Research

Hormonal

In healthy centenarians, a higher plasma IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio is significantly associated with improved insulin action (higher whole body glucose disposal) and a more favorable lipid profile (lower triglycerides, free fatty acids, and LDL cholesterol).

For those seeking longevity, maintaining a healthy body composition and insulin sensitivity appears linked to a favorable IGF-I/IGFBP-3 balance. While you cannot directly 'dose' this ratio, the findings suggest that preserving insulin sensitivity and managing body fat may help maintain this hormonal balance, which is associated with better metabolic health in extreme old age.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
In conclusion, healthy centenarians have plasma IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratios greater than aged subjects. A more elevated plasma IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio might improve insulin action and plasma lipid concentration in centenarians.
Giuseppe Paolisso et al. · The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 1997

Why this rating

The study is observational and cross-sectional with a small sample size (n=19 centenarians), limiting causal inference.

Source

Serum Levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-Binding Protein-3 in Healthy Centenarians: Relationship with Plasma Leptin and Lipid Concentrations, Insulin Action, and Cognitive Function

Giuseppe Paolisso et al. · The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 1997

DOI 10.1210/jcem.82.7.4087

cross_sectional · n=79Cited 176×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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