IGF-1 DES vs IGF-1 LR3
Limited Research vs limited
monitor Researched · 90% Do not stack with IGF-1 DES. Both are IGF-1 analogs acting on the same receptor. Choose one or the other based on whether you want systemic (LR3) or localized (DES) effects.
Molecular Data
IGF-1 DES IGF-1 LR3
Weight ~7,000 Da —
Half-life 20-30 minutes 20-30 hours
Chain 67 amino acids 83 amino acids
Type Truncated IGF-1 analog Synthetic IGF-1 analog
Key Benefits
IGF-1 DES
01 Approximately 10x more potent than native IGF-1
02 100% bioactive -- does not bind to IGF binding proteins
03 Extremely short half-life enables localized, site-specific action
04 Promotes satellite cell activation for muscle hyperplasia
05 Minimal systemic exposure compared to IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3
01 Approximately 3x more potent than native IGF-1
02 Promotes muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia in animal models
03 15-20% lean mass gains observed in 4-week rat studies
04 Anti-catabolic effects preserve muscle during cachexia
05 20-30 hour half-life for sustained effects
Dosing Protocols
IGF-1 DES
20-50mcg post-workout (site-specific IM injection) / Post-workout only, injected into trained muscle
Beginner Protocol 20-30mcg Post-workout, injected into trained muscle
Intermediate 30-50mcg Post-workout, injected into trained muscle
Advanced 50mcg Post-workout, split across multiple trained muscles
IGF-1 LR3
20-100 mcg daily (start low at 20-30 mcg) / Once daily, or split AM/PM for higher doses
Beginner Protocol 20-30mcg Once daily post-workout
Intermediate 40-60mcg Once daily
Advanced 80-100mcg Once or split AM/PM
Women's Protocol 10-20mcg Once daily
Side Effects
IGF-1 DES
Hypoglycemia -- consume carbohydrates after injection
Localized swelling and soreness at injection site
Increased pump in targeted muscles
Mild lightheadedness shortly after injection
IGF-1 LR3
Hypoglycemia (lasting up to 30 hours) - CRITICAL
Water retention
Joint stiffness
Muscle soreness
Increased pump during workouts
Contraindications
Not approved for human use -- research chemical only
Cancer history or active malignancy (IGF-1 promotes cell proliferation)
Diabetes or impaired glucose regulation
WADA prohibited substance -- causes failed drug tests
NEVER approved for human use - research chemical only
Cancer history or undiagnosed growths
May cause organ hypertrophy (heart, intestines)
WADA prohibited - causes failed drug tests
Research Evidence
IGF-1 DES IGF-1 LR3
Status Limited Research limited
References 4 studies 4 studies
Latest — November 2024
FDA Approved No No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.