Sigma Nutrition Radio IGF-1 and Diet: Cause For Concern? (SNP36)
Jan 8, 2025
Alan Flanagan, an expert in chronobiology and nutrition, dives into the intricate relationship between IGF-1 and diet. They discuss how IGF-1 impacts growth, metabolic health, and its controversial links to cancer and cognitive decline. Listen in as they explore the challenges of using IGF-1 as a biomarker and the complexities of dietary influences on its levels. Flanagan also unpacks the nuances between total and free IGF-1, and what this means for diet and longevity.
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IGF-1 and Diet
- IGF-1, a growth factor mainly made in the liver, is linked to growth hormone.
- Diet, especially protein, can affect IGF-1 levels, raising concerns about health risks.
IGF-1 and Cancer Risk
- High IGF-1 is linked to some cancers like breast cancer, but not others like lung cancer.
- Other factors like BMI and inflammation can also affect IGF-1, making it a complex issue.
Measuring IGF-1
- Total IGF-1 is commonly measured, but free IGF-1 is the biologically active form.
- Only a small fraction of total IGF-1 is free, creating more difficulty in accurate assessment.