Peptides are short chains of amino acids that make up the building block of proteins. They are essential signaling molecules in the body that play a crucial role in regulating vital biological processes like hormone production, tissue repair, and metabolism.

Many have been proven to improve collagen synthesis, enhance skin proliferation, decrease inflammation, and even decrease appetite.¹

Bioactive peptides are specific, highly targeted peptide sequences that exert beneficial effects on human health.² Their biological effects often include lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and regulating hormones. These peptides first came into the marketplace in 1920, in the form of insulin.

Peptides have rapidly grown, most recently with Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1s) to slow digestion, regulate blood sugar, and increase the feelings of fullness for diabetes and weight management. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has currently approved over 100 peptides and peptide-based drugs, with over 34 new peptide drugs from 2016-2024, and a large uptick in 2025 of 46 new peptide drugs.³ However, thousands of unapproved synthetic peptides exist in what is referred to as the “gray market” of supplements.

Current FDA-Approved Peptides in the Marketplace

Peptides have demonstrated significant clinical potential across a range of therapeutic applications, with several peptide-based therapies now established in the treatment of metabolic, skeletal, and other chronic diseases. Examples include:

GLP-1 receptor agonists that have extensive large-scale phase III human trials proving efficacy in reducing food noise, managing blood sugar, and achieving a significant level of weight loss.

Teriparatide, a synthetic peptide of the parathyroid hormone is used for bone building to treat severe osteoporosis and is prescribed to post-menopausal women.

Tesamorelin has been proven to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. As demand grows, so do emerging markets for target-specific peptides, such as anti-aging.  However, the FDA has not approved any peptides for anti-aging and longevity.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Peptides

Like all drugs, GLP-1s come with risks and side effects. Common side effects of GLP-1s include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More rare side effects include low blood sugar, lung aspiration, thyroid cancer, and gallstones. In addition to weight loss, GLP-1s can also cause muscle loss. Some of these side effects may turn into long-term problems that can continue for months or even years after discontinuing use of a GLP-1, such as pancreatitis, vision problems, acute kidney injury, blurry vision and acute gallbladder disease. These side effects can vary based on the type of GLP-1 that is taken, as well as the duration.  

Certain peptide therapies like GLP-1s can deplete the body of important minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Many people are unaware that there are nutritional interventions that can be added to support the body during peptide therapies. This level of detailed safety information, side effects, and supporting nutritional interventions on GLP-1s only exists because they have been available since 2005, while also being extensively and continuously studied. However, for all unregulated peptides, these same safety risks, side effects, and long-term health impacts remain  unknown.

Grey Market Peptides

Peptides existing within the “grey market” are not FDA-approved. Rather, they are typically marketed as “research purposes only,” “not for human consumption,” or “research peptides” and lack any federal regulations on their manufacturing and distribution. These peptides carry risks of contamination, lack of clinical evidence for efficacy, and unverified evidence on dosing. Some of the more popular peptides highly demanded in the grey market include BPC-157, marketed for use in tissue repair, gut health, and wound healing. For example, Thymosin Beta-4 is in high demand by athletes and body builders to aid in muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, and for tissue regeneration. MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide highly regarded in the biohacking community for cellular metabolism and energy.

One of the biggest issues with unregulated peptides is the fact that little scientific evidence exists backing these claims. The practice of large-scale clinical trials for safety and efficacy for grey market peptides does not exist. Without clinical trials, any evidence of acute and long-term side effects  go unreported. The efficacy of peptides can vary dramatically based on the compound and its intended use. Additionally, non-FDA approved peptides carry risk of contamination from heavy metals such as arsenic or lead.⁴  While most pharmacies will adhere to FDA guidelines, there is a grey zone between navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape and what they can compound. Therefore, compounding pharmacies have become a source of purchasing peptides, but most unregulated peptides are purchased from online vendors selling “research use only” peptides.

Online testing labs are posting results of different vendors distributing peptides to help buyers make more informed decisions. These companies look mainly at the purity of peptides, rating them from good to poor, but no lab regulations for testing these peptides exist. On one testing website, they have eliminated all liability based on what the user does with the testing information provided. There are hundreds of vendors selling peptides, many of which have been ranked as poor quality or fraudulent, meaning that the peptide they marketed the product as was not in the product at all. While the level of contamination in these peptides is unknown, there have been several cases of contaminated peptides. One such case in Australia impacted 6 people with acute liver toxicity, leading one female to acute liver failure requiring a liver transplant from a counterfeit injectable advertised as the experimental weight-loss drug Retatrutide.⁵

Considering Nutritional Interventions as Alternatives to Injectable Peptides

Before peptide drugs existed, the only source of peptides available were consumed through foods. Foods naturally high in dietary peptides include protein-rich foods, meats, fermented dairy, whole grains, legumes and even certain seeds like hemp and flax.

Flaxseed oil contains specific dietary peptides known as cyclolinopeptides or orbitides. Locating sources utilizing unique extraction methods to preserve peptides from animal organs can be an excellent source of dietary peptides. Consuming peptides is not to take away from the therapeutic relevance of pharmaceutical peptides that are very specifically targeted at high therapeutic dosages for injection.

Weight Loss

The most popular applications of therapeutic peptides are for weight loss, anti-aging, and cellular repair. Evidence-informed dietary and lifestyle practices can contribute to the health and resilience of these areas. These are all actionable steps one can take before reaching for an unregulated peptide. For example, certain foods can stimulate GLP-1 secretion or help maintain its activity in the body. Compounds in bitter foods that can activate certain receptors in the gut that help stimulate GLP-1s through endocrine signaling.

Bitter foods with this effect are Arugula, dandelion greens, bitter melon, kale, mustard greens and herbs like gentian and berberine. Unfortunately, modern day breeding techniques have caused bred plants to be less bitter to favor more palatability for the consumer.

GLP-1s may impact gastric emptying, alter gastric acidity, and negatively impact the gut microbiome. GLP-1 signaling inhibits gallbladder contraction and can impair emulsification of dietary fats, which can contribute to deficiencies in fat soluble vitamins and impact overall nutrient status. It is unknown how other peptides may impact or deplete the body of key nutrients. Refer to a previously written Wholistic Matters article on nutritional and botanical support for GLP-1 activity for more information.

Fiber supplements and herbs like ginger, hops, wormwood, and feverfew can support healthy gastric juice output and increase bile flow for optimal digestion and absorption within the gut to activate GLP-1s.

Anti-Aging and Longevity

Herbs with adaptogenic properties that are high in antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids can provide great anti-aging support. Ginseng can promote collagen and hyaluronic acid production within the skin.⁶ Ginkgo Biloba can aid in skin health by providing antioxidant protection and reducing inflammation. Astaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment found in microalgae, is a powerful antioxidant studied for its benefits in skin health and anti-aging.⁷ Existing clinical evidence shows astaxanthin fighting off inflammation by targeting specific inflammatory biomarkers and signaling pathways.⁸ This makes it ideal as a recovery aid to support athletic performance. A different study demonstrates that astaxanthin can support anti-aging by inhibiting enzymes like MMP-1 that degrade collagen and elastin.⁷

Choosing to consume whole foods containing powerful phytochemicals can combat the signs of aging. For instance, foods such as berries and mushrooms can fight aging by lowering inflammation and providing antioxidants such as glutathione and anthocyanins to protect the cells from oxidative stress. Lutein is another powerful antioxidant found in dark green leafy vegetables that provides anti-aging benefits by protecting the skin while suppressing systemic inflammation.⁹

Stress Management & Sleep Hygiene

Stress is a huge factor that contributes to aging, chronic disease, and inflammation. Providing adequate nutrition for the body through whole food sources and adequate protein is vital for cellular health. Herbs like Ashwagandha, skullcap, St. John’s Wort (SJW), Schisandra, and Saffron can aid in promoting relaxation and reducing stress. (St. John’s Wort is known to interact with certain medications. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult their prescribing physician before beginning this herb.) Nutrients from omega fatty acids and a vitamin B complex can provide support to a body combating stress.

When derived from whole food sources, minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc can be utilized in the body easily due to their high bioavailability and ability to cross the blood brain barrier.¹⁰ Whole food sources of magnesium can be found in crops like Swiss chard and buckwheat.

Healthy aging goes hand in hand with sleep quality. Aiming for 7-9 hours a night is ideal to allow the body and mind to be repaired. Vitamin D and B vitamins are essential support for a healthy circadian rhythm. Herbal support could include Valerian root and Passionflower, both having a long historical use to aid in sleep quality and relaxation. Additionally, exercise and movement have been consistently proven to support anti-aging, weight loss, and substantially reduce risk of chronic disease. Exercise recovery can be supported with adequate nutrition of whole foods and protein.  Those with a busy lifestyle could try adding a whey or plant-based protein shake. Adequate hydration with electrolytes and supporting joints with glucosamine, Manganese, and Boswellia can also aid in recovery. Boswellia Serrata resin has long standing use in its ability to support join pain and stiffness.¹¹ But pairing Boswellia with glucosamine and Manganese provides additional benefits in the prevention of cartilage degradation and inflammation.¹²

Discontinuation of Peptide Usage

Once the body discontinues and clears peptides from the system, the benefits tend to gradually diminish. For example, those taking GLP-1s may regain weight and see blood sugar levels start to gradually increase.¹³

This is why it remains crucial to build a healthy foundation of nutrition and lifestyle habits to combat the loss of benefits the peptide may have provided. Prioritize whole foods with adequate protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Commit to daily movement and prioritize sleep and hydration. Get additional support from a functional medicine doctor that can help track progress and order appropriate lab tests as needed. The discontinuation of unregulated peptides will likely diminish benefits of reduced inflammation, faster workout recovery, and more. Peptides that have been around for a substantial number of years may have long term safety studies conducted, but unregulated peptides are widely unknown for their safety profiles of long-term usage.

Supplement Considerations as Alternatives to Peptides

Support for Healthy Aging

Gingko standardized to contain active flavonglycosides, ginkgolides and bilobalides combined with ginseng, containing ginseng root and standardized to contain active ginsenosides. Look for added ingredients of antioxidants, such as grape seed extract

Astaxathin combined with organic whole foods such as beet and mountain spinach for antioxidant support.

 Lutein, paired with buckwheat juice powder, holy basil leaf and tuna oil powder to support skin elasticity and appearance.

Support for weight management and glucose regulation

Hops flower CO₂ extract standardized to containing active alpha and beta acids, with feverfew containing active parthanolide is a modern formulation of traditional herbs to support healthy GLP-1 secretion and satiety.

Fiber powder containing both soluble and insoluble fiber with whole food sources of oat, beet and carrot fiber, apple pectin, sweet potato and rice bran can maintain healthy blood sugar levels that are within normal range.

Support for Exercise Recovery

Look for a non-denatured whey protein sourced from a company that tests protein powders for heavy metals and microbial contaminants.

Boswellia serrata combined with bovine bone, glucosamine, manganese and whole foods such as reishi mushroom, shiitake mushroom, flaxseed oil, Spanish moss, inositol and pea vine juice powder to help support healthy connective tissue and joint health.

Find a turmeric supplement combined with fenugreek fiber for optimal absorption and highest bioavailability of curcuminoids to combat inflammation.

Support for Stress Management and Sleep

Look for a magnesium product that contains whole food sources like Swiss chard and buckwheat for optimal bioavailability and absorption.

Fish oils from wild caught sustainable sources

Valerian root and rhizome extract, combined with passionflower herb and jujube seed to aid in promoting relaxation and mild nervous tension.

Supplements for Healthcare Practitioners

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