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WellnessChecked Editorial · July 2026
IGF-1 and HGH Supplements — Complete Guide to Natural HGH Support
IGF-1 is the primary blood marker of HGH activity. Complete guide to natural HGH support supplements — how they work, what the evidence shows and which products have clinical data.
⚡ Quick AnswerLast Reviewed: July 2026
IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) is the primary blood marker used to measure growth hormone activity. Natural HGH support supplements aim to stimulate pituitary HGH release via amino acid precursors. GenF20 Plus® is the only natural HGH supplement we have reviewed with a published study confirming IGF-1 elevation.
What Is HGH and IGF-1?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is secreted by the pituitary gland in pulsatile bursts — primarily during deep sleep. HGH travels to the liver and stimulates production of IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1). IGF-1 is the primary mediator of growth hormone's anabolic effects and the blood marker used to assess HGH activity.
How Natural HGH Support Works
Natural HGH supplements do not contain growth hormone — they contain amino acid precursors and botanical compounds that stimulate the pituitary gland's own HGH secretion. The primary mechanisms:
L-Arginine: Stimulates HGH via nitric oxide and direct pituitary action
GABA: Published evidence for HGH elevation at 3g dose
GenF20 Plus® has a published double-blind clinical study confirming measurable IGF-1 elevation — making it the only natural HGH support supplement with product-level clinical evidence we have reviewed. HyperGH 14x® is our top-rated option for athletes, with a comprehensive amino acid formula optimised for around-the-clock HGH support.
IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) is the primary blood marker of growth hormone activity. It is produced by the liver in response to HGH stimulation.
Natural HGH supplements stimulate pituitary HGH secretion via amino acid precursors. GenF20 Plus® has a published study confirming measurable IGF-1 elevation.
GenF20 Plus® has a published double-blind clinical study confirming IGF-1 elevation versus placebo — the only natural HGH supplement we have reviewed with product-level evidence.
Blood IGF-1 testing (available privately) is the most accurate measure. Improved sleep quality is often the first subjective indicator.
Natural HGH support supplements contain amino acids and botanicals — not synthetic growth hormone. They are well tolerated at recommended doses.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Dietary supplements — not medicines. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. FDA/MHRA not evaluated. Individual results vary. Consult healthcare professional. Affiliate commissions may be earned. Full disclaimer →