Unlocking the Secrets of Healthy Ageing
If you care about staying sharp, strong, and active as you get older, you've probably heard about IGF-1. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter so much for your health and longevity? Let's break down the science in simple terms and explore how supporting IGF-1 (and its partner cGP) can help you age well.
What is IGF-1?
IGF-1 stands for insulin-like growth factor 1. It's a hormone produced mostly in the liver, and it's crucial for growth and repair throughout your life. Think of IGF-1 as your body's "master regulator" for building and maintaining tissues-from your bones and muscles to your brain and blood vessels[1][2].
IGF-1: Your Lifelong Growth and Repair Partner
From Cradle to Golden Year
IGF-1 isn't just important for ageing-it's been with you since before you were born, quietly working behind the scenes to help your body grow, heal, and thrive at every stage of life[2].
In Early Life: The Builder
During pregnancy and childhood, IGF-1 is a major driver of growth. It helps build your organs, bones, muscles, and especially your brain and nervous system. Babies and children with healthy IGF-1 levels grow well and develop strong bodies and sharp minds. Low IGF-1 during these critical years is linked to poor growth and developmental delays, while balanced IGF-1 ensures healthy organ function and resilience[1].
In Adulthood: The Maintenance Crew
Once you're grown, IGF-1 doesn't clock out. It shifts gears and becomes your body's repair and maintenance specialist. It helps heal tissues after injury, keeps muscles and bones strong, supports your immune system, and even helps your brain adapt and form new connections. IGF-1 also plays a key role in keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy, and it's involved in metabolism and energy balance[1][2].
IGF-1's Superpowers (At Any Age):
- Bones & Muscles: Supports bone density and muscle strength, helping you stay active and independent[1].
- Brain: Promotes learning, memory, and even helps your brain recover from injury or stress[1].
- Heart & Blood Vessels: Protects against vascular damage and supports healthy circulation[2].
- Repair & Regeneration: Stimulates cell growth and renewal, so your body can bounce back from daily wear and tear[1].
Meet cGP: IGF-1's Key Helper
Here's the simple truth: IGF-1 can't do its job alone. Most of it in your blood is tied up and inactive. Only a small part is free to help your body[2]. That's where cGP comes in. Think of cGP as a helper that frees up IGF-1 so it can get to work. It makes sure there's enough IGF-1 available to support your brain, heart, and overall health as you age[2].
The Balancing Act: Why cGP Matters More Than Ever
IGF-1 works best when it's in balance, and this balance depends heavily on having enough cGP. Here's the catch-as we grow older, our bodies naturally produce less cGP, but the demand for it actually increases. This means that the body often needs more cGP than it can make on its own.
Without enough cGP, IGF-1 can't be properly activated or used by the body, which can lead to problems like slower healing, weaker muscles, and cognitive decline[2]. Think of cGP as the helper molecule that unlocks IGF-1's full potential. When there isn't enough cGP, IGF-1 is like a key without a lock-it can't open the door to keep your cells healthy and functioning[2].
This is why maintaining or boosting cGP levels is so important, especially as we get older. Supplementing with cGP can help restore this balance, allowing IGF-1 to do its job effectively and support healthy ageing[3][2].
Why cGP (and cGPMAX®) Matters for Healthy Ageing
As we age, the balance between cGP and IGF-1 becomes even more critical. Stress, poor nutrition, or age-related health issues can tip this balance, leading to:
- Memory loss and cognitive decline[1]
- Poor circulation and higher blood pressure
- Slower recovery from injuries or illnesses[2]
Research shows that people with a healthy cGP/IGF-1 ratio tend to have better memory, stronger hearts, and greater resilience[3][1]. On the flip side, a low ratio is linked to conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, and stroke[3][1].
The Good News: Boosting cGP levels-through supplements like cGPMAX®-can help restore this balance. Clinical studies show that raising cGP supports:
- Better memory and cognitive function[3][1]
- Healthier blood pressure and circulation
- Improved nerve function and recovery[3][2]
Why cGPMAX®?
cGPMAX® is the world's only supplement with a standardised dose of natural cGP, derived from New Zealand blackcurrants and collagen peptides. Developed over 30 years of research, it's designed to help you maintain optimal IGF-1 function for healthy ageing, brain health, and longevity[3][2].
The Bottom Line
IGF-1 is a lifelong partner in health, but it needs cGP to work effectively as you age. By supporting your body's natural IGF-1 function with cGP (and cGPMAX®), you're giving yourself the best chance to stay sharp, strong, and active through all stages of life[1][2].
References
1. Cyclic Glycine-Proline (cGP) Normalises Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Function: Clinical Significance in the Ageing Brain and in Age-Related Neurological Conditions
2. Insulin-like growth factor-1 and cognitive health: Exploring cellular, preclinical, and clinical dimensions
3. Cyclic glycine-proline regulates IGF-1 homeostasis by altering the binding of IGFBP-3 to IGF-1
4. Changes of plasma cGP/IGF-1 molar ratio with age is associated with cognitive status of Parkinson disease