Therapeutic Peptides: Boosting Strength, Longevity, & Recovery [2024 Research]

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One of the most exciting areas in current health and fitness research is the use of therapeutic peptides.

Whether you’re an elite athlete, biohacker, or simply seeking to optimize your wellness, understanding the latest scientific findings on peptides can give you an edge.

In this post, we’ll dive into the most promising peptides according to recent studies, where to source high-quality peptides, and how they can potentially help build muscle, speed recovery, and support health and longevity.

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What Peptides are Most Popular?

Researchers and experts have reported experiences with several therapeutic peptides, most notably:

  1. BPC-157: This peptide, derived from human gastric juice, has been shown in animal studies to accelerate healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. Anecdotally, individuals have used BPC-157 to support recovery from training and injuries.
  2. Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500): TB-500 is a naturally occurring peptide that plays a key role in wound healing, muscle growth, and recovery. Some have reported using TB-500 in conjunction with BPC-157 for injury rehabilitation.
  3. Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides are commonly used to support skin, hair, nail, joint, and connective tissue health. Collagen peptides, typically consumed orally, are short chains of amino acids derived from collagen protein.
  4. Hyaluronic Acid Peptides: These peptides can stimulate production of hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that lubricates joints and moisturizes skin. These peptides can help alleviate joint pain and promote supple skin.

While some individuals have reported experimenting with other peptides like those that promote growth hormone and IGF-1 secretion, experts advises caution with these, as they may have more systemic effects and risks.

Where to Get the Peptides

Andrew Huberman Peptides, scientific imagery

It is strongly advised to not obtain peptides from unregulated online sources, as many contain contaminants and lack purity and potency.

Instead, its recommended working with a licensed doctor who can prescribe pharmaceutical-grade peptides from a reputable compounding pharmacy.

This ensures the highest quality and safety standards.

The safest approach is to consult a physician experienced in peptide therapy who can guide you to legitimate sources.

Never buy peptides from the black market.

Recommended Peptides for Muscle Growth

Andrew Huberman Recommended Peptides for Muscle Growth

Several peptides can support muscle hypertrophy and strength gains when combined with resistance training:

  1. Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Peptides like sermorelin, tesamorelin, ipamorelin, and CJC-1295 stimulate the release of growth hormone, which aids in muscle protein synthesis, fat burning, and recovery. Experts advise caution with these, as they can also increase appetite and may disrupt sleep in some individuals.
  2. IGF-1 Peptides: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone critical for muscle growth. Peptides like IGF-1 LR3 can directly stimulate IGF-1 receptors in muscle tissue to increase hypertrophy. However, these peptides may also carry risks like hypoglycemia.
  3. Follistatin Peptides: Follistatin is a protein that inhibits myostatin, a molecule that limits muscle growth. Peptides that mimic follistatin, like ACE-031, can allow for increased muscle growth beyond genetic limits. However, their long-term safety in humans is not yet clear.

While these peptides show promise for enhancing muscle growth, they should be seen as tools to support proper training, nutrition, and recovery practices, not as magic bullets.

Peptide List for Health and Longevity

In addition to muscle and recovery peptides, several other peptides have potential health and longevity benefits:

  1. Epitalon: This peptide, derived from the pineal gland, has been researched for its ability to lengthen telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age. Animal studies suggest epitalon may slow aging and cancer progression.
  2. Thymic Peptides: The thymus gland produces peptides like thymosin alpha-1 that regulate the immune system. These peptides can help stimulate the production of T-cells and modulate inflammation. Thymic peptide levels decline with age, so supplementation may support immune health in older individuals.
  3. Cerebrolysin: This peptide mix mimics the action of neurotrophic factors to support brain health and cognition. Human studies have found cerebrolysin can improve recovery from stroke and traumatic brain injury.
  4. Pinealon: Similar to epitalon, this pineal peptide shows promise for regulating circadian rhythms and sleep. Improving sleep quality is one of the most effective ways to enhance all aspects of health and longevity.
  5. Humanin and MOTS-c: These mitochondrial peptides have been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity, protect against oxidative stress, and slow cellular aging. Boosting mitochondrial health is key for disease prevention and healthspan extension.

While research on the long-term effects of these peptides in humans is still in early stages, they represent promising avenues for supporting health and lifespan.

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How to Enhance Peptides’ Effects

To get the most benefit from peptides, its recommended to stack them with synergistic practices:

  1. Intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating can enhance cellular autophagy and renewal, boosting the effects of anti-aging peptides.
  2. Sauna use and heat stress increase growth hormone levels and may enhance muscle growth when combined with anabolic peptides.
  3. Cold exposure through cold showers or ice baths can boost immune cell production and may accelerate injury recovery when paired with BPC-157 and TB-500.
  4. High intensity interval training (HIIT) naturally increases growth hormone and IGF-1, and may have additive effects with muscle-building peptides.
  5. Optimizing sleep through consistent wake and bed times, avoiding late night eating, and blocking blue light at night sets a foundation for peptides to work most effectively.
  6. Managing stress through practices like meditation, breathwork, and time in nature prevents the catabolic effects of cortisol from counteracting peptides’ benefits.

Remember, peptides are not a panacea or replacement for the fundamentals of health and performance.

Combining them strategically with healthy habits is the best approach for unlocking their potential.

Peptide Stacks for Targeted Results

Combining peptides strategically can enhance their effects for specific goals. Here are some research-backed stacks that have been mentioned:

  • Muscle Growth: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, IGF-1 LR3
  • Injury Recovery: BPC-157, TB-500, Thymosin Beta-4
  • Anti-Aging: Epitalon, Thymosin Alpha-1, Humanin, MOTS-c
  • Cognitive Boost: Cerebrolysin, Selank, Dihexa

These stacks target multiple pathways synergistically for maximal impact.

Alternative Peptide Sources

Looking at various Reddit threads, several online stores offer products for “research purposes only.”

Avoid buying from unregulated overseas suppliers, as many products are not tested, contaminated, or underdosed.

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Peptide Safety

Peptides are generally well-tolerated, but they’re not risk-free.

Potential side effects include:

  • Injection site reactions
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Water retention
  • Blood sugar changes

More serious risks include pituitary suppression, thyroid dysfunction, and organ enlargement.

To minimize risks, always use peptides under close medical supervision, starting with the lowest effective dose and cycling on and off.

Regular bloodwork is essential to monitor biomarkers and organ function.

Those with pre-existing conditions like cancer, diabetes, or autoimmunity should use extra caution.

Natural Alternatives to Peptides

While peptides can be powerful tools, they’re not essential for reaching your health and fitness goals.

Many natural compounds and practices can provide similar benefits:

  • Creatine, beta-alanine, and HMB for muscle growth
  • Omega-3s, curcumin, and Boswellia for recovery
  • Medicinal mushrooms and adaptogens for immunity
  • Intermittent fasting and caloric restriction for longevity

Dial in your sleep, nutrition, training, and stress management first.

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These foundational habits often provide greater and more sustainable results than any drug or supplement.

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View peptides as targeted tools to take you from good to great, not band-aids for an unhealthy lifestyle.

Peptide Myths and Misconceptions

Despite the growing popularity of peptides, misconceptions abound.

Setting the record straight on some common myths:

  • Myth: Peptides are steroids or SARMs. Truth: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that mimic natural signaling molecules, while steroids are synthetic hormones and SARMs are non-steroidal androgens. They work through different mechanisms.
  • Myth: Peptides are only for bodybuilders. Truth: While bodybuilders were early adopters, peptides are increasingly used by everyday individuals to support health, healing, and active longevity.
  • Myth: Peptides are a magic bullet. Truth: Peptides can accelerate progress, but they still require consistent training, nutrition, sleep, and stress management to work effectively.
  • Myth: More is better with peptide dosing. Truth: Peptides have a biphasic dose-response, meaning too high of a dose can actually reduce their efficacy and increase side effects. Stick to clinically studied dosages.

By dispelling these myths, we can foster a more grounded and responsible approach to using peptides for health optimization.

Education is key to maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

Medical Advice Disclaimer

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About the Author

Drew Wilkins is a fitness and nutrition expert with a Master's in Biokinesiology (emphasis in Sports Science) from the University of Southern California and over a decade of experience as a personal trainer, nutrition consultant, and wellness coach. An avid surfer and soccer player, he brings a unique perspective to his research, advocating for a balanced approach to health that includes physical fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.

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