Remember the 90s cult classic “Death Becomes Her,” in which Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn take a magic potion that makes them look and feel younger?
Peptides seem to be today’s version of that magic potion—or at least that’s what a growing number of online influencers want you to believe.
A quick look through social media shows people raving about “wellness” peptides with robot names like BPC-157 as the fountain of youth. The injectables, also called synthetic peptides, are said to heal injuries, slow aging, strengthen muscle mass, eliminate brain fog, and more.
Of course, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. And hopefully the thought of injecting something into your body gives you pause. But it’s not just social media buzz. Peptides have been in the spotlight recently after an FDA advisory panel recommended easing restrictions on six peptides to help treat various health conditions.
What are peptides anyway? And can they add spring to your step? Here’s what you need to know:
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. There are 20 amino acids in the body that serve as building blocks for proteins. “The order of these amino acids — think like letters of an alphabet that form words — determines the function of the peptide in the body,” said Angela DeRosa, DO, founder and CEO of the Hormonal Health Institute and a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council.
Your body produces peptides – there are more than 7,000 naturally occurring peptides in the human body – and peptides are also made from amino acids found in dietary proteins such as eggs and legumes. Other peptides, such as collagen peptides, can be taken orally as dietary supplements.
Peptides can also be synthesized in laboratories to treat specific health conditions. Well-known commercial synthetic peptides such as insulin, semaglutide and tirzepatide are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, most synthetic peptides you see on social media are manufactured in pharmacies or other facilities and are not FDA-approved, meaning the product is not held to the same rigorous standards of quality, safety, and effectiveness as FDA-approved products.
What do peptides do?
Peptides essentially act as messengers in the body to support metabolism, immune health, muscle repair, and regulate hormones, among other important body processes.
DeRosa said peptides act like a key that fits into a lock. “They bind to a specific receptor outside a specific cell in the body and that binding triggers a reaction within the cell. The reaction depends on which peptide is used because each peptide has a different target.” For example, oxytocin, a peptide hormone, targets milk duct receptors so that the milk ducts can release milk for breastfeeding.
Why do people use synthetic peptides?
FDA-approved synthetic peptides are prescribed to treat diseases such as diabetes or obesity.
Synthetic peptides may also be prescribed as an adjunct to traditional treatments for certain conditions such as insomnia, cognitive decline, and hormonal problems. “For example, if a patient has severe testosterone deficiency and is extremely tired and does not sleep well or has sexual dysfunction, taking a growth hormone peptide or PTP-141 to increase libido will not work well until the testosterone deficiency is resolved,” DeRosa said. “Then these peptides become wonderful layering treatments over testosterone.”
DeRosa also pointed out that taking peptides can help optimize cellular function, immunity and mitochondrial health, and help with physical disorders such as healing from soft tissue injuries, joint problems and musculoskeletal disorders.
Do injectable “wellness” peptides work?
We know that FDA-approved prescription peptides have research supporting the medications’ benefits. However, most synthetic peptides sold online are not FDA approved and many do not have the data to support the claims.
If you’re interested in taking peptides, DeRosa says you should see a doctor who has the appropriate education and training on peptides.
“Influencers are not reputable sources and do not have the training to know who is a good candidate for which peptide, what medical considerations or interactions there are, what labs or screenings should be done before taking a peptide, or how to properly monitor someone taking peptides,” DeRosa said. “Are they getting products from legal and safe pharmacies rather than buying peptides from someone at their gym? A doctor can help guide people to appropriate sources.”
An FDA advisory panel voted to ease restrictions on six peptides. What does that mean?
“This vote is not a green light for peptide prescribing,” DeRosa said. “The Drug Compounding Advisory Committee recommended that FDA reclassify these peptides from Category 2 – illegal to compound – to Category 1, or legal to compound, while they are still under active FDA review.”
This means compounding pharmacies could produce slightly modified versions of the six peptides to sell to consumers.
It is important to note that the panel’s vote is a recommendation to the FDA – the FDA has the final legal say. And the FDA still has to go through a lengthy public notice and comment process before official changes can be made. “Until then, these connections have not yet been approved as legal connections.”
Read: What You Need to Know: Compound Medications >>
Are peptides safe?
FDA-regulated peptides are considered safe and effective. However, aside from commercial, FDA-approved peptides such as insulin, there is not much research into whether injecting peptides can be beneficial.
“Most have a favorable safety profile. Nevertheless, the research supporting most peptides is limited to preclinical laboratory and animal studies,” DeRosa said.
The lack of human studies and long-term data also means that dangerous side effects could occur that have not been documented. And since the synthetic peptides purchased online are not regulated by the FDA, you cannot be sure of the quality and potency you are taking.
Should you ride the peptide wave?
Bottom line: Always talk to your doctor before taking “wellness” products. And be wary of products that seem too good to be true. For more information, see Death Becomes Her.
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