IGF stands for Insulin-like Growth Factor, a protein found in the blood that is produced in response to growth hormone stimulation. It is important for development and growth, and it is elevated in children and adolescents and can decrease with age. IGF-1 levels are used to evaluate growth hormone secretion, especially in children, since elevated levels of IGF-1 may indicate an overproduction of growth hormone. Low levels of IGF-1 can suggest either a deficiency in growth hormone production or an overtreatment with growth hormone therapy.
In adults, IGF-1 levels are used to diagnose growth hormone deficiency, acromegaly (a condition caused by excessive growth hormone production), and other disorders of the pituitary gland. It is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of growth hormone therapy and to monitor potential side effects from growth hormone therapy. The blood test for IGF-1 measures the amount of IGF-1 in the blood, which is reflective of growth hormone activity.
In addition to diagnostic purposes, IGF-1 levels have been linked to overall health and nutrition status. Low levels of IGF-1 have been linked to a higher risk for age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as a higher risk for mortality. Higher levels of IGF-1 have been linked to better overall health and nutrition status.