Safest SARMs

SARMs are increasing in popularity due to their benefits over Steroids. To see how you can get the most from them without causing too much damage, let's discuss the Safest SARMs.

Written by Daniel Louwrens BSc PT

Updated On January 31, 2023

SARMs or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators have become increasingly common in the bodybuilding and recreationally lifting world.

But much like driving with your drunk uncle Larry, there are concerns about safety. Some use these research chemicals to enhance muscle mass, enhance athletic performance, or even enhanced fat loss. But how safe are they exactly?

SARMs were originally developed to replace Anabolic Steroids in the medical world, as they do have fewer androgenic adverse effects. This doesn’t mean they are “good”, however.

We’re going to take a deep dive into what the Safest SARMs are, which the most potent SARMs are, and see just why these cannot be coined as “for human consumption”.

Warning: The content on Muscleandbrawn.com and the information included in this article is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to buying anything, check that it is compliant where you live with your current government laws.

What Are the Safest SARMs?

SARMs were developed in the late 1990s, as a means to replace Anabolic Androgenic Steroids in the medical world. See, Steroids are used as a treatment for muscle wastage diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

The reason for this is that even though Steroids have been developed more and more over the 1900s, they still had adverse effects, especially on women and children. SARMs were developed as a safer Steroid alternative, as they could be used without causing as many adverse effects.

That said, clinical trials are still not 100% sure about the safety of SARMs. Even though there are multiple people who have used SARMs for sport enhancement, the FIA has still not approved SARMs for human use.

While a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator has the potential to be safe, there are still some that are less safe than others. The safest SARMs would have to be MK-677 [Not a SARM but a Growth Hormone Secretagogue [1], Ostarine MK 2866, Stenabolic, Andarine S4, and LGD 4033.

You have to run compounds that will obviously increase muscle mass or at least stop muscle loss when cutting, but you would want to avoid the worst side effects. Let’s look at these compounds in greater detail.

1) Safest SARM: MK 677

MK 677 is commonly grouped with SARMs when in reality it is not a SARM at all. Regular SARMs will bind to the Androgen Receptors in the muscle tissue (and bone tissue as well) to cause an increase in muscle protein synthesis.

MK 677, however, is a Growth Hormone secretagogue, meaning it will not interact with the Androgen Receptors at all, but only cause an increased release of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) from your own Pituitary gland.

Increased HGH can lead to increased fat loss [2], and muscle gain, and even improve overall life quality.

Because MK 677 does not interact with the endocrine system at all, it is the “SARM” with the least amount of side effects, making MK 677 a very safe SARM.

2) Mildest SARM (Most Researched)

Ostarine MK 2866 is one of the SARMs people love for its mildness. Not only will this SARM not really cause you any side effects, but you will also see gradual gains rather than bloating.

Ostarine MK 2866 is the SARM with the most research behind the name, and the one most people start off with. Studies have found that this SARM can actually help you burn some unwanted fat while building muscle, without causing real side effects [3].

For those that have serious safety concerns, Ostarine can cause some heartburn and nausea when you abuse the compound way above recommended doses.

This is the Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator that most people reach for in the beginning to stimulate anabolism, and can aid your intense weight training in more than one way.

3) Safest for Fat Loss: Stenabolic SR9009

Stenabolic is another “SARM” that is in reality, not a SARM. Stenabolic is known as a REV-ERB, and will increase the Rev-ErbA affinity in our body.

Stenabolic is not one of the more popular SARMs, and the reason for this is because it isn’t actually hormonal at all – it does not cause Testosterone downregulation at all. This also means that there is no PCT needed, and no Testosterone replacement therapy risk.

Why would you even want more Rev-ErbA? Well, it can increase lipolysis, decrease adipogenesis, and improve inflammatory responses from the body [4].

So not only will Stenabolic increase the amount of fat you lose, fight muscle wasting, and some even say it can improve sleep as well.

4) Safest SARM for Strength

Unlike some of the other SARMs on this list, Andarine S4 is a simple and straight forward SARM. It will bind to the Androgen Receptors throughout the body and cause biological changes.

Andarine is known to be quite good at helping individuals cut weight. Unlike Anabolic Steroids, there is very little chance that this compound will cause Estrogenic side effects.

Andarine will give you a very dry look while also help you with building lean body mass as well as increasing bone density. It was originally developed for patients suffering from muscle wasting and bone problems (as they age).

While Andarine is relatively safe, there are definitely effects on the eyes as users have reported “yellowing” of vision. They also claim that it can make the eyes very sensitive to light.

5) Safest for Muscle Growth

Ligandrol LGD-4033 is a selective androgenic receptor modulator (SARM) that was developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals. It is primarily a mass-building SARM that was originally developed to treat muscle-wasting conditions.
According to results obtained from clinical trials, humans can take up to 222 mg per day of Ligandrol for 14 consecutive days. This compound has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing muscle size, reducing body fat, and promoting strength.
Ligandrol is one of the best SARMs for increasing lean mass and it activates the muscle regeneration process after a workout. This SARM also increases both energy and strength.
Ligandrol can be stacked with a cutting SARM for weight loss in order to preserve muscle size while you are stripping off body fat.
In terms of weight loss, Ligandrol is able to attach to fat receptors and stimulate fat loss. It will boost the metabolism for faster calorie burning.

What are SARMs?

Simply put, SARMs or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators were developed to replace Anabolic Steroids in the medical world. See, Steroids were given as a treatment method for individuals who suffered from illnesses that cause atrophy of skeletal muscle.

Unfortunately, Steroids will cause quite a bit of side effects while increasing muscle mass, so doctors wanted something new, something better.

The scientists over at Ligand Pharmaceuticals were the first to identify such a compound, that had both anabolic activity while also portraying some selectiveness in tissue [5]. Thus, SARMs were developed to act like Anabolic Steroids, without adverse effects.

How Do Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators Work?

The human body has Androgen Receptors throughout that are meant to be bound by ligands. In particular, these ligands include human hormones such as Testosterone. This is completely normal and healthy, and can even be exploited.

By massively increasing the number of certain ligands in the body, we can see massive biological changes, particularly in metabolism, body fat levels, bone density, and muscle mass. We know from a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that Testosterone alone will build muscle mass [6] – no exercise is needed! Just look at the graph!

SARMs will do something similar to Steroids, just not quite as powerful. SARMs will bind to the Androgen Receptors in the body, causing muscle growth. Easy right? Let’s make it a bit harder. This is how SARMs work:

Turkesterone — Figure 1: SARMs Mechanism of Action

Step 1: Steroid Hormone or SARM binds to the Steroid Hormone Receptors

Step 2: Hormone/SARM-Receptor complex enters the Nucleus

Step 3: The complex will bind to the receptor sites on the chromatin

Step 4: This activates mRNA transcription

Step 5: mRNA leaves the nucleus

Step 6: Ribosomes translate mRNA into new proteins

This is the process in which SARMs will help you gaining muscle. These compounds will also not bind to all the receptors in the human body, unlike Anabolic Steroids, which will bind to everything.

Safest SARMs for Bulking

Bulking is a term usually used by individuals looking to gain quite a bit of muscle mass, and don’t actually mind gaining a bit of pudge as well. Not the “leanest” option available.

The safest SARM for bulking would have to be Ligandrol LGD 4033 because it’s actually got some potency. Yes, there are side effects, however, if your goal is bulking, you’re looking for something with significant benefits.

This means taking a few L’s, and choosing the appropriate Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator. Might be a wise idea to keep some PCT or anti aromatase products on hand.

Safest SARMs for Lean Muscle Mass

Conversely to “bulking”, trying to gain lean muscle mass usually means a more careful approach. Someone looking to improve muscle mass, someone looking to use some body building products to cause muscle growth without any fat gain or bloat.

The safest SARM for lean muscle mass would have to be Ostarine. Ostarine is known to be somewhat mild in its physical function, and that means that you simply won’t be experiencing the heavy sides. You can still experience a great amount of muscle growth, and you certainly will do less damage than any Anabolic Steroid.

Safest SARMs for Fat Loss

Fat loss differs ever so slightly from “cutting” because in my opinion, fat loss can apply to anyone and everyone. Only athletes (specifically physique athletes) will cut.

The safest SARM for Fat Loss would have to be MK-677 (again, not really a SARM). MK 677 is known as a Growth Hormone secretagogue that will increase the amount of Growth Hormone the pituitary produces.

Safest SARMs — Figure 2: Chemyo’s MK 677 comes in a 50ml bottle

Growth Hormone has few if any “real” side effects when used in normal doses. It can definitely lead to insulin resistance if you totally abuse the product in question, however, you have to be eating like an absolute pig (and using way too much for that to happen).

MK 677 will lead to increased levels of Lipase in the body, which in turn will greatly increase lipolysis – fat loss. It is pretty average at inducing muscle growth, however.

Safest SARMs for Cutting

Cutting is reserved for athletes mostly. Physical function plays a massive role in their progress, as they need to battle muscle wasting as much as they possibly can. Other SARMs like MK 677 would help, sure, but I think the safest SARM for cutting is Ligandrol.

It is going to do a better job at stopping muscle wasting when dieting than some other SARMs on this list, and in clinical trials it has been shown to aid slightly in the act of losing fat.

If you diet correctly, you even stand a change of increasing lean muscle mass! But, you have to be doing everything perfectly for that to happen.

Safest SARMs for Beginners

Beginners are often misinformed that they can take substances without any sides. There are always going to be some side effects, these are not dietary supplements after all. This is why these compounds are banned by the World Anti Doping Agency.

That said, if you are 100% sure about using a SARM, you could look at Ostarine. Typically not going to have a lot of side effects, and it is the SARM with the most amount of clinical trials supporting it.

Benefits of SARMs

SARMs are a term used to describe a massive amount of compounds that all have a different chemical structure, and they will have different effects based of that structure. That said, SARMs can have the following benefits:

Increase in lean muscle tissue
Decrease in body fat levels
Improving your cardiovascular and muscular endurance
Greater bone density
Better sleep
Certain SARMs can even increase libido and sexual function

While SARMs do have a host of benefits, it’s important to remember that SARMs can still have side effects. No official regulatory body has approved SARMs for human use, and that will only happen when all the side effects have been fully studied, etc.

SARMs vs Anabolic Steroids

The first thing you need to know is that SARMs and Steroids do exactly the same thing, just in different manners.

Both SARMs and Steroids will bind to the Androgen Receptor Cells, and cause a biological change from there. The process is explained in a paragraph higher in this article, however, it is important to remember that these substances do the same thing.

The only difference is that Steroids have the potential to be way more impactful on your body. Steroid users have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer, worse cholesterol readings, and Testosterone suppression. This is because Steroids are a lot stronger than SARMs.

SARMs do, however, need a lot more research done on them before we have a grasp as to how these compounds act on a long term scale.

Safest Place to Buy SARMs

Finding a reputable SARM supplier online is pretty hard, and for good reason. These guys can label their products as anything and since the dietary supplement industry doesn’t regulate these compounds, they aren’t tested.

That said, we have made use of Amino Asylum for a long while now, and they have never disappointed us. They have everything from RAD 140 to even other products, like a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator.

They have a large number of great reviews on their site and on Reddit, and if you spend some time online, you’ll soon realize that Amino Asylum is the leading SARM supplier in the States.

Safest Way to take SARMs

Don’t.

SARMs are experimental, they are literally sold as research chemicals! So, if you are terrified of any side effects at all, maybe don’t use these substances, there are plenty of other dietary supplements such as Creatine that can help you.

If you are actually sure you want to use a SARM, here are some tips on how to use SARMs safely:

Don’t use too much, follow the recommended dosing
Don’t use the strongest SARMs, start off with lighter ones and move up
Do not run cycles that are longer than recommended
Have your bloodwork done to see how your hormones change, like with LetsGetChecked
Use other substances like a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) and aromatase inhibitors as needed
Make use of a PCT once you have completed your cycle

Lets Get Checked Review — Figure 3: While SARMs are less destructive than Steroids, you should still have frequent blood tests done to make sure you are healthy

Are SARMs Legal?

The use of a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator or SARM is technically illegal. These are classified as “not for human use” and they may not be sold as dietary supplements. That said, SARMs are legal to purchase under the term “research chemicals”, as are some other compounds like Peptides. SARMs are however banned by the World Anti Doping Agency in professional sports.

Safest SARMs companies?

The safest SARM companies we could recommend would have to be Amino Asylum and Chemyo, and Sports Technology Labs. They have been in the industry for a while, and they have a lot of good reviews. They frequently test their products and have amazing quality.

Best and Safest SARMs?

The “best” and “safest” do not always go together, as they are not the same. The best SARMs for one person might not be the best SARMs for someone else. The safest SARMs would have to be MK 677, Ostarine, and Stenabolic as they have the least amount of side effects.

Are SARMs Safe for Females?

SARMs can be safe for females, but only if they use the correct ones. YK-11 is not safe for females, but females could use Ostarine. Female SARM usage is rising rapidly, and a lot of females have great success with them.

Are SARMs Safe?

Anything can be dangerous if used incorrectly. SARMs can be safe, yes, however it depends on you. If you already have kidney damage and you use way too much LGD 4033 and RAD 140 at the same time, you’re going to get hurt.

Hair Safe SARMs?

While there is no clinical research to show that SARMs will cause hair loss, there are some who will experience hair loss regardless. The safest SARMs for hair loss would be Ostarine and MK 677.

Is 1 Cycle of SARMs Safe?

It could be, yes. You will determine the safety of the situation, however, based on your dosage, the SARM used, and the time of the cycle.

Still Have Questions?

Drop us a comment down below and one of our expert coaches will respond to it.

1) M. G. Murphy, L. M. Plunkett, B. J. Gertz, W. He, J. Wittreich, W. M. Polvino, D. R. Clemmons, MK-677, an Orally Active Growth Hormone Secretagogue, Reverses Diet-Induced Catabolism, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 83, Issue 2, 1 February 1998, Pages 320–325, https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.83.2.4551

2) Kim KR, Nam SY, Song YD, Lim SK, Lee HC, Huh KB. Low-dose growth hormone treatment with diet restriction accelerates body fat loss, exerts anabolic effect and improves growth hormone secretory dysfunction in obese adults. Horm Res. 1999;51(2):78-84. doi: 10.1159/000023319. PMID: 10352397.

3) Bhasin S. Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators as Function Promoting Therapies. J Frailty Aging. 2015;4(3):121-2. doi: 10.14283/jfa.2015.65. PMID: 27030938; PMCID: PMC6039107.

4) Duez H, Staels B. Rev-erb-alpha: an integrator of circadian rhythms and metabolism. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2009 Dec;107(6):1972-80. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00570.2009. Epub 2009 Aug 20. PMID: 19696364; PMCID: PMC2966474.

5) Bhasin S, Jasuja R. Selective androgen receptor modulators as function promoting therapies. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009 May;12(3):232-40. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32832a3d79. PMID: 19357508; PMCID: PMC2907129.

6) The Effects of Supraphysiologic Doses of Testosterone on Muscle Size and Strength in Normal Men Shalender Bhasin, M.D July 4, 1996, N Engl J Med 1996; 335:1-7, DOI: 10.1056/NEJM199607043350101

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Contributors

Daniel Louwrens BSc PT | Writer

Daniel Louwrens is a well-rounded fitness professional with over 10 years of experience in bodybuilding and fitness. He holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Western Cape and is a certified International Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. He is also a skilled bodybuilder and head coach for Muscle and Brawn. With his knowledge and expertise, he provides personalized training, nutrition, and recovery guidance to help clients reach their fitness goals.

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