AICAR vs IGF-1 LR3
Head-to-head comparison of AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide Ribonucleotide (Acadesine)) and IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long R3) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | AICAR | IGF-1 LR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Performance | Performance |
| Full Name | 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide Ribonucleotide (Acadesine) | Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long R3 |
| Molecular Weight | 338.21 g/mol | 9,117 Da |
| Half-Life | ~2-3 hours | ~20-30 hours |
| Amino Acids | Nucleoside analog | 83 |
| Typical Dose | — | 20-100 mcg |
| Route | — | IM / SC |
| Purity | >99% | — |
| Studies Count | 180 | 298 |
| Research Status | Active Research | Pre-clinical |
AICAR Benefits
- ✓Increases endurance capacity, enhances fatty acid oxidation, promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, improves glucose uptake, cardioprotective effects
IGF-1 LR3 Benefits
- ✓Promotes muscle hyperplasia (new muscle cells)
- ✓Extended half-life vs native IGF-1
- ✓Enhanced protein synthesis
- ✓Improved nutrient partitioning
- ✓Anti-catabolic effects
AICAR Dosing
Research doses: 50-150 mg subcutaneously. Typically administered 30-60 minutes before physical activity in research settings.
IGF-1 LR3 Dosing
Standard: 20-50 mcg IM post-workout|Advanced: 50-100 mcg IM or SC daily|Cycle: 4-6 weeks on, 4 weeks off
AICAR Side Effects
- ⚠Potential hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis at high doses, injection site reactions. Banned by WADA as a metabolic modulator.
IGF-1 LR3 Side Effects
- ⚠Common: Hypoglycemia (dose-dependent), joint pain, water retention
- ⚠Moderate: Gut growth concern (high doses), acromegaly-like symptoms
- ⚠Serious: Theoretical cancer risk (prolonged high-dose use)
Research Overview
AICAR
Salk Institute researchers demonstrated AICAR could increase endurance in sedentary mice by 44% without exercise training. Activates AMPK, triggering PGC-1α expression, mitochondrial biogenesis, and enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation.
IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 has extensive in vitro and animal data. Its role in muscle hyperplasia is well-documented. The extended half-life modification provides practical advantages over native IGF-1.
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