MGF (5 mg) dosage and protocol
Last reviewed Mar 26, 2026. Editorial policy
Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is a splice variant of IGF-1 produced locally in muscle tissue in response to mechanical strain. It plays a critical role in muscle repair, satellite cell activation, and hypertrophy. Research suggests MGF promotes muscle stem cell proliferation and differentiation, making it valuable in recovery and tissue regeneration studies.
- Vial size: 5 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 1.67 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Muscle Repair
- Hypertrophy
- Recovery
- Satellite Cell Activation
- Tissue Regeneration
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0mL bacteriostatic water → ~1.67mg/mL concentration
- Typical dose: 100–200mcg per injection, 2–3x weekly post-workout
- Easy measuring: At 1.67mg/mL, 6 units on U-100 syringe ≈ 100mcg
- Storage: Lyophilized at −20°C; reconstituted refrigerated at 2–8°C; use within 4 weeks
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 (Initiation) | 100mcg | 2–3x weekly (post-workout) | 6 units (0.06mL) |
| Weeks 3–6 (Maintenance) | 100–200mcg | 2–3x weekly (post-workout) | 6–12 units (0.06–0.12mL) |
How it works
MGF is generated locally in muscle tissue following mechanical loading or damage. It activates muscle satellite cells (myoblasts) to proliferate and fuse with damaged muscle fibers, promoting repair and growth. Unlike systemic IGF-1, MGF acts locally at the site of injury, making it highly specific to the stressed muscle.
Units chart for a 5 mg vial
| Water added | Strength | 1 unit = | 100 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 50 mcg | 2 units |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 25 mcg | 4 units |
| 3 mL | 1.67 mg/mL | 16.7 mcg | 6 units |
Units on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL).
Pages for each vial size and water volume
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label concentration (~1.67mg/mL) and date; refrigerate at 2–8°C
Storage
Evidence: Common practice. What vendors and users usually do. No published stability testing supports a specific number.
- Powder or unopened: Sealed powder: freezer (about −20 °C) for long-term storage, refrigerator for weeks. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening.
- Mixed or in use: Refrigerator, 2–8 °C. Do not freeze and thaw repeatedly.
- Use within: no tested number
- Light: Keep it in the box or another dark container.
Most reconstituted peptides are kept in the refrigerator (2–8 °C) and used within about 28 days. That is a convention, not tested data: the 28 days comes from the USP <797> limit for opened multiple-dose containers, which is about sterility, not about whether the peptide stays intact.
Sources: Crestigen: Peptide storage and handling guide; USP General Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding: Sterile Preparations
Lyophilized: store at −20°C. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 4 weeks. Avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
Important notes
- Research use only — not approved for human therapeutic use
- Administer within 30 minutes post-training for maximal satellite cell activation
- Short plasma half-life; consider PEG-MGF for sustained systemic action
- Rotate injection sites to minimize localized irritation
- Do not use in active infection or inflammatory conditions
Supplies
- MGF vial (5mg)
- Bacteriostatic water (10mL)
- Insulin syringes (U-100)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sharps container