Question 1

What are peptides?

Accepted Answer

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, typically between 2 and 50 amino acids long. They act as signaling molecules in the body, triggering specific biological responses like tissue repair, hormone release, immune activation, and metabolic regulation. Your body produces hundreds of peptides naturally. Therapeutic peptides are synthetic versions designed to mimic or enhance these natural signals

Question 2

What is the difference between a peptide and a protein?

Accepted Answer

Size is the primary distinction. Peptides are generally under 50 amino acids; proteins are larger, often hundreds or thousands of amino acids. The boundary is somewhat arbitrary — insulin, at 51 amino acids, is sometimes classified as both. Functionally, peptides tend to act as signaling molecules while proteins serve structural, enzymatic, and transport roles.

Question 3

Are peptides the same as steroids?

Accepted Answer

No. Peptides and steroids are completely different classes of compounds. Steroids are lipid-based hormones (like testosterone, estrogen, cortisol) derived from cholesterol. Peptides are chains of amino acids. They have different chemical structures, different mechanisms of action, and different side effect profiles. Peptides do not directly affect testosterone or estrogen levels the way anabolic s

Question 4

Are peptides natural?

Accepted Answer

Yes — your body produces hundreds of peptides naturally (endogenous peptides). These include insulin, oxytocin, endorphins, and many growth factors. Therapeutic peptides used in research and clinical practice are synthetic (exogenous) versions designed to replicate or enhance these natural signals.

Question 5

How do peptides work in the body?

Accepted Answer

Peptides function as signaling molecules. When administered, a peptide's specific amino acid sequence allows it to bind to receptors on target cells — like a key fitting a lock. This binding triggers an intracellular signaling cascade that produces a biological response. Different peptides bind to different receptors, which is why they have such varied effects (tissue repair, fat loss, cognitive e

Question 6

What are the main categories of peptides?

Accepted Answer

The six major categories are: Tissue Repair (BPC-157, TB-500), Weight Loss/Metabolic (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide), Growth Hormone Secretagogues (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin), Cognitive/Nootropic (Semax, Selank), Longevity/Anti-Aging (GHK-Cu, Epithalon, MOTS-c), and Immune Support (Thymosin Alpha-1). Additional categories include sexual health, cosmetic, and antimicrobial peptides.

Question 7

What is a peptide bond?

Accepted Answer

A peptide bond is the chemical bond that links amino acids together in a chain. It forms through a condensation reaction between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of the next, releasing a water molecule. The strength and structure of peptide bonds are what give peptides their specific three-dimensional shapes, which determine their biological activity.

Question 8

What does 'lyophilized' mean?

Accepted Answer

Lyophilized means freeze-dried. Most research and therapeutic peptides come as a lyophilized powder — a process that removes water while preserving the peptide's molecular structure. This powder form is stable for long-term storage. Before use, the powder must be reconstituted (dissolved) in bacteriostatic water to create an injectable solution.

Question 9

What is bacteriostatic water?

Accepted Answer

Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which acts as a preservative that inhibits bacterial growth. It is the standard diluent for reconstituting peptides because it keeps the solution stable and safe for multi-dose use over several weeks, unlike sterile water which has no preservative and must be used immediately.

Question 10

How do I calculate my peptide dose?

Accepted Answer

You need three numbers: the total peptide in your vial (mg), the volume of BAC water you added (mL), and your target dose (mcg). Divide the vial amount by the water volume to get concentration, then divide your target dose by the concentration to get the volume to draw. Our Calculator does this instantly with a visual syringe rendering.

Question 11

What does 'mcg' mean vs 'mg'?

Accepted Answer

mcg (micrograms) and mg (milligrams) are units of weight. 1 mg = 1,000 mcg. Most peptide doses are measured in micrograms. For example, a typical BPC-157 dose is 250 mcg (which equals 0.25 mg). Vial sizes are usually listed in milligrams (e.g., a 5 mg vial), while individual doses are in micrograms.

Question 12

What are 'units' on an insulin syringe?

Accepted Answer

Units on an insulin syringe refer to the graduated markings. On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units = 1 mL. So 10 units = 0.1 mL, and 1 unit = 0.01 mL. When someone says 'draw 5 units,' they mean draw to the 5-unit mark on the syringe, which equals 0.05 mL of solution.

Question 13

How many doses can I get from one vial?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your vial size and dose. A 5 mg vial of BPC-157 at 250 mcg per dose gives you 20 doses (5,000 mcg ÷ 250 mcg = 20). A 5 mg vial of TB-500 at 2.5 mg per dose gives you 2 doses. Our Calculator shows doses per vial automatically when you enter your parameters.

Question 14

What is a 'loading phase' and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A loading phase is an initial period of higher or more frequent dosing designed to reach therapeutic levels faster. TB-500 is the classic example: 2.5 mg twice weekly for 4 weeks (loading), then 1.5 mg once weekly (maintenance). Not all peptides require loading phases — BPC-157, for instance, is typically dosed consistently throughout.

Question 15

Can I take peptides every day?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the peptide. BPC-157, Ipamorelin, Semax, and GHK-Cu are commonly dosed daily. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are dosed once weekly. TB-500 is typically 2-3 times per week. The frequency is determined by the peptide's half-life and the protocol goals. Check each peptide's Encyclopedia entry for specific guidance.

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