What it is:
Peptides are short chains of proteins comprising between 2-50 amino acid molecule chains. The shorter nature of the peptide generally makes it more accessible than a whole protein, as it takes less effort to break down a smaller chain. Although fundamentally, they are composed of the same building blocks, they have different roles within the body.
Some natural (and drug) peptides you may have heard of or seen in the news include:
Insulin - We produce this naturally, as it regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake into cells. But those with diabetes inject it to restore their levels.
The weight-loss drug GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a type of peptide used to assist in excess weight.
Collagen peptides are produced naturally but are also used as dietary supplements. Collagen is abundant in the body, and new research is still being discovered.
Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neurotransmitter known for its emotional bonding and feel-good feeling.
Plus many, many more different types of peptides!
Peptide therapy is the concept of taking synthetic peptides and injecting them, in the theory that they’ll heal, grow, or help the body in some way. Below, we’ll discuss some of the peptides you may have heard in the media recently. However, this therapy is extremely new, and most of it lacks research in humans. We’re going to discuss a brief synopsis of some of the most popular; however, for more informed information, speak with your personal doctor and involve an expert in peptide therapy in the process.
Purported claims:
Current claims surrounding synthetic peptides:
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs)
Claims to stimulate the secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, leading to various downstream benefits such as muscle growth, fat loss, and enhanced recovery.
Thymosin Beta-4 or TB-500
Claims to promote rapid healing of wounds and repair of injured tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, through enhanced cell migration and angiogenesis.
BPC-157
Claims to accelerate the healing of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the gastrointestinal lining and, therefore, useful for both physical injuries and gut-related conditions (such as IBS).
What the science says:
The body is brilliant at knowing what it needs and where. When you consume a protein, the body breaks it down into different components, absorbs it, rebuilds a new set of chains, and sends it out depending on where it needs it. Therefore, when consuming a protein, peptide, or amino acid, it doesn’t necessarily get utilized in the way you expect. For example, supplementing with Amino Acids like Leucine doesn’t necessarily mean the body will utilize it for muscle growth. It may convert the excess to fat or even just excrete it in the urine.
Some of the claims of synthetic hormones are based in theory rather than proven health research. So any claims in the media need to be taken as exciting but unproven by rigorous human studies. Below are a few examples of the synthetic peptides utilized in Peptide Therapy.
Thymosin Beta-4 or TB-500:
Thymosin Beta-4 naturally occurs in the body and is found in high concentrations in blood platelets, wound fluid, and other tissues undergoing repair. This has led to the theory that a synthetic version may help with various biological roles surrounding wound healing, angiogenesis, and reducing inflammation. The synthetic peptide is called TB-500.
While Thymosin Beta-4 shows promise in aiding tissue repair and recovery, that is the natural substance. There are few trials on the synthetic TB-500, so be wary of research or websites that interchange the two terms in order to convince you to purchase TB-500.
BPC-157
Body Protective Compound (BPC) is a naturally occurring peptide found in the stomach lining. Its primary role in the body involves protective and healing functions, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. BPC-157 is a synthetic experimental peptide, based on BPC’s abilities.
BPC-157 is not approved by the FDA for medical use and is also the first substance ever included by name as an example in section S0 (Non-approved Substances) on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list. So, athletes need to be especially careful if they choose to use synthetic peptides.
The FDA released this statement on BPC-157:
“Compounded drugs containing BPC-157 may pose risk for immunogenicity for certain routes of administration and may have complexities with regard to peptide-related impurities and API characterization. FDA has identified no, or only limited, safety-related information for proposed routes of administration; thus we lack sufficient information to know whether the drug would cause harm when administered to humans.”
In essence, the FDA is stating we don’t know the adverse reactions that can occur, including but not limited to the risk of immune reactions.
There are no extensive human trials, and the data is lacking on whether BPC-157 actually heals an injury and the best practices for utilizing it if it does. There are no guidelines on whether injecting it at the site matters or if anywhere on the body will do. And there is limited research on whether it does anything to accelerate healing at all. So, extreme caution is advised with this experimental item.
Promisingly, few studies show harmful effects of BPC-157, so although it may not be detrimental to the body, it doesn’t mean it’s doing any good. The animal studies that show benefit show the most promise when directed by an expert doctor in peptide therapy. It is also essential to work with your personal doctor, who knows your medical history and when these injections may harm you, especially if you have a genetic possibility of cancer, as BPC-157 may carry the risk of tumors.
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs):
Examples: GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin
The studies are mixed and contradictory when it comes to synthetic Growth Hormone use. Claims range from “being the fountain of youth” to actually being highly detrimental to your longevity and even aging a person.
Because of their potential to enhance physical performance and appearance, GHRPs are often misused by athletes and bodybuilders. However, the lack of robust clinical evidence means the substances may, at best, be placebos. At worst, they could be harmful, and due to the unregulated means by which the products are purchased, they may not even be the touted substance. More research is needed to fully understand their synergistic potential, safety profile, and long-term implications.
If you take these items, you are experimenting with your health, for better or worse.
The main takeaway is that just because a peptide or amino acid functions in a certain way in the body does not mean injecting synthetic versions will have the same effect. At best, the body will just pee it out, and at worst, it could disrupt other functions in the body with detrimental outcomes.
Our take:
These are not risk-free compounds, nor are they well-researched in humans.
This isn’t to say that these items might not be valuable and effective in the future but that we’re only beginning to understand how they function and work synergistically. It’s, therefore, safe to say that just because you take a peptide for a specific reason doesn’t mean it will function for that purpose. It may even cause issues in other areas of the body and brain. If you choose to follow a Peptide Therapy path, ensure it is under the careful watch of your personal doctor and preferably a peptide therapy expert.
Will this benefit you?
Maybe, but it is a brand-new science with minimal evidence to support its claims.
Still curious to try it? If you do, here’s what to keep an eye on:
Speak with your personal physician, as this is not an area of health you want to go into lightly. In the few human observational experiments that have occurred, allergic reactions, rashes, and other adverse symptoms have been observed.
If you do choose to take these substances, especially be cautious of the many counterfeits that are misbranded, unprocessed, and adulterated.
References and additional reading:
For further reading or listening:
McGill - The Human Lab Rats Injecting Themselves with Peptides
Benefits & Risks of Peptide Therapeutics for Physical & Mental Health
How Peptides Enhance Healing and Longevity with Dr. Edwin Lee
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