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IGF-1 Long R3: The Most Anabolic Compound or a Shortcut to a Shorter Life?

rxmuscle

rxmuscle

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In the latest episode of Ask Dave, Dave Palumbo dives into one of the most hotly debated topics in bodybuilding—IGF-1 Long R3. Is it the holy grail of muscle growth, or is it setting you up for long-term health risks? Dave explains that while elevated IGF-1 levels have been linked to shorter lifespan in some longevity studies, this context doesn’t apply equally to bodybuilders. If you're eating clean, training hard, sleeping well, and keeping your immune system sharp, you may very well benefit from higher IGF-1 without the doom-and-gloom outcomes.


THE STEROID Cycle To Get SHREDDED

Dave also touches on the old-school supplement HMB. Once hyped in the 90s as a muscle-saving miracle, HMB might have some small benefit, especially for natural lifters, but don’t expect miracles. It’s not worth skipping essentials like a multivitamin, fish oil, or protein powder just to add HMB to your cart. If your budget’s tight, skip it.

Carb timing confusion? Dave says stop stressing. If you’re not on a ketogenic diet, it’s far more effective to spread carbs throughout your day than to dump them all in the morning. Carbs are fuel. Your brain and body need a steady stream, not a breakfast explosion. Focus on total carb intake and how your body feels—if you’re functioning well and losing fat, the timing isn’t the enemy.

The episode also includes a timely reminder about bloodwork. Titan Medical Center is running a blood panel deal, and Dave emphasizes that knowing your testosterone levels is critical. He only needs 80 mg of TRT per week to stay in the upper range. Some guys need 3–4 times that to hit the same levels. Everyone's different. Stop guessing—start testing.

On the topic of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, Dave talks about the recent PED suspension of Atlanta Braves player Jurickson Profar, who got caught using hCG. While hCG is commonly used in fertility protocols to kickstart testosterone, it's still on the banned list. His advice? If you’re on legit fertility treatment, you’d better have documentation ready—because even medically justified usage won’t always protect you from a suspension.

Dave also drops a simple gym-sick rule that anyone can follow: no fever, you train. Fever? You stay home. Don’t use a sniffle as an excuse to skip your session. Many people actually feel better after a light workout when slightly under the weather.

For guys in their 40s and 50s running TRT or cycles, Dave covers PSA levels. He hasn’t seen a direct link between steroids and high PSA. Most increases are tied to irritation, infections, or heavy romantic activity, not cancer. That said, if PSA stays high consistently, it’s worth investigating.

When asked whether a 9-to-5 job or free time is better for bodybuilding, Dave’s answer may surprise you. Structure wins. Most people do better with a day job and fixed hours. Too much freedom leads to laziness, bad habits, and drifting off the path. If you’re a self-driven machine, maybe you can handle unlimited free time. Otherwise, a day job might just be your secret weapon.

Someone asked how to deal with low energy while cutting. The answer? Welcome to prep life. When you’re deep in a cut, tired is the norm. Dave suggests using caffeine only when absolutely necessary. Save it for key times of the day when energy crashes the hardest—don’t rely on it all day or it’ll lose its effect.

In the food section, Dave shares his favorite breakfast hack: instant grits, eggs, raisins, and a sprinkle of Splenda. High-protein, moderate carbs, and just enough flavor to make dieting feel a little less like suffering.

A question about TRT injection technique also popped up. Dave’s not a fan of subcutaneous testosterone. He prefers intramuscular injections because they’re less likely to cause irritation or scar tissue buildup. Use a thin insulin pin and shoot it into the delt—simple, clean, and effective.

There was also some fun. Someone called out Sid’s under-eye circles. Dave blamed lack of sleep and suggested ice packs, anti-aging creams, or—you know—just getting some shut-eye.


The episode closes with a preview of the highly anticipated Jumbo Palumbo documentary, premiering April 3rd at noon EST on YouTube. It’s not just a biography—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at Dave’s day-to-day life and legacy in bodybuilding. There’s also a one-day Species Nutrition sale going live at midnight EST to celebrate the premiere.

Dave says it best—if you want to know what he’s really like beyond the hardcore talk and supplement science, this documentary is your chance.

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