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Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
Hepatic peptide hormone produced in response to growth hormone that mediates most of GH's anabolic effects, including muscle protein synthesis, bone formation, and tissue growth.
Also: IGF-1, Somatomedin C
IGF-1 levels reflect protein and total energy adequacy and fall rapidly in restriction. Low IGF-1 is part of the longevity signature associated with caloric restriction and FGF21 elevation; conversely, elevated IGF-1 is implicated in some cancer risks. As a clinical nutrition biomarker, IGF-1 has shorter half-life (~15 h) than albumin or transferrin, making it more sensitive to acute nutritional change, but acute-phase response also lowers it.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 51: Metabolic and Molecular Consequences of Dietary Restriction
IGF-1 levels reflect protein and total energy adequacy and fall rapidly in restriction. Low IGF-1 is part of the longevity signature associated with caloric restriction and FGF21 elevation; conversely, elevated IGF-1 is implicated in some cancer risks. As a clinical nutrition biomarker, IGF-1 has shorter half-life (~15 h) than albumin or transferrin, making it more sensitive to acute nutritional change, but acute-phase response also lowers it.
Related terms
Caloric restriction, FGF21, Growth hormone