The Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) and its binding proteins (IGFBPs) play a key role in regulating cellular growth, apoptosis, and metabolic homeostasis. Imbalances in their concentrations have been associated with serious conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Identifying modifiable factors influencing these biomarkers could provide new perspectives in
The Insulin-like Growth Factor 1(IGF-1) and its binding proteins (IGFBPs) play
a key role in regulating cellular growth, apoptosis, and metabolic homeostasis.
Imbalances in their concentrations have been associated with serious conditions
such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Identifying
modifiable factors influencing these biomarkers could provide new perspectives
in prevention strategies. Among potential determinants, the role of low-fat
diets remains controversial. While some studies suggest a decrease in IGF-1
and IGFBPs levels with reduced fat intake, others have observed no effect or
even increases. These inconsistencies highlight an urgent need for a
comprehensive synthesis and global analysis of existing data. This study
explores the impact of low-fat diets on IGF-1 and IGFBP concentrations.
Low-Fat Diets: Do They Really Affect Our Hormones?
This study, conducted on adults aged ≥18 years, compares the effects of low-fat
diets (≤30% of energy intake) to standard or high-fat diets (>30%). The
effects of these various diets were assessed by measuring IGF-1 and IGFBP
concentrations before and after the intervention. Results were consolidated
using a random-effects model, estimating weighted mean differences (WMDs) and
their confidence intervals (CIs).
Low-fat diets showed no significant effect
on IGF-1 levels, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 1.63 ng/ml.
Analyses detected no heterogeneity among the included studies (I² = 0%),
ensuring some consistency in the findings. Similarly, IGFBP-3 concentrations
were not significantly influenced by these diets, with no heterogeneity
observed (I² = 0%). However, data on IGFBP-1, limited to only two
studies, yielded contradictory results, making any conclusions about
this biomarker impossible.
Low-Fat Diets: The Expected Effect Falls Short!
Biomarkers such as IGF-1 and IGFBPs play a central role in regulating cell
growth and metabolic processes. Strongly associated with an increased risk
of cancers (breast, prostate, colon) and higher overall mortality,
these markers are also major targets in strategies for preventing severe
diseases. This study aimed to assess whether low-fat diets could influence the
expression of these biomarkers. The results indicate that low-fat diets are
insufficient to effectively modulate these biomarkers to reduce the risk of
severe diseases. However, interpreting the results is hindered by several
limitations. Disparities among the analyzed studies (proportions and sources of
macronutrients) complicate the establishment of clear links between diet and
health. Other factors, such as body composition, age, physical activity, or
micronutrient intake, may also influence the results. This study underscores the need for more
rigorous research that controls for confounding variables and explores
underlying biological mechanisms to provide more targeted and scientifically
substantiated nutritional recommendations.
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Scientific reference
Sangsefidi, Z. S., et a. (2024). Effectiveness of low-fat diet on the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins: a systematic review […]. Journal of health, population, and nutrition, 43(1), 201
