Understanding What Supplement Lowers IGF-1 and Related Dietary Strategies

October 20, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2019 meta-analysis revealed that certain fasting regimens can significantly reduce circulating IGF-1 levels. For those seeking alternative methods, exploring what supplement lowers IGF-1 is part of a broader nutritional strategy to influence this hormone.

Quick Summary

Certain supplements and dietary patterns can influence IGF-1 levels. Key options include curcumin, selenium, green tea polyphenols, and dietary strategies like reduced protein intake, fasting, and calorie restriction.

Key Points

Curcumin and Selenium: Supplements like curcumin (from turmeric) and selenium have shown potential to lower IGF-1 levels, based on cell and animal studies.
Dietary Restriction: Implementing dietary strategies like reducing overall protein intake, especially from animal sources, is a powerful way to lower IGF-1.
Fasting Regimens: Intermittent or prolonged fasting can significantly decrease IGF-1 by altering the body's metabolic state.
Green Tea Benefits: Green tea polyphenols have demonstrated the ability to lower IGF-1 levels in human trials, offering a natural approach.
Plant-Based Power: Adopting a whole-foods, plant-based diet is an effective strategy for naturally lowering IGF-1, independent of changes in BMI.
Consult a Professional: Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or adding supplements.

What is IGF-1 and Why Manage It?

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone crucial for cell growth and division, primarily produced in the liver under growth hormone control. While essential for childhood development, elevated IGF-1 levels in adulthood have been linked to a higher risk of certain age-related diseases, including some cancers. Managing IGF-1 to a healthy range is a focus in longevity research. Although IGF-1 is important for muscle and bone maintenance, chronically high levels can promote excessive cell proliferation.

Key Supplements with Potential to Lower IGF-1

Research on supplements to lower IGF-1 includes several promising options, though studies vary and professional consultation is advised.

Curcumin

Curcumin, from turmeric, may down-regulate the IGF-1 axis by decreasing IGF-1 secretion and increasing IGFBP-3, reducing free IGF-1 bioavailability. Studies on breast cancer cells show curcumin can reduce IGF-1 stimulated growth and receptor expression.

Selenium

Studies in mice suggest selenium supplementation, specifically sodium selenite, can inhibit IGF-1 signaling. This effect seems distinct from calorie restriction. However, selenium intake varies and excessive amounts are toxic.

Green Tea Polyphenols

Green tea extract, rich in polyphenols, may influence IGF-1 levels. A trial in men at risk for prostate cancer found that green tea supplementation significantly lowered IGF-1 compared to placebo.

Vitamins C and E

Some evidence suggests antioxidant vitamins like C and E may help manage IGF-1, particularly under physiological stress. A study showed supplementation lowered IGF-1 after ACL surgery.

Other Potential Supplements

Other compounds like resveratrol and omega-3 fatty acids are sometimes mentioned in relation to IGF-1, though research is less definitive.

Dietary Strategies and IGF-1

Diet significantly influences IGF-1 levels.

Protein Restriction

Restricting protein, especially animal protein, is a well-established method to lower IGF-1. Plant-based diets are associated with lower IGF-1. The type of protein consumed appears to matter. However, maintaining adequate protein intake is vital, particularly with age.

Fasting and Caloric Restriction

Fasting, including intermittent or prolonged methods, reduces circulating IGF-1 and affects related pathways. Reviews confirm that fasting regimens can significantly lower IGF-1, with more restrictive approaches having a greater impact.

Plant-Based Diets

A whole-foods, plant-based diet can lower IGF-1 naturally. Studies show that plant-based eaters can have lower IGF-1 than meat- eaters even with similar BMIs, indicating the importance of diet quality.

Comparison of IGF-1 Management Strategies


Strategy	Approach	Typical Effect on IGF-1	Evidence Level	Notes
Curcumin	Supplementation	Lowers	Cellular/Animal Studies	May reduce IGF-1 secretion and receptor activation.
Selenium	Supplementation (e.g., sodium selenite)	Lowers	Animal Studies	Dosage is critical, as deficiency can also affect IGF-1 signaling.
Green Tea Polyphenols	Supplementation	Lowers	Human Trials	Observed effect in men at risk for prostate cancer.
Vitamins C & E	Antioxidant Supplementation	Lowers (short-term)	Small Human Study	Effect noted under specific physiological stress conditions.
Protein Restriction	Dietary change	Lowers	Human Studies/Epidemiology	Particularly effective when restricting animal protein.
Fasting/Caloric Restriction	Dietary change	Lowers	Human Studies/Reviews	The more restrictive the fasting, the more significant the drop in IGF-1.
Plant-Based Diet	Dietary change	Lowers	Human Studies/Epidemiology	Lowers IGF-1 independently of body mass index (BMI).

The Role of Lifestyle

Lifestyle factors also impact IGF-1. Regular exercise has complex effects. Stress management and adequate sleep contribute to hormonal balance.

Conclusion

Managing IGF-1 within a healthy range is of interest for longevity. Dietary strategies like plant-based eating and fasting are impactful. While supplements like curcumin, selenium, and green tea show promise, professional guidance is crucial. A holistic approach combining diet, lifestyle, and appropriate supplementation offers the best path to influencing IGF-1 naturally.

IGF-1 levels fluctuate with age and are part of a complex system. Any major dietary or supplement changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions.

Authoritative Link: For a deeper dive into the mechanisms linking fasting and IGF-1, review the National Institutes of Health research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard multivitamins are unlikely to significantly impact IGF-1 levels. However, high-dose supplementation with specific vitamins or minerals, like vitamin D or zinc, may influence IGF-1 in certain populations or circumstances.

A low-protein diet can be effective for lowering IGF-1, but it is not suitable for everyone, especially as we age. Protein is essential for muscle mass and general health, so this approach must be carefully planned with professional guidance to avoid deficiencies.

Yes, exercise is a known factor that can influence IGF-1 levels. While the relationship is complex, regular physical activity can contribute to overall hormonal balance and may help regulate IGF-1.

The speed and magnitude of changes depend on the specific strategy. For example, prolonged fasting can show rapid reductions, while the effects of long-term dietary changes or certain supplements may be more gradual.

Some supplements, like high-dose vitamin D and zinc (in deficient individuals), have been shown to increase IGF-1. Those looking to lower IGF-1 should be mindful of these, especially if considering high doses.

A ketogenic diet, which is high in fat but typically adequate or low in protein and low in carbohydrates, can help lower insulin levels. Since IGF-1 is linked to insulin, maintaining a catabolic state with a keto diet might lead to reduced IGF-1 levels.

Not entirely. IGF-1 is a crucial hormone for growth and maintenance. The concern is with chronically elevated levels in adults, which are sometimes associated with increased risk for certain diseases. The goal is balance, not complete elimination.