Are Unapproved Peptides Worth the Risk?

"Many of the 'pop peptides' that people are buying from compounding pharmacies or gray-market vendors have little or no data for humans. They might have some interesting animal studies, or a theoretical reason to think they could work, but, for the purpose of clinical application in humans, that is basically meaningless."

"I am open to the idea that some of these peptides might be useful for something in some individuals—but people randomly injecting themselves with the peptide du jour is unlikely to improve health or to generate the kind of results they are hoping for."

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body. They have gained popularity for purported benefits like enhanced strength and recovery. A booming industry has emerged around synthetic peptides, often lacking regulation. Users can order custom peptide combinations, known as stacks, and self-inject. However, many peptides lack sufficient human data, with most having only animal studies or theoretical backing. The safety and effectiveness of these peptides remain largely uncertain, with random self-injection unlikely to improve health outcomes.

Read at The New Yorker