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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

IGF-1 LR3 Dosing Protocol: 1 mg Vial — Daily Dosing Schedule & Supplies

Complete IGF-1 LR3 dosing guide for the 1 mg vial, including acetic acid reconstitution technique, dosing table, and cycle protocol.

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Quickstart highlights

IGF-1 LR3 is a 83-amino acid analogue of IGF-1 with an N-terminal Arg extension and Glu3→Arg3 substitution.

  • Concentration: 1 mg/mL (1 mg vial dissolved in acetic acid then diluted with bacteriostatic water).
  • At 1 mg/mL: 50 µg = 5 units, 100 µg = 10 units on U-100 syringe.
  • Requires dilute acetic acid (0.1M) as primary solvent — NOT bacteriostatic water alone.
  • Maximum cycle: 4 weeks; longer cycles risk receptor desensitization.
  • ALWAYS have fast-acting carbohydrates available post-injection — hypoglycemia risk.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-2202Once daily post-workout20 µg — 2 units; conservative start to assess hypoglycemia sensitivity; have food ready
3-4505Once daily post-workout50 µg — 5 units; standard starting dose; inject within 30 minutes of training
5-810010Once daily post-workout100 µg — 10 units; maximum recommended dose; monitor for hypoglycemia

Reconstitution steps

  1. IGF-1 LR3 requires dilute acetic acid (0.1M, ~0.6% solution) as the initial solvent — NOT bacteriostatic water. Dissolve with 100 µL (0.1 mL) acetic acid first.
  2. Once fully dissolved in acetic acid, dilute to final volume with bacteriostatic water to reach 1 mg/mL (add 0.9 mL bac water for a total of 1 mL).
  3. Final concentration: 1 mg/mL = 1,000 µg/mL. At 1 mg/mL: 50 µg = 5 units, 100 µg = 10 units on a U-100 syringe.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Use within 30 days. Do not freeze.

Supplies needed

4-week plan

  • 1 vial
  • 28 syringes
  • 1 mL bac water
  • 28 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Promote satellite cell activation and muscle protein synthesis through short-acting IGF-1 LR3 cycles, using post-workout subcutaneous injection timed to exercise-induced receptor upregulation.

Cycle length: 4 weeks on.

Off-cycle: 4+ weeks off; IGF-1 LR3 cycles should not exceed 4 weeks without a break to prevent receptor desensitization.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store at -20 °C (freezer); reconstituted in acetic acid/bac water: refrigerate at 2–8 °C; use within 30 days. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.

Injection & tracking tips

  • Inject subcutaneously within 30 minutes post-workout to leverage exercise-enhanced GLUT4 expression and minimize hypoglycemia risk.
  • ALWAYS have fast-acting carbohydrates available (glucose tablets, juice) immediately after injection — IGF-1 LR3 can cause significant hypoglycemia, especially in fasted state.
  • Never inject IGF-1 LR3 in a fasted state; a post-workout protein + carbohydrate meal should immediately follow injection.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • Monitor blood glucose 30 and 60 minutes post-injection for the first 2 weeks — hypoglycemia risk is highest in this window.
  • Track muscle soreness (DOMS) recovery time; IGF-1 LR3 typically accelerates recovery by 20–30% when working.
  • Measure IGF-1 serum levels before starting and after 2 weeks to confirm systemic exposure.
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How this works & references

IGF-1 LR3 is a 83-amino acid analogue of IGF-1 with an N-terminal Arg extension and Glu3→Arg3 substitution. These modifications reduce binding to insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) by ~1,000-fold, resulting in 3–4x greater bioavailability than native IGF-1. The 20–30 hour half-life versus 12–15 minutes for native IGF-1 allows once-daily dosing. IGF-1 receptor activation stimulates PI3K-Akt-mTOR (protein synthesis), MAPK-ERK (satellite cell proliferation), and inhibits FoxO transcription factors (anti-catabolism). Maximum cycle length of 4 weeks is recommended due to receptor desensitization evidence.

Sources

  • Source: Tomas FM et al. — Long R3 IGF-I: potency and half-life in rats. Growth Factors. 1993
  • Source: Jacobs JW et al. — IGF binding protein-3 interactions with LR3-IGF-1. J Endocrinol. 1997

Frequently asked questions

Why does IGF-1 LR3 require acetic acid for reconstitution?
IGF-1 LR3 is insoluble in neutral-pH solutions (including bacteriostatic water). Dilute acetic acid (0.1M, pH ~3) dissolves the protein structure; it is then diluted with bac water to bring the pH closer to physiological range. Using bacteriostatic water alone will result in precipitate that does not reconstitute.
How dangerous is the hypoglycemia risk?
IGF-1 LR3 activates insulin receptor with ~1% the affinity of insulin, but at 50–100 µg doses this is clinically significant. Post-workout insulin sensitivity is elevated, magnifying hypoglycemia risk. Symptoms typically occur 30–90 minutes post-injection: shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heart rate. Always have 15–20g fast-acting carbohydrates (glucose tablets) immediately accessible.
Can I use IGF-1 LR3 longer than 4 weeks?
Not recommended — receptor desensitization studies in animal models and anecdotal human evidence suggest declining response after 4 weeks of continuous use. A 4-week off period restores receptor sensitivity. Some protocols use 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off for sustainable cycling.
Is IGF-1 LR3 WADA-prohibited?
Yes — IGF-1 and its analogues (including LR3) are listed under WADA S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors) as prohibited in sport. Detection via serum IGF-1 measurement and isoform differentiation is possible for 48–72 hours after injection.
What results can I expect from IGF-1 LR3 at 100 µg/day for 4 weeks?
Reported effects include: increased satellite cell activation (muscle repair/growth), enhanced amino acid uptake, reduced muscle protein breakdown (anti-catabolism), and accelerated recovery from training. Body composition changes are modest in 4 weeks — most practitioners use it as an addition to a complete anabolic protocol rather than a standalone agent.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.

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