NOW IGF-1, 30 Lozenges

• IGF-1 released in response to growth hormone is anabolic: it promotes growth & repair of muscle.
  
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• Exercise can induce growth hormone release and thus IGF-1.
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• This process of growth hormone release in response to exercise is largely proportional to the strenuousness of the activity.
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• A person can become acclimated to the strenuousness of the activity, and not release as much growth hormone over time.
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• A 30-60 minute sauna session increases growth hormone by 140%.
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• IGF-1 acts as a neurotrophic factor in the brain, contributing to neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells) and survival of existing neurons
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• Exercised-induced neurogenesis is mediated through IGF-1 induced during exercise.
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The age-related decline in growth hormone and associated IGF-1 has been linked to age-related muscle atrophy, increased adipose tissue, and neuronal dysfunction. In fact, growth hormone replacement therapy in elderly men has been shown to increase lean body mass. Growth hormone therapy (1 mg/day—for 5 months) has also been used to improve cognitive function in healthy adults and adults with mild cognitive impairment. While only modest amounts of growth hormone cross the blood-brain barrier, IGF-1, which is actually responsible for the cognitive benefits, gets across just fine. The brain-boosting benefits of growth hormone therapy included better executive function and verbal memory. This is strong evidence suggesting that IGF-1 both enhances performance and prevent atrophy of skeletal muscle and the brain.