Peptides are attracting growing attention in sport and fitness, and the subject deserves an honest treatment. Here is what researchers study, and what the anti-doping rules say.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not encourage the use of any compound. All products sold by Evil Peptides are for laboratory research use only.
Key points
- Many of these peptides, including growth hormone analogues and secretagogues, are on the WADA Prohibited List.
- Research focuses on the growth hormone axis, tissue repair and metabolism.
- Human evidence is limited; training, nutrition, sleep and recovery remain the foundations.
First, the anti-doping position
A large proportion of the peptides mentioned in a sporting context, including growth hormone analogues and the compounds that stimulate its release, appear on the Prohibited List published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Their use in competitive sport is banned and can lead to disqualification. In the UK, the WADA Code is implemented by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).
Which peptide classes are studied?
The growth hormone axis
Compounds such as CJC-1295, the CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin combination and Tesamorelin are investigated for how they interact with growth hormone signalling.
Tissue repair
BPC-157 and TB-500 are studied in the context of tissue repair, mainly in preclinical models. Our guide to peptides in recovery research looks at this area in more depth.
Metabolism and energy
MOTS-c, a peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, is examined in relation to metabolism and cellular energy.
The fundamentals are not up for debate
Even within research, it is accepted that consistent training, nutrition, sleep and recovery have the greatest bearing on performance and body composition. Peptides are a field of enquiry, not a shortcut or a substitute.
Frequently asked questions
Are these peptides permitted in competition?
Many are not. Check the current WADA Prohibited List, which is updated annually, and UKAD guidance.
Are the products sold by Evil Peptides intended for human use?
No. They are supplied strictly for laboratory research and are not for human consumption.
For background reading, see our introduction to peptides.
Research use only: this article is general and educational and is not medical advice. All products sold by Evil Peptides are intended solely for laboratory research and are not for human or veterinary use.