100+ peptides plus NAD+ and NMN explained honestly — evidence, risks, FDA status, and food-first alternatives for every single one. Understand the science before making decisions.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids (2–50 units) that act as signaling molecules. They bind to cell receptors like keys in locks, triggering responses such as hormone release, tissue repair, or appetite control. Proteins are longer chains (50+ amino acids).
GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon agonists. Strong short-term results—but 60–80% regain when stopped if habits don’t change.
| Peptide | Mechanism | Evidence | Status 2026 | Risks | Food-First Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 agonist | Phase 3; 10–15% loss | FDA-approved | Nausea, GI, lean mass loss, rebound | High-protein, high-fiber, low-GI meals |
| Tirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 | Strong trials; 15–20% loss | FDA-approved | Similar GI, lean mass loss, cost | Same + resistance training, leucine |
| Retatrutide | Triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon | Phase 3; ~24% loss | In development | Unknown long-term; lean loss risk | Calorie deficit, protein, training |
| Liraglutide | GLP-1 agonist | Phase 3; 5–8% loss | FDA-approved | GI upset, pancreatitis risk | High-protein, fiber, meal timing |
| Exenatide | GLP-1 agonist | Established; 2–4% loss | FDA-approved | GI, injection site reactions | Low-GI meals, protein first |
| Lixisenatide | GLP-1 agonist | Trials; modest loss | FDA-approved | GI, hypoglycemia risk | Balanced meals, fiber |
| Dulaglutide | GLP-1 agonist | Phase 3; 4–6% loss | FDA-approved | GI, thyroid C-cell risk | Protein, fiber, TRE |
| CagriSema | Cagrilintide + Semaglutide | Phase 3; combo | In development | Combined GI, appetite effects | Aggressive food-first protocol |
| MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | GH secretagogue; oral | Small trials | Not FDA-approved | Water retention, appetite, insulin resistance | Sleep, protein, resistance training |
| CJC-1295 | GHRH analog | Limited human data | Banned compounding | Pituitary exhaustion, water retention | Protein, sleep, fasting |
| CJC-1295 DAC | GHRH analog (long-acting) | Limited | Banned | Extended half-life risks | Same |
| Ipamorelin | GHSR agonist | Limited | Banned | Immunogenicity, GH axis | Protein, sleep, exercise |
| GHRP-2 | Ghrelin mimetic | Limited | Banned | Appetite spike, cortisol | Leucine, protein timing |
| GHRP-6 | Ghrelin mimetic | Limited | Banned | Strong appetite, GH | Same |
| Hexarelin | GHSR agonist | Limited | Not approved | Cardiac effects, appetite | Natural GH support |
| Sermorelin | GHRH analog | Some clinical use | Restricted | Pituitary, injection burden | Sleep, protein, fasting |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH analog | Phase 3; visceral fat | FDA-approved (HIV) | Glucose, IGF-1 monitoring | Visceral fat reduction via diet |
| AOD-9604 | HGH fragment | Modest fat trials | Gray area | Limited efficacy data | Calorie deficit, protein |
| HGH Frag 176-191 | HGH fragment | Preclinical | Not approved | Lipolysis claims unproven | Same |
| Mod GRF 1-29 | GHRH fragment | Limited | Banned | Short half-life, dosing | Natural GH support |
| Pramlintide | Amylin analog | FDA-approved; diabetes | FDA-approved | Hypoglycemia, GI | Protein, fiber, meal timing |
BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu—popular for gut and tendon repair. Most human data is sparse; FDA has restricted many.
| Peptide | Mechanism | Evidence | Status 2026 | Risks | Food-First Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Gastric fragment; angiogenesis | Animal only | Banned compounding | Angiogenesis in tumors; no human trials | Bone broth, glutamine, fermented foods, fiber |
| TB-500 | Thymosin beta-4 fragment | Preclinical | Banned | Unknown long-term | Collagen, omega-3s, anti-inflammatory foods |
| GHK-Cu | Copper peptide; wound healing | Skin/wound studies | Cosmetic/topical OK | Low risk topically | Copper-rich foods, vitamin C, collagen |
| LL-37 | Antimicrobial peptide | Immune/wound studies | Research | Pro-inflammatory in some contexts | Zinc, vitamin D, probiotics |
| KPV | α-MSH fragment | Preclinical anti-inflammatory | Not approved | Limited human data | Anti-inflammatory diet, omega-3s |
| Thymalin | Thymic peptide | Immune modulation | Non-US use | Immunomodulation risks | Sleep, zinc, vitamin D |
| Thymogen | Thymic peptide | Limited | Non-US | Unknown | Immune-supportive foods |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | Immune modulator | Hep B, cancer adjunct | FDA-approved (Zadaxin) | Immunomodulation | Protein, sleep, stress management |
| Thymosin Beta-4 | Cell migration, repair | Preclinical | Research | Angiogenesis concerns | Collagen, omega-3s |
| RGD Peptide | Integrin binding | Cell adhesion research | Research | Limited human data | Protein, minerals |
| Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 | Collagen signaling | Topical studies | Cosmetic | Low risk | Vitamin C, collagen foods |
| Body Protection Compound | Gastric-derived | Animal gut repair | Banned | No human trials | Gut-healing diet |
| Rolontis (Eflapegrastim) | G-CSF analog | Neutropenia | FDA-approved | Bone pain, spleen | Protein, B12, iron |
| Glutathione | Antioxidant tripeptide | Established | Supplement/IV | Generally low | Sulfur foods, NAC precursors |
| Carnosine | Dipeptide; antioxidant | Muscle, brain studies | Supplement | Low | Beef, poultry, fish |
| Anserine | Methylated carnosine | Limited | Supplement | Low | Poultry, fish |
| Colostrum peptides | Immune, gut | Some clinical | Supplement | Low | Fermented foods, probiotics |
| Peptide | Mechanism | Evidence | Status | Food-First Alternative | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semax | ACTH fragment; neuroprotective | Non-US use | Not US-approved | Limited US data | Omega-3s, tyrosine, magnesium, sleep |
| Selank | Tuftsin derivative | Anxiety, cognition (Russia) | Not US-approved | Unknown long-term | Adaptogens, GABA foods, sleep |
| Cerebrolysin | Peptide mix; neurotrophic | Stroke/cognitive studies | Not US-approved | Injection, batch variability | Mediterranean diet, polyphenols, exercise |
| DSIP (Delta Sleep Inducing) | Sleep regulation | Limited human | Not approved | Unknown | Sleep hygiene, magnesium, glycine |
| Noopept | Nootropic dipeptide | Russian use | Not US-approved | Headache, irritability | Lion's mane, omega-3s, choline |
| Cortexin | Brain peptide mix | Russian pediatric | Not US-approved | Injection | Brain-healthy fats, B vitamins |
| N-PEP-12 | Proline-rich peptide | Limited | Research | Unknown | Protein, polyphenols |
| Dihexa | Angiotensin metabolite | Preclinical cognition | Research | Unknown | BDNF support via exercise, diet |
| N-Acetyl Semax Amidate | Semax analog | Limited | Not approved | Unknown | Same as Semax |
| PPC-1 | Proline-rich complex | Limited | Research | Unknown | Brain-healthy diet |
| P21 | CNTF derivative | Preclinical neurogenesis | Research | Unknown | Exercise, learning, sleep |
| NAPVSIPQ | Activity-dependent neuroprotective | Preclinical | Research | Unknown | Mental stimulation, exercise |
| BPC-157 (CNS) | Gastric fragment; brain claims | Animal only | Banned | No human CNS data | Gut-brain axis diet |
| Oxytocin | Social bonding hormone | Established | FDA-approved (Pitocin) | Dosing, context-dependent | Social connection, touch, trust |
| Vasopressin analogs | Memory, social | Research | Limited approval | Water retention, mood | Hydration, electrolytes |
| Selank (N-acetyl) | Tuftsin derivative | Limited | Not US | Unknown | Adaptogens, sleep |
Telomerase, mitochondrial, and immune-modulating peptides. Most are preclinical or banned.
| Peptide | Mechanism | Evidence | Status | Risks | Food-First Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epitalon | Telomerase claims | Early/small trials | FDA hostile; banned | Unproven longevity | Sleep, stress reduction, polyphenols |
| Epithalon | Epitalon variant | Limited | Banned | Same | Same |
| MOTS-c | Mitochondrial peptide | Preclinical/early | Not approved | Unknown | Exercise, Mediterranean, fasting |
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Mitochondrial membrane | Phase 2/3 for diseases | Investigational | Injection | CoQ10 foods, omega-3s, exercise |
| FOXO4-DRI | Senolytic; p53-FOXO4 | Preclinical | Research | Unknown | Polyphenols, fasting, exercise |
| Humanin | Mitochondrial-derived | Preclinical neuroprotection | Research | Unknown | Mitochondrial support via diet |
| Pinealon | Pineal peptide | Limited | Non-US | Unknown | Sleep, melatonin-supportive foods |
| Vilon | Thymic peptide | Limited | Non-US | Unknown | Immune-supportive diet |
| Thymulin | Thymic; zinc-dependent | Immune studies | Research | Zinc balance | Zinc, protein, sleep |
| Khavinson peptides | Short regulatory | Russian longevity research | Non-US | Limited Western data | Polyphenols, protein, sleep |
| NAD+ precursors | NR, NMN (not peptides) | Mixed | Supplement | Generally low | Tryptophan, niacin foods |
| SS-02 | Mitochondrial-targeted | Preclinical | Research | Unknown | Exercise, polyphenols |
| BAM-15 | Mitochondrial uncoupler (not peptide) | Preclinical | Research | Unknown | Metabolic flexibility via diet |
Topical peptides are generally safe. Effects are modest (10–30% wrinkle reduction over months).
| Peptide | Mechanism | Evidence | Status | Risks | Food-First Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) | Signals collagen I/III | Clinical; low irritation | Cosmetic | Low | Vitamin C, collagen foods |
| Matrixyl 3000 | Dual peptide; collagen | Firmness studies | Cosmetic | Low | Same |
| GHK-Cu | Copper delivery; wound healing | Firmness, scars; well-tolerated | Cosmetic | Low topically | Copper foods, vitamin C |
| Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) | Relaxes facial muscles | Gradual; safe topically | Cosmetic | Low | Facial massage, hydration |
| Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) | Botulinum-like; muscle | Limited | Cosmetic | Low | Same as Argireline |
| Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | Anti-inflammatory; matrix | Skin studies | Cosmetic | Low | Anti-inflammatory diet |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 | Collagen, elastin | Firmness | Cosmetic | Low | Protein, vitamin C |
| Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Skin repair | Limited | Cosmetic | Low | Hydration, antioxidants |
| Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 | Collagen synthesis | Limited | Cosmetic | Low | Same |
| Palmitoyl Oligopeptide | Matrix support | Limited | Cosmetic | Low | Collagen, protein |
| Copper Peptide (generic) | GHK variants | Wound, anti-aging | Cosmetic | Low | Copper, zinc foods |
| Eyeseryl (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5) | Puffiness, circulation | Limited | Cosmetic | Low | Sleep, hydration, salt |
| Dermaxyl | Collagen fragment | Limited | Cosmetic | Low | Protein, vitamin C |
| Lipopeptide (various) | Palmitoyl-linked | Penetration studies | Cosmetic | Low | Topical antioxidants |
GH secretagogues, IGF-1 analogs, and myostatin inhibitors. Most are banned or investigational.
| Peptide | Mechanism | Evidence | Status | Risks | Food-First Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IGF-1 LR3 | IGF-1 analog; long-acting | Limited human | Banned | Hypoglycemia, organ growth | Protein, leucine, resistance training |
| DES IGF-1 | IGF-1 variant | Limited | Banned | Same | Same |
| Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) | IGF-1 splice variant | Preclinical | Banned | Unknown | Progressive overload, protein |
| PEG-MGF | PEGylated MGF | Limited | Banned | Unknown | Same |
| Follistatin | Myostatin inhibitor | Preclinical | Research | Unknown | Resistance training, protein |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH; visceral fat | FDA-approved (HIV) | Restricted | Glucose, IGF-1 | Diet, exercise for body comp |
| Ipamorelin | GHSR; selective GH | Limited | Banned | GH axis | Sleep, protein, training |
| GHRP-2 / GHRP-6 | Ghrelin mimetics | Limited | Banned | Appetite, cortisol | Leucine, meal timing |
| Hexarelin | GHSR agonist | Limited | Banned | Cardiac, appetite | Natural GH support |
| CJC-1295 | GHRH analog | Limited | Banned | Pituitary, water | Protein, sleep, fasting |
| MK-677 | Oral GH secretagogue | Small trials | Not approved | Water, appetite, insulin | Sleep, protein, training |
| BPC-157 (muscle) | Repair claims | Animal only | Banned | No human data | Collagen, protein, recovery |
| TB-500 | Cell migration | Preclinical | Banned | Unknown | Collagen, omega-3s |
| ACE-031 (concept) | Myostatin inhibitor | Discontinued trial | Research | Bleeding risk | Progressive overload |
Melanocortin agonists, libido peptides, and tanning agents. Most are not FDA-approved for these uses.
| Peptide | Mechanism | Evidence | Status | Risks | Food-First Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT-141 (Bremelanotide) | Melanocortin agonist | FDA-approved (Vyleesi) | Approved (female HSDD) | Nausea, flushing | Stress reduction, sleep, connection |
| Melanotan I | α-MSH analog; tanning | Limited | Not FDA-approved | Nausea, darkening, moles | Safe sun, vitamin D |
| Melanotan II | α-MSH; tanning + libido | Limited | Not FDA-approved | Stronger side effects | Same |
| Kisspeptin | Reproductive hormone | Research | Investigational | Unknown | Sleep, zinc, healthy fats |
| Oxytocin (intranasal) | Bonding, trust | Research | Off-label | Context-dependent | Touch, connection, trust |
| Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide | Vasodilation, various | Research | Limited | Unknown | Nitric oxide foods |
| Adipotide | Targets fat vasculature | Preclinical | Research | Kidney toxicity | Calorie deficit, exercise |
| Enfuvirtide | HIV fusion inhibitor | FDA-approved | Approved | Injection site | N/A (prescription) |
| Teriparatide | PTH analog; bone | FDA-approved | Approved | Osteosarcoma risk | Calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing |
| Abaloparatide | PTHrP analog; bone | FDA-approved | Approved | Similar to teriparatide | Same |
NAD+ and NMN are not peptides — they're nucleotide-derived molecules that power cellular energy. But they show up in every anti-aging conversation alongside peptides, so you need to understand both to make informed decisions.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide — a coenzyme in every cell that declines with age. Essential for mitochondrial function, sirtuin activation, DNA repair, and energy metabolism. Without enough NAD+, cells age faster and repair slower.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide — a stable precursor that converts directly to NAD+ in cells. Unlike NAD+ itself (which absorbs poorly when taken orally), NMN is easy to take as a supplement at 250–1000mg doses.
Peptides are amino acid chains that signal specific body functions (muscle repair, immune boost, fat loss). NAD+/NMN boost systemic cellular energy and repair. They work on different levels — and can complement each other.
| Aspect | NMN / NAD+ | Peptides |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical type | Nucleotide-derived coenzyme / precursor | Short amino acid chains (2–50 units) |
| Primary role | Boost systemic NAD+ for energy, anti-aging, cognition | Targeted signaling: growth hormone, inflammation, repair |
| Delivery | Oral (NMN), IV (NAD+) | Injections, topicals, orals |
| NAD+ boost | 2–6x increase at supplement doses | Indirect — some peptides support mitochondria |
| Best for | Longevity, energy, DNA repair, brain health | Muscle recovery, gut healing, skin, weight, immunity |
| Oral bioavailability | NMN: high | NAD+: poor (needs IV) | Varies widely by peptide type |
Human trials are now confirming what animal studies suggested. Here's what the data actually shows — no hype, just evidence.
| Supplement / Trial | Dose & Duration | NAD+ Increase | Benefits Noted |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMNH | 500mg daily, 90 days | ~3x | Energy, mood (SF-36 scores), well-tolerated in ages 40–65 |
| NMN (high dose) | 600–900mg daily, 30–60 days | 2–6x | Metabolism, muscle function, aerobic capacity |
| NR / NMN combo | 14 days | ~2x | Circulating NAD+ doubled vs. placebo in 65 adults |
| NMN (chronic) | 12 weeks | Significant rise | NAD+ metabolites up, muscle function improved |
| NMN + Resveratrol | Combination (animal data) | 1.6–1.7x | Heart and skeletal muscle NAD+ boost; human parallels suggested |
You can't match supplement-level NAD+ boosts from food alone. But a nutrient-dense diet maintains your baseline NAD+ levels, prevents unnecessary decline, and helps your body use whatever you give it more effectively.
Maintains optimal baseline NAD+ for daily energy, repair, and healthy aging. Prevents the declines caused by poor habits, sugar overload, and nutrient gaps. Niacin-rich foods alone can boost blood NAD+ up to 8x in some studies.
NMN provides therapeutic doses (250–1000mg) for noticeable gains: 60–200% NAD+ rise, improved muscle performance, and potential longevity benefits that food alone can't match at those levels.
Start with food. Build the baseline. If you're then considering NMN or NAD+ IV — you'll get more from it because your body is already running on quality fuel, not fighting the damage from a poor diet.
Can I hit 70–80% of this effect with routine eating, movement, and sleep—and use the peptide only if I still need help? That’s the PeptideEats approach.
Get My Food-First PlanSee our Nutrition Guide for calorie & macro targets by age and example meal sheets.