By Justin Groce, MSN,NP-C,CSCS Want more information about how peptides can be used in clinical settings? Check out our comprehensive Anti-Aging and Advanced Peptide course, led by Justin Groce!  

Peptides have become quite popular in the healthcare space within the last decade.  Because of their efficacy in the treatment of a spectrum of diseases, it’s no wonder why there’s been a dramatic uptick in the number of peptide-related services offered by providers across the country. But the real question is, what are peptides? 

Peptides are small sequences of amino acids. To be classified as a peptide, each sequence must be less than 50 amino acids in length. Anything greater than this is considered a protein.  

In humans, there are 20 different amino acids with nine of those classified as essential, which means we must obtain them through our diet. Peptides can come in various arrangements of these 20 amino acids. Some peptides are just a few amino acids long, while some are right at the 50 mark. 

What are the best peptides?  

These are the peptides I use most commonly in my practice to treat a variety of patient concerns.  

Tesamorelin   

Tesamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue.  Tesamorelin triggers the pituitary gland to make more growth hormone.  The benefits of increasing GH include: 

• Deeper, more restorative sleep 
• Faster recovery times 
• Expedited soft tissue repair 
• Increased collagen production 
• Augmented cellular healing 

Semaglutide 

Yes! This famous weight loss medication IS a peptide. It was one of the first peptides to really gain national attention, and for good reason. Semaglutide is an absolutely amazing peptide and millions of people continue to reach their weight, health, and cardiovascular goals with this peptide. 

TB500 

TB500 is considered a regenerative/healing peptide. It is a very potent anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing peptide.  Worried about flu season? TB500 has got you covered. Got a nagging soft tissue injury?  Run a round of this, and voila!  Much better! 

SS31   

SS31 is great for cellular health. It’s speculated that many illnesses start at the cellular level, when the mitochondria cells become dysfunctional. This is where the “aging process” truly starts. SS31 is a mitochondrial antioxidant. It’s been shown to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, improve cardiovascular function, and increase cellular glutathione levels. 

Pentosan Polysulfate 

Pentosan Polysulfate is not technically a peptide per se, but it deserves to be on this list because of its ability to mitigate osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is one of the most debilitating conditions. Period!  What’s worse is that it will affect almost everyone if they live long enough.  Enter pentosan polysulfate. This compound has been shown to increase the production of chondrocytes, which are the cells of cartilage, as well as increase joint space lubrication. This means that your joints will be well lubricated and won’t hurt nearly as much. 

Are peptides safe?  

Peptides are quite safe.  In fact, these are compounds that our bodies already produce.  We are simply providing more of these compounds to enhance our health and prevent disease. What’s even better is that peptides aren’t compounds that are only for the sick and ill. They are beneficial to otherwise healthy people who simply want to improve their health. 

Candidate screening 

Screening potential candidates for peptide therapy is straightforward.  At the bare minimum, I recommend evaluating patients with a complete blood cell (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).  For those getting growth hormone secretagogues, we also recommend adding an IGF1.  IGF1 is the downstream surrogate marker for growth hormone production. If you are considering prescribing weight loss peptides such as semaglutide, then we also encourage obtaining an A1c as well as fasting insulin.  These markers will show tangible evidence of the peptide’s influence on the patient’s metabolic health, as well as who may respond better to them.