IGF1
Short Description
A blood test to measure the level of growth hormone Insulin Like Growth Factor 1.
Long Description
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (Somatomedin C) is a hormone which helps to control how rapidly the body's cells grow and reproduce. Although a high level of IGF-1 is necessary for growth in children, there are negative implications in adulthood, as having high IGF-1 is associated with the reproduction of cancer cells, and also the ageing process.
IGF-1 blood tests are used to diagnose growth abnormalities, and to evaluate pituitary function. However, you may want a blood test to measure your IGF-1 if you are about to start a programme of intermittent fasting, or if you have already been intermittent fasting and would like to assess the effect it has had. Having low levels of IGF-1 is associated with slowing down the ageing process. High IGF1 levels can be associated with excessive protein intake.