats.
For the record, dexamethasone is a popular medication used to treat skin diseases and similar ails.
What’s interesting about the study above is that analogues of IGF-1, like IGF-1 LR3, have been shown to be up to 2.5 times as potent in the rats!
This is great news, provided the effects of IGF-1 LR3 on animals translate on to humans.
2. IGF-1 LR3 Increases Metabolic Rate
A human’s metabolic rate determines how much energy (calories) he will expend during a set period of time.
Given that normal IGF-1 increases metabolic rate in humans, the same should apply to IGF-1 LR3.
We all know that muscle mass indirectly impacts our metabolism.
With that being said, cutting should be made much easier given the potency and metabolic activity of IGF-1 LR3.
3. IGF-1 LR3 Increases Fat Loss
Weight loss and therefore, fat loss has been associated with increased IGF-1 levels.
While no studies have shown a direct link between IGF-1 LR3 and fat loss, many anecdotal reports confirm the notion.
IGF-1 LR3 should be good for cutting weight and fat, given its previously mentioned metabolic activity.
However, you do need to put some work in, the compound won’t do the heavy lifting alone.
4. IGF-1 LR3 Build Bones, Increases Bone Strength
There’s a very interesting paper on this subject, showing that IGF-1 had very good effects on bone strength, growth and density in animal models.
Not just that but IGF-1 has been shown to mediate the above throughout life, not just during puberty.
We all know that bones are the foundation of big muscles.
While there are no direct studies confirming this effect on IGF-1 LR3, once again, anecdotal reports speak in favor.
5. IGF-1 LR3 Increases Sleep Quality
Good sleep is associated with increased muscle mass.
Although the relationship between IGF-1 and sleep are poorly understood, scientists believe it has to do with orexin neurons.
Many people reported better and higher-quality sleep after receiving IGF-1 injections.
As previously stated, most of the studies presented in this article are on actual IGF-1.
Reason being the lack of information on IGF-1 LR3; even when studied, it’s often grouped together with IGF-1 and other derivatives.
Please don’t assume that IGF-1 LR3 will have the same effects in the body as IGF-1.
IGF-1 LR3 Dosage
Judging from anecdotal reports, people inject anywhere between 30 to 200mcg per day.
From a personal standpoint, everything beyond 100mcg is a bit too much and carries more risk of side effects.
Reason being the dose-dependent effects of IGF-1 LR3; the more you take, the harder it hits.
A sweet spot would be 50mcg per day for the next six to eight weeks.
If you’re a newbie, stick to six weeks and see how your body is reacting to the compound.
IGF-1 LR3 usually comes in 1mg denominations.
This means that a 1mg bottle of IGF-1 LR3 should last you 20 days provided you inject the recommended 50mcg dosage.
Also important to mention is that IGF-1 LR3 is best injected either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, depending on preference.
IGF-1 LR3 Half-Life
According to this study, IGF-1 LR3 has a half-life of 20 to 30 hours.
The reason why it takes so long for IGF-1 LR3 to leave the body is decreased binding to insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP).
The latter regulates the activity of IGF-1, oftentimes decreasing it as the body notices exogenous IGF-1 present in tissues.
IGF-1 LR3 Side Effects
Since it’s agreed that IGF-1 LR3 is basically a more potent analogue of IGF-1, the side effects are nothing to scoff at.
I’m here talking about proliferation of malfunctioning cells (cancer), protruding gut (“GH gut”), diabetes and so on.
Let’s look at the top three side effects of IGF-1 LR3 and see what the fuss is all about.
1. IGF-1 LR3 Causes Cancer?!
I already penned an interesting article on the topic surrounding MK-677 and cancer.
For those left out of context, MK-677 is a GH secretagogue that increases IGF-1 levels.
With the data we have right now, there’s no definitive proof IGF-1 LR3 causes cancer.
However, you have to beware of IGF-1 and its effects on existing tumors, as it has been proven to promote cancer development.
Basically, don’t use it if you have cancer.
In all other instances, you’re more than likely going to be just fine.
2. IGF-1 LR3 Causes GH Gut?!
If you’ve watched bodybuilding shows from the 90’s, you have probably noticed some of the contestants having a protruding gut.
Around the same time, IGF-1 injections entered the professional scene.
Was that a mere coincidence or is there something to it?
The thing is, GH gut is most often caused by either insulin resistance or an unhealthy diet.
The former can be caused by IGF-1, especially if the person in question is using it long-term.
With the added power of IGF-1 LR3, there seems to be a real concern about developing GH gut.
My recommendation is to cycle IGF-1 LR3 and not take it for more than eight weeks.
That should offset the chances of developing GH gut.
3. IGF-1 LR3 Causes Diabetes?!
An interesting review of research papers states that IGF-1 may have a future in treating some types of diabetes.
Both low and high IGF-1 levels are linked to insulin resistance which may lead to diabetes.
This is an obvious problem for people that constantly keep their IGF-1 levels high through exogenous compounds.
However, for someone cycling IGF-1 LR3, there shouldn’t be any problems.
IGF-1 LR3 VS IGF-1
While many online sources will tell you that the two compounds above are similar, there are some important differences between them.
IGF-1 has 70 amino-acids in total, while IGF-1 LR3 has a total of 83.
Not only that but IGF-1 LR3 has been shown to be more resilient to IGFBP, which leads to the heightened half-life of the former.
In cellular and animal studies where IGF-1 and IGF-1 LR3 were put to the test, the latter consistently outperformed IGF-1 by two to three times.
Last but not least, IGF-1 LR3 has improved metabolic stability compared to IGF-1.
Where to Buy IGF-1 LR3
Conventional IGF-1 is still too expensive.
On the other hand, its analogue, IGF-1 LR3 is less than 100$ in most shops.
You’re usually bestowed with 1mg of the compound which is enough for around 20 days of administration.
I tested many online sources and came up with a list of recommended peptide vendors.
These companies go above and beyond but most importantly, they have pure and laboratory tested IGF-1 LR3.
Don’t forget that IGF-1 LR3 is injected, so ensure that you have proper and sterilized equipment if you’re going to use it.
Conclusion
I haven’t tried IGF-1 LR3 personally, as I’m waiting for some human studies to crop up.
What this IGF-1 LR3 review has shown us is that there’s more to this peptide than meets the eye.
It’s downright criminal to assume that a synthetic analogue is equivalent to the real deal, keep that in mind before you consider IGF-1 LR3 usage.
