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
- They help in building protein.
- They act as hormones and carry messages between cells. Example insulin, growth hormone etc
- Some peptides act as neurotransmitters – they transfer messages between the brain and nervous system.
- Antibacterial roles – some peptides act as antibacterial. They fight against bacteria, viruses and help our immune system
- Therapeutic usage – peptides are also used for treatment of several condition like cancer, diabetes etc
- Muscle growth – peptides help in muscle growth and repair
Peptides and bodybuilding benefits
Peptides are especially beneficial for bodybuilders. They help with
- Increased fat loss – Bodybuilders want to look lean and peptides stimulate HGH Production which helps in fat burning.
- Stimulate muscle growth – Peptides stimulate the production of GH and increase IGF-1 levels. This helps in increasing muscle.
- 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
- Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones (GHRH)
- 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
- GHRH
- CJC – 1295
- Sermorelin
- 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.
- GHRP -1,2,3,4,5,6
- 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.
- CJC-1295
- GHRP
- IGF-1 LR3
- 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.