What is IGF-1 DES?
IGF-1 DES is a shortened form of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) missing its first three amino acids, which is why it is also written DES(1-3) IGF-1. A small amount occurs naturally in the body.
Lab-made IGF-1 DES is sold online for muscle growth, often to be injected near a specific muscle.
What does IGF-1 DES do?
Without those three amino acids, IGF-1 DES binds poorly to the proteins that normally hold IGF-1 in check, so it acts more strongly but for a shorter time. In cell studies it is several times more potent than natural IGF-1.
What does the research on IGF-1 DES show?
The research is in cells and animals. There are no human trials, so claims about targeted muscle growth are untested in people.
Compare IGF-1 LR3, a long-acting version with the same lack of human data.
IGF-1 DES side effects and risks
Like other IGF-1 forms it can lower blood sugar, sometimes severely. Its long-term effects are unknown, and products sold online aren’t checked for purity, strength or sterility.
Is IGF-1 DES legal?
IGF-1 DES is not approved for human use anywhere. IGF-1 and its analogs are banned in sport at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
How do you reconstitute IGF-1 DES?
IGF-1 DES research vials hold a freeze-dried powder that is mixed with bacteriostatic water. The calculator above turns the vial size, the water and a dose into syringe units, and the reconstitution guide explains each step.
See the dosage section below for what is known about doses, with sources.