Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has long been recognized for its role in growth, development, and tissue repair. But as science evolves, so does the conversation—especially when it comes to aging and lifespan. Mounting evidence suggests that while IGF-1 is essential for regeneration and recovery, chronically high levels may accelerate aging and increase the risk of chronic disease, including cancer.
Researchers are now asking: Could less IGF-1 be the key to living longer?
Here's what you'll find in this article:
- The Dual Role of IGF-1
- What We’ve Learned from Model Organisms
- Human Longevity and the IGF-1 Connection
- Clinical Relevance: Why IGF-1 Testing Matters
The Dual Role of IGF-1
IGF-1 is a powerful anabolic hormone. It promotes cell growth, supports tissue healing, and plays a central role in metabolic balance. However, this same potency can be a liability. Elevated IGF-1 has been linked to increased cellular proliferation and reduced apoptosis, two hallmarks of cancer progression. As such, it has emerged as a possible risk factor in age-related diseases, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
In the context of aging, it appears that higher isn’t always better. Both animal and human studies suggest an inverse relationship between IGF-1 activity and lifespan—particularly when IGF-1 remains elevated over time.
"For individuals aged 50–65, consuming a high-protein diet was linked to a 75% higher overall mortality rate and a fourfold increase in cancer-related deaths over 18 years. Each 10 ng/mL rise in IGF-I levels increased cancer mortality risk by an additional 9% in the high-protein group compared to those with lower intake." - IGF-I and the endocrinology of aging, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coemr.2018.11.001
What We’ve Learned from Model Organisms
In species ranging from worms to rodents, downregulating the insulin/IGF-1 pathway has been shown to extend lifespan and enhance metabolic resilience. These organisms often display delayed aging, improved stress resistance, and fewer degenerative changes over time.
In mice, lower IGF-1 activity has been associated with longer life and reduced incidence of age-related disease. These findings suggest that IGF-1 is more than a growth factor—it’s a regulator of biological pace.
Human Longevity and the IGF-1 Connection
What about people?
Studies of long-lived human populations—particularly those with familial longevity—reveal a similar trend. Many exhibit mild insulin resistance and lower IGF-1 bioactivity, particularly in midlife. This pattern may support healthy aging by slowing tissue turnover and minimizing DNA damage.
Interestingly, this doesn’t reflect a state of deficiency. It reflects metabolic adaptation—the body maintaining enough IGF-1 to repair tissue while avoiding levels that may fuel overgrowth.
"Humans with more stable circulating IGF-I levels over time show better survival. Changes in IGF-I levels over time within an individual may provide more insight into its relevance for lifespan than a single baseline measurement"
- IGF-I and the endocrinology of aging, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coemr.2018.11.001
Clinical Relevance: Why IGF-1 Testing Matters
As the field of functional medicine continues to prioritize longevity and disease prevention, IGF-1 testing has become more clinically relevant—especially in midlife and aging populations.- Low IGF-1 may indicate poor recovery capacity, frailty, or underactive growth signaling.
- High IGF-1 may raise concern about cancer risk, inflammatory tone, or accelerated tissue turnover.
Access Medical Labs offers IGF-1 testing as part of its Advanced Hormone Testing and Functional Health Testing panels or as a standalone test that can be added to any custom panel. The pre-built panels allow clinicians to interpret IGF-1 alongside cortisol, insulin, thyroid markers, and other metrics that impact cellular aging and resilience.
By placing IGF-1 in context, providers can fine-tune their approach—helping patients thrive with the right balance of growth, recovery, and long-term protection.
References:
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- Bartke A. Insulin, IGF-1 and longevity. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. Available online: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4152956/
- Smith L, de Lint C, van der Spoel E. IGF-I and the endocrinology of aging. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. Available online: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026049514000891
- Van Heemst D, Beekman M, Mooijaart SP, et al. Reduced insulin/IGF-1 signaling and human longevity: Lessons from familial longevity studies. Aging (Albany NY). Available online: https://www.aging-us.com/article/101173/text
About Access:
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