AICAR vs Follistatin 344
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & LongevityFat Loss & Metabolic
AICARAnabolic & IGF
Follistatin 344- Summary
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Follistatin 344 is a recombinant form of the endogenous follistatin protein. It inhibits myostatin and activin — the primary negative regulators of muscle growth — potentially removing the genetic ceiling on muscle development. It is one of the most theoretically powerful anabolic compounds but is experimental with limited human data.
- Half-Life
- ~2–3 hours
- ~24–36 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IV
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 25–50 mg
- 100 mcg
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Inhibits myostatin — removes muscle growth ceiling
- Significant increases in muscle mass and strength
- Reduces fat mass
- Promotes bone density
- May stimulate hair follicle cycling
- Anti-fibrotic effects in muscle tissue
- Synergistic with IGF-1 and other anabolic peptides
- Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Muscle soreness (from rapid hypertrophy)
- Potential reproductive effects (activin inhibition)
- Unknown long-term safety profile
- Possible esophageal effects at high doses (animal data)
- Stacks With
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