MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) vs AICAR
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anabolic & IGF
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)Anti-Aging & LongevityFat Loss & Metabolic
AICAR- Summary
- MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is locally produced in muscle tissue in response to mechanical damage from exercise. It activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) to proliferate and repair damaged fibers, making it specifically targeted at exercise-induced hypertrophy.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: ~3 days
- ~2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IM
- SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 200–400 mcg
- 25–50 mg
- Frequency
- 1–2 times per week
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Activates muscle satellite cells for repair and growth
- Accelerates recovery from muscle damage
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 (different mechanisms)
- Promotes muscle hypertrophy specifically at exercised muscles
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Potential for injury repair in connective tissue
- 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
- Side Effects
- Muscle soreness (satellite cell activation)
- Injection site irritation
- Hypoglycemia risk (modest, less than IGF-1 LR3)
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Stacks With
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