Despite consistent workouts and strict diets, many struggle to achieve their dream physique. Factors like genetics or ineffective training can hinder progress.

As a result, some athletes turn to peptides—amino acid chains—to boost muscle growth. These have fewer side effects compared to steroids or SARMs.

Let’s dive into the top 5 peptides for muscle growth, how to use them safely, and their potential risks. Equip yourself with knowledge for your bodybuilding journey, what the pros, cons, and dangers are – And where to buy them.

Key Takeaways

1. Peptides vs. Steroids/SARMs: Athletes are turning to peptides, amino acid chains, for muscle growth due to their reduced side effects compared to steroids or SARMs.
2. Peptide Mechanisms:
   • TB-500: Boosts muscle cell growth by enhancing the body’s response to actin.
   • Sermorelin: Imitates the natural growth hormone-releasing hormone, stimulating faster muscle growth.
   • Hexarelin: Triggers growth hormone release, leading to muscle fiber growth and increased lean muscle.
3. Safety and Usage: The article emphasizes that while peptides offer benefits, they should be used safely, understanding their potential risks. Before purchasing or using peptides, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare providers and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Muscle Growth Peptide Comparison

How Do Peptides Help Muscle Growth?

Before learning more about different peptides that can be used, it is important to have a thorough understanding of how peptides work at the cellular level to induce muscle growth. There are multiple categories of peptides that bodybuilders specifically use to trigger muscle growth, such as growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs), and growth hormone secretagogues (GHS).

Although the end goal is the same to induce muscle growth, different peptides follow different pathways.

Our muscle fibers are made up of contractile filaments called actin and myosin, which are responsible for contracting and relaxing muscles for mobility (1).

Peptides like TB-500 make our body more responsive to actin by increasing its reception. This increases the growth and proliferation of muscle cells (2).

Other peptides, such as Ipamorelin, Sermorelin, Hexarelin, and CJC-1295, stimulate the natural release of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland (3,4). Growth hormone (GH) can act on myocytes and trigger the growth of new muscle fibers.

Some peptides inhibit the release of somatostatin, also known as growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH) (5). Thus, growth hormone (GH) levels are always kept at the optimal limit to achieve considerable growth of muscles.

Peptides also stimulate the release of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) from the liver. IGF-1 causes the production of muscle proteins which leads to increased muscle growth (6).

Peptides like follistatin 344 inhibit a naturally occurring regulator of muscle growth called myostatin (7). Myostatin acts to limit muscle growth beyond a certain point. Follistatin 344 inhibits myostatin which leads to excessive growth of muscle fibers, leading to amplified muscle growth (7).

Additionally, these peptides also promote angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels around the muscle region (8). This ensures an adequate supply of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and growth factors to the myocytes for optimal muscle growth.

1) Best Peptide for Muscle Growth + And Recovery (Athleticism)

TB-500 is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring peptide LKKTETQ. The peptide segment (17)LKKTETQ(23) is the active site within the protein thymosin β(4) responsible for actin binding, cell migration, and wound healing (9).

As discussed earlier, actin is the main contractile protein in the muscle fibers. The increased reception leads to enhanced cell growth and proliferation of myocytes (muscle cells). This also leads to increased muscle strength and solid stamina.

TB500 Summary

TB-500

Thymosin beta-4 is a small peptide with G actin-sequestering action. It is associated with the induction of angiogenesis and accelerated wound healing (10).

TB-500 is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring peptide LKKTETQ. The peptide segment (17)LKKTETQ(23) is the active site within the protein thymosin β(4) responsible for actin binding, cell migration and wound healing

Muscle fibers are made up of actin and myosin, which are contractile filaments. These filaments allow our muscles to contract and relax for mobility and carry out efficient metabolism and cell signaling.

TB-500 increases our body’s response to actin by increased reception of the protein by the peptide segment (17)LKKTETQ(23). This upregulation promotes increased cell growth, healthy cell proliferation, healing effects, and cell migration, particularly keratinocytes and endothelial cells.

TB-500 promotes angiogenesis which is the formation of new blood vessels. It builds up new blood vessel pathways for efficient blood supply to the wounds for increased healing. It also augments beneficial inflammation at the site of injuries.

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TB-500 Overview

⭐️ Top Benefit: Rapid recovery from injuries
🧪 Form: Injectable liquid, Capsules, Transdermal patches
💉 Typical Dosage: 7.66 mg/week
⌛️ Typical cycle duration: 14 weeks
💰 Average Cost: $69.99
✅ Availability: Easily available
❤️‍🩹 Side Effects and Dangers: Headaches and stomach discomfort
📚 Best Peptide Stack: BPC-157 / TB-500
➡️ Go to the Full review

• Rapid wound healing
• Heals ligament and joint injuries
• Helps build endurance

• Injection site pain
• Abdominal pain
• Headaches

2) Best Growth Hormone Peptide Antagonist

Sermorelin acetate is the acetate salt of an amidated synthetic 29-amino acid peptide (GRF 1-29 NH 2 ) that corresponds to the amino-terminal segment of the naturally occurring human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH or GRF) consisting of 44 amino acid residues (11).

It mimics the action of the naturally occurring growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). The subsequent binding of sermorelin to the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors (GHRHr) stimulates somatotrophic cells to secrete growth hormone (GH).

Higher growth hormone (GH) levels stimulate the production of new muscle fibers at a faster rate. This leads to bulking of muscles.

Sermorelin users have also reported experiencing greater muscle gain after intense workout sessions.

Sermorelin Summary

Sermorelin

Sermorelin, an acetate salt, is a synthetic peptide containing 29 Amino acids. This artificial peptide (GRF 1-29 NH2) mimics the action of naturally occurring growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) composed of 44 Amino acid residues.

The growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors (GHRHr) are located in the anterior pituitary gland. Sermorelin binds with these receptors to trigger the increased production and secretion of growth hormone (GH) by somatotroph cells.

As feedback mechanisms maintain the hormonal levels, the increased serum concentration of growth hormone (GH) stimulates another endogenous hormone called somatostatin, also known as growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH).

Growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH) initiates a negative feedback mechanism to stop the secretion of any more growth hormone (GH) by the somatotroph cells so that hormonal levels don’t overshoot.

Thus, sermorelin makes sure to keep the entire homeostatic coordination of the hypothalamus-pituitary-somatostatin intact.

Apart from this, sermorelin also improves the sleep-related circadian rhythm by reducing the production of stress hormones. This further amplifies the release of growth hormone (GH).

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Sermorelin Overview

⭐️ Top Benefits: Increases natural HGH production
🧪 Form: Injectable liquid
⌛️ Max Time Used: Up to 3 months
💰 Average Cost: $42.99
❤️‍🩹 Side Effects: Insulin resistance
☢️ Dangers: Not really
📚 Best Peptide Stack: HGH / IGF-1 / GHRP / CJC-1295
⚤ Men/Women: Men and women
➡️ Go to the Full review

• Enhanced muscle growth
• Efficient healing of wounds
• Reduces body fat
• Better sleep quality
• Improves brain functioning
• Cardiovascular growth

• Injection site pain
• Insulin resistance
• might experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, flushing, allergic reactions, loss of taste, hyperactivity, and paleness of skin

3) Hexarelin

Hexarelin acetate, a growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP), is a 6 amino acid peptide. It belongs to the growth hormone secretagogue class (GHS).

Hexarelin works similarly to ghrelin, which is a naturally occurring hormone. Hexarelin binds with growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHSr) located in the hippocampus and peripheral organs to trigger growth hormone release (GH).

Hexarelin-induced growth hormone (GH) release causes the growth of muscle fibers. This leads to bulking up of muscles and greater lean muscle mass. One may experience greater body strength after the use of hexarelin.

Hexarelin Summary

Hexarelin

The primary function of Hexarelin is to trigger the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. Hexarelin follows multiple courses of action to achieve this purpose.

Hexarelin mimics the action of a naturally occurring hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin is mainly synthesized in the stomach, and it travels via the bloodstream to bind with the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) located in the hippocampus.

This subsequent binding stimulates a wide array of physiological pathways such as the release of growth hormone (GH), protecting cardiomyocytes, regulating body weight, and development of the musculoskeletal system.

Hexarelin also binds with the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) similar to ghrelin to initiate a phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PKC) signaling pathway. This leads to the amplified release of growth hormone (GH) due to the coordinated action of the hypothalamus as well as the pituitary gland.

Hexarelin is also known to limit the release of somatostatin, also sometimes referred to as growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH). This leads to higher serum levels of growth hormone (GH).

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Hexarelin Overview

⭐️ Top Benefits: Increases natural HGH production
🧪 Form: Injectable liquid
⌛️ Max Time Used: Up to 3 months
💰 Average Cost: $42.99
❤️‍🩹 Side Effects: Insulin resistance
☢️ Dangers: Not really
📚 Best Peptide Stack: HGH / IGF-1 / GHRP / CJC-1295
⚤ Men/Women: Men and women
➡️ Go to the Full review

• Muscle gain
• Fat Loss
• Increased bone density

• Injection site pain
• Insulin resistance
• Higher cortisol levels
• Increased prolactin levels
• Insulin desensitization
• Low libido
• Fatigue and lethargy

4) Follistatin

Follistatin Summary

Follistatin 344

Follistatin 344 is a recombinant form of naturally occurring follistatin. It comprises 323 Amino acids, and a carbohydrate chain is attached to its core, making it a naturally occurring glycoprotein.

Follistatin is a glycoprotein produced by folliculostellate cells (FS) located in the anterior pituitary gland and follows the autocrine signaling pathway.

Regarding the amino acids that make up follistatin 344, there is unusually high cysteine, a non-essential amino acid. Cysteine gives follistatin 344 its key characteristic property.

Follistatin 344 follows multiple courses of action to trigger specific changes in the body.

Myostatin, a growth and differentiation factor protein, is produced by myocytes (muscle cells). The primary function of myostatin is to act as a regulator by limiting the growth of muscles so that they don’t grow out of shape.

Follistatin 344 acts as a myostatin inhibitor. This subsequent blocking of myostatin by follistatin 344 leads to the suppression of myostatin activity. Thus, myostatin can’t act as a potent negative regulator of muscle growth.

Activin proteins enhance the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). However, in men, higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) limit muscle growth and cause abnormal testicle functioning.

Follistatin 344 inhibits the activin, which results in decreased secretion of the hormone.

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Follistatin 344 Overview

⭐️ Top Benefits: Increased muscle mass and increased endurance
🧪 Form: Injectable liquid
⌛️ Max Time Used: 10 – 30 days
💰 Average Cost: $161.99
❤️‍🩹 Side Effects: Weakens joints
☢️ Dangers: Not really
📚 Best Peptide Stack: HGH / IGF-1
⚤ Men/Women: Men and women
➡️ Go to the Full review

• Muscle gain
• Fat Loss
• Increased bone density

• Weakening of joints and ligaments
• Increased body temperature
• Irritation and rashes at the injection site

5) Best Peptide for Muscle Growth + Fat Loss Combination

CJC-1295, a peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), comprises 29 amino acids.

It also causes the pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. CJC-1295-induced growth hormone (GH) release offers a wide array of effects on muscle growth.

It causes the retention of calcium which is important for muscle contraction. It triggers increased protein synthesis required for muscle growth. CJC-1295 also sets up a balance between muscle mass and fat loss leading to enhanced strength for bodybuilders.

CJC 1295 Summary

CJC1295

Comprising approximately 30 amino acids, CJC 1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone stimulating hormone (GHRH). With increased GHRH levels, the anterior pituitary gland is stimulated, which causes a spike in growth hormone (GH) levels and, consequently, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) being released from the liver. 

With high GH and IGF-1, you can expect enhanced effects on muscles, bone, and cartilage.

GH and IGF-1 ensure that you have a better chance of reducing excess subcutaneous fat and an increased lean muscle mass due to enhanced protein synthesis by increasing amino acid uptake inside the muscle cells. CJC 1295 is also reported to improve the lipid profile of many. 

Because it mimics the action of GHRH, you don’t have to worry about the adverse effects as well!

Interestingly, CJC 1295 works when stacked with Ipamorelin. For this reason, most people use CJC 1295 and Ipamorelin together. When dosed appropriately, both can boost fat loss, improve protein synthesis in the muscles, strengthen the immune system, and promote rapid healing.

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Features

🧪 Form: Injectable
💊 Common Dosage: 30-60 mcg/day
🕑 Cycle Length: 12 weeks
💰 Average Cost: $161.99
❤️‍🩹 Side Effects: Lightheaded, Mood Swings
☢️ Dangers: Low
📚 Best Peptide Stack: CJC 1295/Ipamorelin
⚤ Men/Women: Men and women
💸 Cost: $69.00
➡️ Go to the Full review

• Increases growth hormone
• Enhanced muscle mass and protein synthesis

• Pain, redness, and flushing of the face can be experienced after the injection

How To Take Peptides

Once you have decided on the specific peptide you will use, you need to look for its available forms. Some peptides can be injected, taken orally, or used as patches, whereas others can only be used in injectable form.

Many studies have shown that peptide hormonal therapies are most effective when injected and as such most vendors only produce peptides in this form.

Where to Buy These Peptides?

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Best Peptide Stacks for Muscle Growth

The efficacy and safety of peptides largely depend on individual physiology, goals, and how they’re administered. When it comes to muscle growth, several peptides have garnered attention for their potential effects on increasing muscle mass and strength. It’s always crucial to consult with a medical professional before starting any peptide regimen. That said, here’s a popular peptide stack for muscle growth:

1. CJC-1295 DAC with GHRP-6 or GHRP-2: This is a popular combination that maximizes growth hormone release. CJC-1295 DAC is a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, and when combined with a growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP), like GHRP-6 or GHRP-2, it can lead to significant GH release.
2. Ipamorelin: Another GHRP, it’s considered one of the safest and most effective for GH release, with fewer side effects (less hunger spikes than GHRP-6 and no cortisol or prolactin spikes). It can be combined with CJC-1295 (without DAC) for synergistic effects.
3. IGF-1 LR3 or IGF-1 DES: IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) plays a direct role in muscle growth. LR3 has a longer half-life, and DES is a shorter, more potent version. They can be used post-workout to help with muscle growth and repair.
4. BPC-157 and TB-500: While they aren’t directly related to muscle growth, these peptides are often included in muscle-building stacks due to their injury recovery and healing properties.

Remember, the combination and dosage will depend on individual goals and needs. Additionally, it’s vital to be aware of potential side effects, both of individual peptides and when they’re combined. The legal status of peptides can also vary by country or region. It’s essential to ensure you are complying with local regulations and using peptides responsibly. Always consult with a medical professional before starting any peptide regimen.

Are Peptides Safe For Bodybuilding/Muscle Growth?

As all peptides work in a specific way, each of them needs to undergo human-based clinical trials to prove their safety.

Since not many peptides have completed human-based clinical trials, the WADA and FDA haven’t legalized the usage of many peptides available.

But results from several animal-based clinical trials suggest that peptides are generally safe. They have tested positive to bring muscle growth in the subjects involved in the research.

With a few side effects here and there, such as headache, redness at the injection site, and appetite changes, no severe side effects have been reported, which is why many bodybuilders are often inclined to use peptides over steroids or SARMs to catalyze their journey.

Best Peptide Stack For Muscle Growth

A lot of bodybuilders stack peptides to experience optimum synergistic benefits. Amongst the stacked peptides, the most common is the use of CJC-1295 and ipamorelin.

Ipamorelin, also a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS), comprises 5 amino acids. It binds with receptors located peripherally, such as on myocytes and adipocytes.

As both the peptides work towards increasing the serum levels of growth hormone (GH), they can be used well together to build muscle significantly, lose body fat, and cause a boost in overall energy levels.

Since both the peptides have different half-lives, these can work together to supplement each other’s effects.

Take-Home Message

After studying the working of peptides thoroughly, I believe that peptides can catalyze the process of muscle building and bulking. Some of the peptides like follistatin 344 work organically and directly to bring muscle growth. In contrast, others such as sermorelin and hexarelin follow an indirect route to build muscles. Nonetheless, if you follow dedicated workout sessions and a strict diet, you should use peptides to achieve results faster.