IGF-1 and Diet: Cause For Concern? (SNP36)

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Introduction

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) has emerged as a hot topic in health and nutrition discussions, often linked to longevity, cancer risk, and metabolic health.

On one hand, IGF-1 is essential for growth, repair, and metabolic regulation; on the other, it is sometimes associated with disease processes, including cancer and cognitive decline.

For those intrigued by the intersection of nutrition, biomarkers, and disease prevention, IGF-1 offers an opportunity to explore how science grapples with these complexities.

Claims about manipulating IGF-1 through dietary changes — whether by reducing protein or adopting fasting protocols — are common. But does the evidence support these claims?

If you’re curious about IGF-1 and the relationships between diet, disease, and healthy aging, in this Premium-exclusive episode Danny and Alan discuss this fascinating topic.

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Murphy et al., 2020 – observational and Mendelian randomization analyses

Timestamps

Hosts

The Hosts

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Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.

This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.

Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.

Dr. Alan Flanagan

a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey

Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.

Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.

Danny Lennon

MSc. in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork

Introduction to this Episode

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) has emerged as a hot topic in health and nutrition discussions, often linked to longevity, cancer risk, and metabolic health.

On one hand, IGF-1 is essential for growth, repair, and metabolic regulation; on the other, it is sometimes associated with disease processes, including cancer and cognitive decline.

For those intrigued by the intersection of nutrition, biomarkers, and disease prevention, IGF-1 offers an opportunity to explore how science grapples with these complexities.

Claims about manipulating IGF-1 through dietary changes — whether by reducing protein or adopting fasting protocols — are common. But does the evidence support these claims?

If you’re curious about IGF-1 and the relationships between diet, disease, and healthy aging, in this Premium-exclusive episode Danny and Alan discuss this fascinating topic.

Useful Terminology for this Episode

Key Terms & Acronyms

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): IGF-1 is a growth factor primarily synthesized in the liver. It is regulated in relation to the secretion of growth hormone and plays a critical role in cellular growth, development, and metabolism. IGF-1 is involved in promoting tissue repair and growth and is often studied in the context of aging, cancer, and metabolic health.
Bioavailability: Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a substance, such as a nutrient, drug, or biomarker, that enters the circulation and is available to exert its physiological or biological effects. For biomarkers like IGF-1, bioavailability often pertains to the active, unbound fraction capable of directly influencing cellular or systemic functions.
Causal Biomarker: A causal biomarker is a biological indicator directly implicated in the development or progression of a disease or condition. To be classified as causal, a biomarker must demonstrate independence (uninfluenced by confounding factors), sensitivity (clear responsiveness to the condition), and specificity (direct correlation to the disease process).
Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR): mTOR is a protein kinase that serves as a central regulator of cellular growth, proliferation, and metabolism. It integrates signals from nutrients, energy status, and growth factors, influencing processes such as protein synthesis and autophagy. mTOR is a critical focus in research on aging, cancer, and metabolic diseases due to its role in cellular homeostasis and lifespan regulation.
Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1): GLP-1 is an incretin hormone secreted primarily by the intestines in response to food intake. It plays a vital role in glucose metabolism by stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, and delaying gastric emptying. GLP-1 is also associated with appetite regulation and is a therapeutic target for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Peptide YY (PYY): PYY is a gut-derived hormone released after eating, particularly in response to dietary protein and fat. It contributes to appetite regulation by signaling satiety to the brain, thus reducing food intake. PYY also slows gastrointestinal motility, aiding in the efficient absorption of nutrients.

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