IGF-1 | Health Topics | NutritionFacts.org

41 videos

Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Dan

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a natural human growth hormone that assists the body’s transition from childhood into healthy adulthood. Once the body completes this natural growth period, high levels of IGF-1 are no longer necessary and over-production may become detrimental to health. Uncontrolled cellular growth and proliferation (which may be the result of too much IGF-1) may lead to cancer growth. Having low levels of IGF-1 as an adult may improve the chances of a cancer-free life.

Animal protein consumption appears toincrease IGF-1 levels. Plant protein consumption in general may not have the same effect.

Dairy products and excess soy may also result in similar IGF-1 results. A plant-based diet and a regular exercise routine may reduce our IGF-1 levels in less than two weeks. Lowered IGF-1 levels don’t appear to have any effect on muscular strength.

The information on this page has been compiled from the research presented in the videos listed. Sources for each video can be found by going to the video’s page and clicking on the Sources Cited tab.

Image Credit: Pixabay. This image has been modified.

All Videos for IGF-1

Fasting-Mimicking Diet Before and After Chemotherapy

How might we replicate the protective effects of fasting with food?

a bowl filled with grains and beans

Animal Protein vs. Plant-Based Protein

I discuss a public health case for modernizing the definition of protein quality.

flatlay image of assorted cheese and milk

Breast Cancer and the Bovine Leukemia Virus in Meat and Dairy

Exposure to the bovine leukemia virus from meat and dairy (or a blood transfusion from those who eat meat or dairy) is a risk factor for cancer.

milk containers with bovine farm in the background

Bovine Leukemia Virus as a Cause of Breast Cancer

As many as 37 percent of breast cancer cases may be attributable to exposure to bovine leukemia virus.

Does Heme Iron Cause Cancer?

Does Heme Iron Cause Cancer?

Laboratory models suggest that extreme doses of heme iron may be detrimental, but what about the effects of nutritional doses in humans? A look at heme’s carcinogenic effects.

Plant-Based Protein: Are Pea and Soy Isolates Harmful?

Plant-Based Protein: Are Pea and Soy Protein Isolates Harmful?

What are the different impacts of plant protein versus animal protein, and do the benefits of plant proteins translate to plant protein isolates?

Do Vitamin B12 Supplements Cause Acne?

Do Vitamin B12 Supplements Cause Acne?

Acne can be triggered in one in ten people who get vitamin B12 injections.

Vegetarians and Stroke Risk Factors—Animal Protein?

Vegetarians and Stroke Risk Factors—Animal Protein?

Might animal protein-induced increases in the cancer-promoting grown hormone IGF-1 help promote brain artery integrity?

The 5-2 Diet and the Fasting-Mimicking Diet Put to the Test

The 5:2 Diet and the Fasting-Mimicking Diet Put to the Test

The effects of eating only 5 days a week or a fasting-mimicking diet 5 days a month.

Dairy and Cancer

Dairy and Cancer

How do we explain the increased risk of prostate cancer but the decreased risk of colon cancer associated with dairy consumption?

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