Think Twice Before Injecting 'Research Peptides,' Scientists Warn

In recent years, you may have noticed the term "peptides" increasingly thrown around on social media and on blogs. Over the years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain natural or synthetic-based peptides for medical reasons, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. However, there are now several injectable peptides on the market sold at cheaper prices, that are also not FDA-approved for humans or sold by reputable pharmacies. These are known as "research peptides," and they can carry some real health risks despite their hype within wellness circles.

Peptides themselves are short-chain amino acids that are produced in the body, with many others derived from foods we eat. While it's not known exactly how many peptides exist in the human body, estimates range from several thousand to millions. Different peptides are responsible for a variety of functions in the human body, including cellular growth and hormone regulation, with some also aiding the immune system. 

Aside from the recent prominence of GLP-1s, the most famous peptide is insulin. It also happens to be the first synthetically-made peptide. Since scientists first started investigating and creating peptides for medical conditions over 100 years ago, there have been several other scientific breakthroughs in chronic disease treatment. Unlike the more than 100 (and counting) FDA-approved peptide medications, "research peptides" are those that aren't approved by any agency for human use. So what's the deal with the "research" part of the name? It turns out these peptides are indeed intended for research purposes only, and the label is a way for companies to legally sell these injectables without the liability of promising any concrete results. Unsurprisingly, research peptides are also only sold online.

Since peptides are essentially protein building blocks, it may seem like these products are safe for human use. The problem with research peptides is that they have not undergone the rigorous testing and investigation that their FDA-approved counterparts have, and their safety and efficacy in humans cannot be guaranteed. Not only might they not contain the same ingredients as legitimate peptide injections, but there's also the risk of contamination and haphazard dosing.

Research peptides are more likely to be used for cosmetic purposes or athletic performance, rather than for chronic medical conditions. Whether you are trying to buy peptide injections yourself or are visiting a clinic that uses them, there are two key things to ask about a prospective product: Is the injectable FDA-approved, or is it labeled as "research grade" or "for research use only"? If you're buying a peptide from an online seller without the advice of your doctor, chances are the product is a research peptide.

Aside from injectable research peptides, it's also worth noting other sources of unregulated peptides. These include cosmetic and supplement companies that might promote non-FDA approved products for possible weight loss and muscle growth benefits, as well as for slowing down aging. One common example is collagen, which is primarily promoted for both skin and joint health. Just because these peptides are easily accessible and widely available in stores doesn't necessarily mean they are FDA-approved and are safe for everyone. Always talk with a doctor, and proceed with any form of peptides with caution. As the old saying goes, if a promise sounds too good to be true, chances are that it is!