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How IGF-1 and HGH Work Together to Support Optimal Aging Sponsored by DaVinci Laboratories

By Adam Killpartrick, DC

September 17, 2019
Aging
Practice Management

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and human growth hormone (HGH) work together in the body to support optimal aging. This is a very complex process and if excessive levels of IGF-1, either low or high, are present in the body, it can lead to various health problems. HGH is generally considered to employ anti-insulin actions, whereas IGF-1 has insulin-like properties. By maintaining relatively low levels of IGF-1 and synergy between HGH and IGF-1 throughout your patients’ adult life, they may be able to live a healthy lifestyle and experience optimal aging.

HGH and IGF-1 Play Essential Roles in Health

HGH and IGF-1 are essential in childhood growth as well as important for metabolic function in adults. There is a condition that can affect healthy aging which is known as Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD). This condition includes increased visceral adiposity, abnormal lipid profiles, premature atherosclerosis, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality.1 HGH deficiency in adults predisposes insulin resistance.2 High doses of HGH treatment have been shown to affect lipolysis, which plays an important role in promoting its anti-insulin effects. Alternatively, IGF-1 acts as an insulin sensitizer that doesn’t exert any direct effect on lipolysis or lipogenesis.3

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About the Author

Adam Killpartrick, DC earned his degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. His primary practice focus has been a synergistic blend of NUCCA (upper cervical chiropractic) with Cranial Release Technique, for which he has attained lead instructor status. Killpartrick furthered his education in clinical nutrition, functional diagnostics and lifestyle medicine, and has since successfully integrated this blend of specialized chiropractic care and functional medicine into his New Hampshire private practice. This practical experience led him to clinical consulting for numerous nutritional supplement companies. He is currently the chief scientific officer for DaVinci Laboratories.

References

  1. “Postoperative protein sparing.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed 22 Jun. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10227922
  2. “Metabolic effects of recombinant human growth hormone: isotopic studies in the postabsorptive state and during total parenteral nutrition.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed 21 Jun. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2116934
  3. “Low-dose growth hormone and hypocaloric nutrition attenuate the protein-catabolic response after major operation.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed 21 Jun. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1357936/