Peptides: The Hype, The Risk, and The Reality

Peptides, short chains of amino acids, are making waves in the wellness world. They are being promoted by influencers, fitness coaches, and celebrities as a magic solution for muscle gain, weight loss, and anti-aging. Online stores sell injectable vials for hundreds of dollars, and wellness clinics offer injections with hefty membership fees. But here's the catch: many of these peptides haven't been thoroughly tested in humans, raising serious concerns about potential side effects like allergic reactions and metabolic problems.

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are naturally occurring in the body and perform essential functions. For instance, insulin regulates blood sugar, and GLP-1s, a type of peptide, are used in popular weight loss drugs. However, many other peptides haven't been approved by regulators for safety and effectiveness, even though some have shown promising results in animal studies.

The Popularity Surge

The popularity of peptides has surged recently, thanks to wellness gurus and public figures with large online followings. They promote these substances for various uses, from healing injuries to improving skin and even extending life. Some of these peptides are banned by sports regulators as doping substances. Experts are particularly worried about people combining multiple peptides, as advocated by some influencers.

Celebrity Endorsements

Celebrities have also fueled the trend. Joe Rogan has talked about using BPC-157 for injury recovery, and Jennifer Aniston has endorsed peptide injections for better skin, even becoming a paid spokesperson for a company selling peptide-enriched supplements. This celebrity endorsement has made peptides more mainstream, with people eager to try what their favorite stars are using.

Regulation and Safety Concerns

But how are these peptides regulated? Most of the unproven peptides sold online are technically illegal. Any substance injected for health benefits is classified as a drug and requires FDA approval. The FDA considers many peptides as biologics, which are high-risk and require extra precautions. The agency has added dozens of peptides to a list of substances that pharmacies should not produce due to safety risks.

Marketing and Effectiveness

Some companies market peptides as dietary supplements, but most peptides are not eligible to be sold as such. Experts agree that consuming peptides by mouth is likely ineffective, as they dissolve in the gut. Most injectable peptides in the U.S. are produced by compounding pharmacies, which custom-mix medications and are less regulated than FDA-overseen companies.

FDA's Response

The trend has caught the FDA's attention, with more than two dozen peptides added to a list of substances that should not be compounded due to safety concerns. The connection between peptides and the "Make America Healthy Again" movement is also notable, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. touting their benefits and promising to end FDA restrictions on peptides.