In researching peptides and compounds that may help amplify muscle growth, I came across IGF-2, also known as insulin-like growth factor 2. From what I understand, IGF-2 is a naturally occurring growth factor peptide that plays a key role in childhood growth and continues to have anabolic effects in adults.
It stimulates proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells, making IGF-2 intriguing as a possible performance-enhancing supplement. However, it has not yet been approved for medical use and requires much more research. But IGF-2’s mechanisms make it worth learning more about.
What Does IGF-2 Do?
Here are IGF-2’s main mechanisms and activities:
- Promotes muscle protein synthesis and absorption of amino acids
- Increases the number and size of muscle cells (hyperplasia and hypertrophy)
- Boosts satellite cell activation key for muscle repair and growth
- Provides strong anabolic effects on muscle, cartilage, and bone
- Improves glycogen synthesis capabilities
- Enhances blood glucose disposal to feed muscle growth
By supporting muscle cell proliferation and nutrient delivery, IGF-2 has become intriguing for potential sports performance and bodybuilding applications. However, receptors for IGF-2 are found throughout the body, so effects could be widespread.
How do I take IGF-2?
As an investigational peptide, IGF-2 is still under research. No standard medical guidelines exist yet for dosage or administration. In studies, IGF-2 is most often injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
However, I do not recommend anyone use IGF-2 without medical oversight currently. Optimal dosing protocols, cycling, and potential side effects with IGF-2 need much more safety data in humans. Talk to your doctor about options for boosting IGF-2 naturally through proper diet and lifestyle practices instead.
Benefits of IGF-2
Although more evidence in humans is still needed, potential IGF-2 benefits could include:
- Increased muscle protein synthesis leads to faster growth
- Improved recovery time enables more frequent training
- Enhanced ability to gain strength and lean muscle mass
- Reduced muscle damage and soreness after workouts
- Increased bone density and strength
- Improved joint collagen production and flexibility
- General rejuvenation effects in the body
By stimulating cell proliferation, IGF-2 could support significant gains in muscle mass and athletic performance when cycling properly. But considerably more research is still required, especially on long-term safety.
Side Effects of IGF-2
Some potential side effects of IGF-2 could include:
- Hypoglycemia, if used in excess
- Serious disruptions in hormonal balance
- Arthritis-like pain or numbness in joints
- Acromegaly symptoms, like enlarged organs
- Intestinal swelling or stomach discomfort
- Increased cancer risk with higher doses
Appropriate dosing and cycling would be essential to limit side effects. Though unproven as a supplement, IGF-2 warrants caution until human trials demonstrate its safety.
Who Should Not Take IGF-2?
Due to the lack of human research, IGF-2 should likely be avoided currently for:
- Anyone under 18 years old
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with active cancer or increased cancer risk
- Those with kidney disease or diabetes
- Individuals taking corticosteroids or anticoagulants
Medical guidance is imperative if you are attempting to use IGF-2. Certain health conditions clearly warrant avoiding it until better data emerges on dosing, cycling, and potential interactions.
Drug Interactions with IGF-2
There is insufficient research on IGF-2 to confirm any drug interactions. However, possible interactions could occur with diabetes drugs, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and medications that alter hormone levels, given IGF-2’s endocrine activities.
Anyone currently taking prescription medications should speak to their doctor before using compounds like IGF-2. Make sure your physician has full knowledge of any supplements or peptides you consider taking alongside pharmaceutical drugs.
Where to Buy IGF-2 Online
As an unapproved, unregulated research peptide, IGF-2 would likely only be available through select specialty suppliers for lab use purposes and not for human consumption. However, I advise against acquiring and using IGF-2 without proper medical guidance.
The limited evidence available does not yet support safe or effective supplementation for people. With a high potential for side effects, it is smarter to optimize natural IGF-2 expression through lifestyle approaches until more rigorous human data emerges. If you know about more peptides, then click here.