Question 1

What are peptides?

Accepted Answer

Peptides are short chains of amino acids (typically 2-50 amino acids) linked by peptide bonds. They are smaller than proteins and serve as signaling molecules in the body, influencing a wide range of biological processes including growth, immune function, inflammation, and metabolism. The body naturally produces thousands of different peptides.

Question 2

What is the difference between peptides and proteins?

Accepted Answer

The distinction is primarily one of size: peptides are generally shorter chains (2-50 amino acids), while proteins are longer (50+ amino acids) with complex three-dimensional structures. Functionally, peptides often act as signaling molecules or hormones, while proteins serve structural, enzymatic, and transport roles. Some molecules blur this boundary.

Question 3

What is the difference between peptides and SARMs?

Accepted Answer

Peptides are amino acid chains that mimic natural signaling molecules in the body. SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are synthetic small molecules that bind to androgen receptors. They are chemically and mechanistically distinct. SARMs are not peptides and are not covered on this platform. Both are prohibited in sport by WADA.

Question 4

Can you take peptides orally?

Accepted Answer

Most peptides are poorly absorbed orally because they are broken down by digestive enzymes and have low intestinal permeability. Notable exceptions include oral semaglutide (Rybelsus), which uses absorption-enhancing technology, collagen peptides (hydrolysed for oral bioavailability), and some very small peptides like KPV and BPC-157 (with limited oral bioavailability data). Most research peptides require injection.

Question 5

Are peptides legal in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The legal status varies by peptide. Approved medications (semaglutide, teriparatide, goserelin, etc.) are legal with a valid prescription. Unapproved 'research peptides' occupy a grey area: possession for personal use is generally not illegal, but selling them for human consumption is. The MHRA actively enforces against companies marketing unapproved peptides for human use. Always consult current MHRA guidance.

Question 6

Can I buy peptides online in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Approved peptide medications require a prescription from a registered prescriber. Research peptides are available from specialist suppliers, but they are sold 'for research purposes only' and are not intended for human use. The quality, purity, and safety of unregulated products cannot be guaranteed. We strongly recommend only using peptides under medical supervision.

Question 7

Are peptides banned in sport?

Accepted Answer

Many peptides are prohibited by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). This includes all growth hormone secretagogues (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, etc.), GLP-1 agonists, EPO, IGF-1 variants, and selective androgen receptor modulators. Athletes should check the WADA Prohibited List before using any substance.

Question 8

What does 'for research purposes only' mean?

Accepted Answer

This label indicates that a product is sold as a chemical reagent for laboratory research and is not approved, licensed, or intended for human consumption. Suppliers use this designation to legally sell compounds that are not approved as medicines. It does not mean the product is safe for human use.

Question 9

How do you reconstitute peptides?

Accepted Answer

Reconstitution involves adding bacteriostatic water (BAC water) to lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptide powder. The water is injected slowly down the side of the vial—never directly onto the powder, as this can damage the peptide. Gently swirl (don't shake) until dissolved. The resulting solution should be clear. Specific volumes depend on the desired concentration. This is covered in detail in our blog article on reconstitution.

Question 10

How should peptides be stored?

Accepted Answer

Unreconstituted (lyophilised) peptides should be stored at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C (refrigerator) for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptides should be refrigerated at 2-8°C and used within 2-4 weeks (varies by peptide). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, exposure to light, and contamination. Always use sterile technique when handling.

Question 11

What is bacteriostatic water?

Accepted Answer

Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which inhibits bacterial growth. It is the standard diluent for reconstituting injectable peptides because it allows multi-dose use from a single vial (unlike sterile water, which is single-use). BAC water is available from pharmacies and medical supply companies.

Question 12

Are peptides safe?

Accepted Answer

Safety varies enormously between peptides. Approved medications (semaglutide, teriparatide, goserelin) have extensive safety data from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance. Research peptides have limited or no human safety data. Even well-studied peptides carry risks. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide, and never self-administer research compounds.

Question 13

Do peptides show up on drug tests?

Accepted Answer

Standard workplace drug tests (urine screening for drugs of abuse) do not typically test for peptides. However, sports drug testing (WADA/UKAD) does test for many peptides including GH secretagogues, EPO, and GLP-1 agonists using mass spectrometry. Some peptides may indirectly affect standard tests (e.g., elevated GH/IGF-1 levels).

Question 14

Can peptides cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

There is no general evidence that peptides as a class cause cancer. However, growth-promoting peptides (IGF-1, HGH, growth hormone secretagogues) theoretically could accelerate the growth of pre-existing tumours. GLP-1 agonists carry precautionary warnings about thyroid C-cell tumours based on rodent studies, though this has not been observed in humans. Individuals with active cancer should avoid growth-promoting peptides.

Question 15

What are common side effects of peptide injections?

Accepted Answer

Common injection-related side effects include: injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain), bruising, mild skin irritation, and occasional headaches. Specific peptides have their own side effect profiles—for example, GLP-1 agonists commonly cause nausea, and GH secretagogues may cause water retention. Always review individual peptide safety profiles.

Question 16

What is the difference between research peptides and pharmaceutical peptides?

Accepted Answer

Pharmaceutical peptides (e.g., semaglutide, teriparatide, goserelin) are manufactured under GMP conditions, rigorously tested in clinical trials, approved by regulatory bodies (MHRA, EMA, FDA), and available by prescription. Research peptides are manufactured for laboratory use, lack clinical trial data in most cases, have no regulatory approval for human use, and vary significantly in purity and quality.

Question 17

How do I know if a peptide claim is evidence-based?

Accepted Answer

Look for: references to published clinical trials (particularly randomised controlled trials in humans), peer-reviewed publications on PubMed, and regulatory approvals. Be cautious of: anecdotal reports, animal-only studies presented as human evidence, marketing claims without citations, and testimonials. Our platform distinguishes between levels of evidence throughout.

Question 18

Why do some peptides only have animal research?

Accepted Answer

Human clinical trials are expensive (millions of pounds), time-consuming (years), and require regulatory approval. Many peptides don't have commercial sponsors willing to fund this process. Some have safety concerns that prevent human testing. Animal studies provide preliminary evidence but don't always translate to humans. We clearly indicate the evidence level for each peptide.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Peptide Questions

UK Legality & Regulation

Preparation & Storage

Safety & Side Effects

Research & Evidence

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