Peptides are chains of amino acids that bind together to form a single protein. They are closely related to proteins, which are larger and composed of 51 or more amino acids. There are naturally-occurring peptides in our bodies, but they are also used by scientists for research purposes. Peptides are small enough to easily pass through the bloodstream, where they can quickly access cell receptors and signal specific cells to react or behave in certain ways. Many medical and pharmaceutical drugs are peptide-based, including the weight loss drug semaglutide, collagen peptides in nutritional supplements, and BPC 157, which promotes angiogenesis to increase blood flow and oxygen to tissues.
Bodybuilders and athletes have been using peptides for years. Whether you listen to Peter Attia or Andrew Huberman on The Drive With, see them in the gym, or read the stories on social media, you’ll find people in pursuit of increased one-rep maxes and antiaging solutions that are n=1 based off anecdotal evidence and early research on mice. Many of these guys are buying peptides on the gray market from unregulated labs and antiaging clinics online, mixing their own solutions at home with insulin syringes and bacteriostatic water, then self-administering them via injection.
The peptides for sale on the gray market are a broad category with an equally broad spectrum of potential benefits and side effects. They are used for everything from boosting natural testosterone production, to stimulating muscle growth, to reducing fat, to increasing libido and performance. Some of the most popular peptides for sale include ipamorelin, MK-677, GHK-Cu, and epithalon (a pineal gland extract that stimulates telomerase enzymes to lengthen chromosomes and increase cellular longevity).
As you search out peptides for sale, it’s important to remember that these compounds are not cheap. They should be taken seriously, and you should only buy from a trusted source. When shopping for peptides, look for a vendor with a clean track record and a wide selection of products. It’s also a good idea to look for red flags, such as vague or confusing website information, and claims that sound too good to be true.
When comparing vendors, be sure to factor in shipping times and the quality of the peptides themselves. Especially with ipamorelin and other amino acid peptides, they lose stability over time if not shipped at the proper temperature, which could be the difference between a great experience or a nightmare. Lastly, make sure to choose a vendor that accepts major credit cards and offers a fast turnaround on order fulfillment. If a company isn’t quick to respond to emails and phone calls, then they may not be worth doing business with. peptides for sale