--- title: "IGF-1 Des: Dosage & Side Effects | BodyHackGuide" url: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/igf-1-des description: "IGF-1 Des(1-3): dosing protocols, mechanism & side effects, 198 PubMed results." lang: en --- Skip to content Compare notes on r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) Compare notes with other researchers. Join r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) # IGF-1 Des(1-3) Anabolic Peptide: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/wiki#cat-anabolic-peptide Status Preclinical / Research peptide,, not approved for human use Evidence Not graded on a research bench yet IGF-1 Des(1-3) is a truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 missing the first three N-terminal amino acids. The truncation reduces binding affinity to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) ~10-fold, leaving more free peptide available to bind IGF-1 receptors at the injection site. Reviewed 2 October 2026 01 Overview ## What IGF-1 Des(1-3) is Net effect: higher local potency than standard IGF-1 LR3 at the same molar dose. Most popular among bodybuilders and research peptide users for site-specific intramuscular injections post-workout. Rapid onset, short serum window. ### How it works Mechanism mirrors standard IGF-1: binds IGF-1 receptors, activates PI3K-Akt and Ras-MAPK signaling cascades driving cell growth, protein synthesis, and inhibition of apoptosis. The Des(1-3) modification reduces IGFBP affinity, raising free fraction at the local injection site. Users theorize this may favor local hypertrophic signaling at the injection site, though evading IGFBPs also increases systemic bioavailability; localized-only effects are not clinically demonstrated. ### Studied for - Skeletal muscle hypertrophy - IGF receptor signaling - IGF binding proteins ### Benefits listed - Higher local potency than IGF-1 LR3 (reduced IGFBP binding) - Site-specific hypertrophy when injected intramuscularly - Activates PI3K-Akt for protein synthesis - Used in research-peptide bodybuilding protocols 02 Research Free with email ## What the research shows No research bench grades IGF-1 Des(1-3) yet. Benches compare compounds people pair, with the evidence for each. ### Unlock the research summary Enter your email to keep reading. It is free, and it opens these sections on every compound page in this browser. - A summary of the key research - Safety and side effects - A link to the PubMed results You also get the free peptide cheat sheet by email. Unsubscribe anytime. Have an account? Sign in (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/auth) 03 Safety ## IGF-1 Des side effects and interactions ### Side effects #### Common - Hypoglycemia post-injection (manage with carb intake) - Lightheadedness - Headache - Injection site soreness #### Serious events - Severe hypoglycemia in fasted state - Theoretical cancer-promotion concern with prolonged IGF receptor activation ### Who should not use it Contraindications Active malignancy or cancer history. Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hypoglycemia-prone or fasted state. Active proliferative diabetic retinopathy. ### Interactions Not in our record Our record lists no interactions for IGF-1 Des(1-3). That means none are recorded here, not that none exist. This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds. Need bloodwork before starting? 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Order Bloodwork (https://anabolicinsights.ai/?ref=nwm2zjb) 04 Dosing Free with email ## IGF-1 Des dosage and protocols Dose range 20-100 mcg Dosing Once daily on training days Common vials 1mg ### Unlock the dosing protocols - Dose, route, how often and how long - Beginner, intermediate and advanced protocols - Reconstitution and handling notes - Stacking notes 05 Prices ## IGF-1 Des(1-3) prices No listings We do not track a vendor for IGF-1 Des(1-3) yet, so this page states no price. 06 Chemistry ## Chemistry and structure Molecular formula ~7649 Da (truncated IGF-1) Molecular mass ~7,371 Da Amino acid sequence TLCGAELVDALQFVCGDRGFYFNKPTGYGSSSRRAPQTGIVDECCFRSCDLRRLEMYCAPLKPAKSA 07 Related ## Related to IGF-1 Des(1-3) ### In the same category - MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)Preclinical / Research peptide MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is the local IGF-1Ec splice variant of insulin-like growth factor-1, expressed in skeletal muscle in response to mechanical loading.: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/mgf All compounds (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/wiki) ### Compare IGF-1 Des(1-3) - Alternatives to IGF-1 Des(1-3): https://www.bodyhackguide.co/alternatives-to/igf-1-des ### Research tools - Peptide Calculator Reconstitution and syringe units: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/reconstitution - Reconstitution Guide How to mix, step by step: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/guides/how-to-reconstitute-peptides - Nasal Spray Calc mL per actuation: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/intranasal - Half-Life Visualizer Decay curves: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/halflife All articles (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog) 08 Questions ## Frequently asked questions What is IGF-1 Des(1-3) used for in research? IGF-1 Des(1-3) is a truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 missing the first three N-terminal amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu). The truncation reduces binding affinity to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) ~10-fold, leaving more free peptide available to bind IGF-1 receptors at the injection site. Net effect: higher local potency than standard IGF-1 LR3 at the same molar dose. What forms does IGF-1 Des(1-3) come in? IGF-1 Des(1-3) is available in vials, capsules, and sprays forms. How much does IGF-1 Des(1-3) cost? BodyHackGuide tracks no vendor for IGF-1 Des(1-3) yet, so no price is stated. How do I compare IGF-1 Des(1-3) vendors? Compare prices, payment methods, shipping, and COA scores across 0 vendors. Free 2026 Peptide Cheat Sheet (PDF) 38 compounds and blends: vial sizes, BAC water volumes, dosing ranges and bloodwork markers. Download Free (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/guides/peptide-cheat-sheet-download) BodyHackGuide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/) Your biohacking research hub: compound pricing, brain health protocols, dosing tools, and vendor reviews. support@bodyhackguide.co Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Mhq5UdRYBA r/BodyHackGuide on Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide **Affiliate Disclosure:** We rank every vendor on the same public, reproducible methodology (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/methodology). Full details in our affiliate disclosure (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/affiliate-disclosure). **Research Disclaimer:** All compounds listed are for laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human consumption. This site does not sell or ship any products. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional and comply with local regulations. © 2026 BodyHackGuide. 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