The HGH IGF-1 connection is quite clear as far as the human body is concerned.
HGH which is manufactured by the pituitary gland is then synthesized into IGF-1 by the liver.
Legal definitions of what is ethical, safe, and controlled can be somewhat hazier.
Rampant use and misuse of synthetic steroids over the years has created a climate of stigma and mistrust around any kind of growth hormone supplement.
But today, legal and effective products containing IGF-1 have hit the market in force. Created from animal-sourced antler extracts, these products could finally be the viable alternative to steroids that athletes have been looking for.



- Involved in muscle protein synthesis
- Supports joint health & functionality
- May aid sexual function & anti-aging
What HGH Is Prescribed For
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Human Growth Hormone is a natural protein hormone which is released by the pituitary gland.
It is an integral part of childhood physical development, and also regulates muscle growth, bone integrity, and some metabolism functions throughout life.
Synthetic forms of HGH are a common prescription drug used for many growth-related disorders. Uses for HGH include:
- Increasing sex hormones
- Improving muscle tone in children
- Enhancing renal function in those with kidney insufficiency
- Treating pituitary gland cancer
- Reducing AIDS-related muscular degeneration
IGF-1 is the natural by-product of HGH once it has been processed by the liver. This substance also creates an acceleration of lean muscle formation as well as fat burning. It repairs damage to bone fibers, sinew, and muscle tissue, whether that damage comes from an injury or a degenerative disease.
Off-Label Uses of HGH and IGF-1
There is also a rampant grey market for HGH IGF-1 drugs. Synthetic forms of the hormones are used in otherwise healthy adults for the purpose of enhancing athletic performance and muscle gains. We see these uses for gaining an advantage in competitive sports, and also for purely aesthetic reasons, as dedicated gym-goers seek to improve the look of their physiques.
You can read more about how these drugs create better physiques in this article.
Using any kind of growth factor for these reasons is controversial. Taking too much of these artificial compounds can result in unhealthy hormone imbalances. The price for this imbalance can be unattractive secondary sexual characteristic growth, or even tumors.
Still, many people take this risk in order to achieve a more muscular body, or perform better in a given sport. Growth factor is very effective at building muscle, which can spur addiction and risky behavior on the part of athletes who get hooked on the speedy gains.
This controversy has led to strict regulation by the FDA, which prohibits the use of any growth hormone unless supervised by a doctor.
Why It’s Hard To Supplement Growth Factor
Another complicating factor in the supplementation of HGH IGF-1 factors is their extreme sensitivity to decomposition during digestion. Growth hormones, whether artificial or natural, must be injected to avoid stomach acids.
Taking protein powders and oral supplements is more convenient for health-conscious people to employ. Self-injecting growth factors daily for up for up to 2 months (the typical duration of an HGH cycle) is another matter altogether, and turns most people off of such supplementation.
The only alternative for any kind of HGH IGF-1 supplementation that is both legal and can be taken orally is a liquid fine mist IGF-1 mouth spray, in the form of deer antler velvet extracts.
Deer Antler Extract – Legal HGH IGF-1 Supplements
Wild deer antler is a natural source of the same IGF-1 which is made by the human body. It is not created in a lab, and is thus very easy for the body to tolerate.
Once a Chinese medicine folk remedy for general vitality and sexual health, deer antler extracts are now a huge industry across the world.
In New Zealand, home of the most well-developed and humane deer farming culture, as many as 2 million deer are kept as livestock specifically as a source for antler medications.
The spray products which are made from antler can serve a substantial IGF-1 dosage under the tongue, without need for needles – or a prescription. The FDA considers these sprays dietary supplements, and does not deem them a serious risk for hormone side effects.
Such sprays are widely used in a bodybuilding context, but are not limited to the fitness market. They are also used by people who suffer from muscular degeneration, wasting, or age-related bone density issues. A full list of antler spray benefits can be found here.
HGH vs. Deer Antler Extract
Taking IGF-1 supplements in the form of deer antler sprays is not the same as injecting raw HGH on its own. When synthesized, HGH spawns many different growth factor proteins, including nerve growth factor. It also interacts with fat cells in unique ways.
The IGF-1 which is produced by HGH specifically targets cell growth in muscle, and raises metabolism for some fat burning. This makes it an ideal supplement for bodybuilding, if it can be successfully supplemented.
The IGF-1 that is delivered sublingually through antler spray can accomplish these effects without injection, and without some of the serious side effects associated with HGH. This method is safer than the use of synthetic steroids to accomplish similar goals. For more of an overview of antler extract sprays, click here.
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Article last updated on: April 29th, 2018 by Nootriment