Source comparison
IGF-1 LR3 Dosage Comparison: Protocols and Outcomes
Acute Signaling Study 80–120mcg Twice daily (split dose) 1–7 days Maximal Akt/mTOR activation within 2–4 hours; 2–3× baseline protein synthesis rates Low (insufficient time for significant downregulation) Ideal for pathway characterization; impractical for lon
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Acute Signaling Study
- 80–120mcg
- Twice daily (split dose)
- 1–7 days
- Maximal Akt/mTOR activation within 2–4 hours; 2–3× baseline protein synthesis rates
- Low (insufficient time for significant downregulation)
- Ideal for pathway characterization; impractical for long-term anabolic research due to high desensitization risk
- Subchronic Hypertrophy
- 40–80mcg
- 2–6 weeks
- 15–30% increase in muscle fiber CSA; sustained satellite cell activation
- Moderate (manageable with split dosing)
- The evidence-supported standard for muscle growth research; balances anabolic signaling with receptor preservation
- Chronic Low-Dose
- 20–50mcg
- Once or twice daily
- 8+ weeks
- 10–20% increase in lean mass; improved nitrogen retention; minimal plateau
- Low (dose remains below desensitization threshold)
- Best for extended research timelines; cycled protocols (5 on, 2 off) further reduce adaptation risk
- Single High Bolus
- 150–200mcg
- Once daily
- Any duration
- Transient peak signaling (4–6 hours) followed by rapid receptor internalization
- Very High (>70% receptor occupancy triggers desensitization within 8–12 hours)
- Produces inferior outcomes vs split dosing at half the total daily dose; not evidence-supported
- Metabolic Research
- 30–60mcg
- 4–12 weeks
- Improved glucose disposal; reduced visceral adiposity; enhanced insulin sensitivity
- Low to Moderate
- Lower receptor saturation requirements than pure hypertrophy protocols; well-tolerated long-term