What are Peptides for Bodybuilding

When two or more amino acids combine, they become a peptide. Peptides are basically short chain amino acids, they usually contain less than 50 amino acids. Peptides are building blocks of proteins and are usually shorter in length as compared to protein. There are several uses of peptides for bodybuilding. 

Source: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Peptide

What do peptides do?

Peptides have several functions in the body

1. They help in building protein.
2. They act as hormones and carry messages between cells. Example insulin, growth hormone etc
3. Some peptides act as neurotransmitters – they transfer messages between the brain and nervous system.
4. Antibacterial roles – some peptides act as antibacterial. They fight against bacteria, viruses and help our immune system
5. Therapeutic usage – peptides are also used for treatment of several condition like cancer, diabetes etc
6. Muscle growth – peptides help in muscle growth and repair

Peptides and bodybuilding benefits

Peptides are especially beneficial for bodybuilders. They help with

1. Increased fat loss – Bodybuilders want to look lean and peptides stimulate HGH Production which helps in fat burning.
2. Stimulate muscle growth – Peptides stimulate the production of GH and increase IGF-1 levels. This helps in increasing muscle.
3. Faster recovery – Peptides helps with faster recovery from workouts. You’re able to train harder and recover better.

Best peptides for muscle growth and fat loss

There are several kinds of peptides available. Like neuropeptides, antimicrobial peptides, cell-penetrating peptides, bioactive peptides, hormone peptides. When we consider peptides for bodybuilding we are interested in hormonal peptides.

Hormonal peptides of our interest can be found in two categories

1. Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones (GHRH)
2. Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRP)

GHRH bodybuilding peptides

GHRH is a peptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus in the brain.

It helps in the growth hormone secretion from the pituitary gland.

It acts on the receptors on the surface of the pituitary cells and stimulate them to release the GH

1. GHRH
2. CJC – 1295
3. Sermorelin
4. Tesamorelin

Comparison of different GHRH bodybuilding peptides

Property	GHRH	CJC-1295	Sermorelin	Tesamorelin
Chemical Structure	Peptide	Modified peptide	Peptide	Peptide
Stimulation of GH	Stimulates GH release (Moderate)	Prolongs GH release (Potent)	Stimulates GH release (Moderate)	Stimulates GH release (Moderate)
Half-life	Short (Less than 1 hour)	Extended (2-10 days)	Short (Less than 1 hour)	Long (Around 2 hours)
Appetite Stimulation	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal
Administration	Typically subcutaneous or intravenous	Subcutaneous or intramuscular	Subcutaneous or intramuscular	Subcutaneous or intramuscular
Frequency of Use	Typically once daily	Typically once daily	Typically once daily	Typically once daily
Side Effects	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal

GHRP bodybuilding peptides

GHRP stimulates the release of GH from the pituitary gland. 

GHRP binds directly to the Growth Hormone Secretagogue receptors on the pituitary gland. GHRP mimics the action of natural hormone Ghrelin.

Because they bind directly to the pituitary gland receptors, GHRP are more potent than GHRH. 

Increased level of GH in the bloodstream means increased muscle growth, recovery and fat burning.

1. GHRP -1,2,3,4,5,6
2. Ipamorelin

Comparison of different GHRP bodybuilding peptides

Property	GHRP-1	GHRP-2	GHRP-3	GHRP-4	GHRP-5	GHRP-6	Ipamorelin
Chemical Structure	Hexapeptide	Hexapeptide	Hexapeptide	Hexapeptide	Hexapeptide	Hexapeptide	Peptidomimetic
Stimulation of GH	Potent	Potent	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Potent	Potent
Stimulation of Appetite	Minimal	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Minimal	Strong	Minimal
Half-life	Short	Short	Short	Short	Short	Short	Long
Administration	Subcutaneous or Intramuscular	Subcutaneous or Intramuscular	Subcutaneous or Intramuscular	Subcutaneous or Intramuscular	Subcutaneous or Intramuscular	Subcutaneous or Intramuscular	Subcutaneous
Frequency of Use	Multiple times per day	Multiple times per day	Multiple times per day	Multiple times per day	Multiple times per day	Multiple times per day	Daily
Side Effects	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal

Best peptides for bodybuilding

Bodybuilding recovery peptide BPC-157

BPC-157 also known as body protection compound is a bodybuilding peptide that is useful for recovery from muscle and tendon injuries.

The peptide has a short half life of 4 to 6 hours. It can be taken twice a day.

It is usually a safe peptide when taken in normal dosage. The dosage can vary from 200 to 800 mcg per day.

IGF-1 LR3

IGF-1 LR3 or insulin like growth factor 1 Long R3. this is a synthetic version of IGF-1 hormone. The peptide is modified to increase half life and potency compared to IGF-1

IGF-1 LR3 is known to stimulate bone and muscle growth. It has a higher half life of 20-30 hours. Bodybuilders commonly use it for muscle growth and improved recovery. Dosage can vary from 20 to 100 mcg per day. When you are starting out, begin with low dosage and gradually increase. IGF-1 is generally safe to use. 

CJC-1295

CJC 1295 is a synthetic peptide similar to GHRH. This peptide stimulates growth hormone release. CJC 1295 has a better half life than GHRH. It is used to increase muscle, better recovery and fat burning. Prolong usage can trigger headache

Typical dosages are 100 to 1000 mcg per shot, it is always advisable to start with safe dosage.

There is another version of CJC called CJC-1295 DAC. This has a higher life cycle of 5 to 8 days. 

Injectable peptides for muscle growth

There are several peptides available in the market. Here are some powerful injectable peptides for muscle growth.

1. CJC-1295
2. GHRP
3. IGF-1 LR3
4. Ipamorelin

Peptides bodybuilding side effects

Peptides are generally safer than anabolic or growth hormones. However, prolonged usage or heavy dosage may cause some side effects like headache, low blood sugar, excess water retention etc. 

Bodybuilding peptides Summary

Overall peptides are a safer alternative when compared to anabolic or growth hormones. Peptides come in a lot of variety and they can help you with muscle growth, fat loss, increased performance and faster recovery.