Question 1

Which peptides are marketed for longevity?

Accepted Answer

Epitalon, MOTS-c, Humanin, SS-31 / elamipretide, GHK-Cu (broader gene-expression claims), GH secretagogues (CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin / Sermorelin), Thymalin. None is a licensed UK medicine for longevity.

Question 2

Do any peptides extend human lifespan?

Accepted Answer

No randomised human trial demonstrates that any peptide extends human lifespan. Mechanistic and animal data exist; outcome trials in humans do not. Marketing claims significantly outrun the evidence.

Question 3

What is the evidence-based longevity intervention?

Accepted Answer

Regular aerobic + resistance exercise (the strongest single intervention), Mediterranean-style diet, sleep adequacy, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, social engagement, and routine cancer screening — the highest-impact UK longevity intervention available. None of these is a peptide.

Question 4

What is the cancer-promotion concern?

Accepted Answer

Sustained telomerase activation (Epitalon claim) and growth-factor pathway activation have theoretical oncologic concerns. Long-term human cancer-surveillance data does not exist for any peptide longevity stack.

Question 5

Is Epitalon evidence-based?

Accepted Answer

Most positive Epitalon data comes from a single Russian research group across several decades. Independent Western replication is limited. Cell-culture telomere lengthening does not equal lifespan extension in humans.

Question 6

What about NMN / NR supplements?

Accepted Answer

Oral nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) raise blood NAD+ precursor levels modestly in human studies. Meaningful clinical-outcome benefit (longevity, healthspan, disease prevention) is not yet demonstrated.

Question 7

Is IV NAD+ proven for longevity?

Accepted Answer

No. IV NAD+ delivers high systemic doses with their own safety considerations. Longevity outcomes are unproven. Infusion-clinic marketing significantly exceeds the evidence base.

Question 8

What about MOTS-c?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial-derived peptide with preclinical metabolic and exercise-mimetic data. No Phase 3 human longevity trial. See /peptides/mots-c.

Question 9

Are longevity peptides legal in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Most are unlicensed (Epitalon, MOTS-c, Humanin, injectable GHK-Cu). Sale with longevity claims engages UK medicines regulation. Cosmetic topical GHK-Cu and oral NMN / NR sit in cosmetic / food-supplement categories.

Question 10

What should I take from this honestly?

Accepted Answer

The strongest longevity evidence is for things that aren't peptides at all — exercise, diet pattern, sleep, social engagement, smoking cessation, cancer screening. Peptide longevity stacks add cost and uncertainty without proven benefit.

Longevity peptides — frequently asked questions

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Longevity peptides — frequently asked questions

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