For many athletes, the desire to boost performance and recover faster from strenuous workouts has led many to explore various supplements.
One set of supplements gaining attention in the fitness world is the search for the best peptides for muscle growth and bodybuilding.
Once you understand the mechanisms of how these revolutionary new compounds work, you can harness their potential to achieve your fitness goals.
In this article, we’ll offer some insights into which peptides are the best for building muscle, strength, and size.
We’ll look at how they work, their potential benefits, and any possible side effects.
9 Best Peptides for Muscle Growth
While there are quite literally 100’s of peptides in existence, not all of them are created equal.
Some work well for those looking to lose weight, some help with hair loss, and some even work to fight depression.
But you’re looking for a muscle building peptide to give you that extra edge.
These 9 peptides below will give you that edge. They include:
- BPC-157
- IGF-1 LR3
- CJC-1295 DAC
- Follistatin
- Hexarelin
- Ipamorelin
- MK-677
- Sermorelin
- Tesamorelin
Let’s discuss each one to give you a better understanding of how they work to increase lean muscle tissue.
1. BPC-157
First up on our list of the best peptides for muscle growth and recovery is none other than BPC-157.
Body Protection Compound-157 (BPC-157) is a synthetic peptide with a notable reputation for its role in promoting recovery and tissue repair.(1)
BPC-157’s mechanism of action revolves around its regenerative properties. One of the specific areas where BPC-157 shines is in the repair of tendons and ligaments.(2)
Healthy tendons and ligaments are vital for consistent and intense training. Consistency will allow you to push your limits more safely.
BPC-157 also promotes angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. Increased blood flow means better oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscle tissues, which enhances their ability to recover efficiently.(3)
The most effective BPC-157 dose for muscle growth is around 2.3 – 3.75 micrograms per kg of body weight twice per day.
So, for an adult male that weighs approximately 200 lbs. (90 kg), a dose of 0.225 – 0.338 mg would be sufficient.
Typically, the BPC-157 dose is administered via subcutaneous injection.
2. IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3, also known as Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long R3, is a synthetic version of IGF-1, a natural hormone found in the human body. It plays a critical role in various physical processes, including muscle growth.
IGF-1 LR3 is structurally similar to insulin, which means it binds to insulin receptors on cell surfaces. But its primary role is in promoting cell growth and differentiation, particularly in muscle cells.
IGF-1 LR3 can stimulate muscle protein synthesis. When IGF-1 LR3 binds to receptors on muscle cells, it activates signaling pathways that lead to an increase in the production of new muscle proteins.(4)
IGF-1 LR3 can also enhance nutrient uptake in muscle cells. This means your muscles are more efficient at utilizing nutrients for growth and repair.(5)
3. CJC-1295 DAC
Another peptide for building muscle is CJC-1295 DAC.
CJC-1295 DAC, a modified version of the original CJC-1295 peptide, has shown to extend the release of GH and IGF-1.(6)
The essential aspect of CJC-1295 DAC’s mechanism is its ability to stimulate the liver’s production of IGF-1.
This prolonged elevation in GH and IGF-1 levels enhances muscle protein synthesis, which promotes muscle growth over a longer period.
4. Follistatin
Follistatin is a natural protein in the human body that plays an important role in increasing muscle growth. Its most notable function is inhibiting another protein called myostatin, which acts as a negative regulator of muscle development.(7)
Follistatin’s primary function is to counteract myostatin by binding to it. This prevents myostatin from exerting its inhibitory effects.
By inhibiting myostatin, Follistatin encourages the formation of new muscle fibers, a process known as hyperplasia.
5. Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a synthetic peptide that also works as a growth hormone secretagogue. These higher GH levels enhance muscle protein synthesis and promote the growth and repair of muscle fibers.(8)
Higher GH levels can also encourage the breakdown of fats, contributing to a leaner body composition.
Hexarelin may also shorten the recovery process. By promoting the repair of damaged muscle tissues, tendons, and ligaments, you’ll recover faster from intense workouts.
6. Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is another synthetic peptide known for its ability to stimulate the release of GH. This elevation in growth hormone levels makes ipamorelin one of the best peptides for muscle growth.(9)
In addition to muscle-building properties, Ipamorelin impacts fat metabolism via its mechanism of action.
7. MK-677
MK-677, or Ibutamoren, is a synthetic GH secretagogue that stimulates the release of both growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1.(10)
This peptide primarily functions by increasing the secretion of GH, which in turn stimulates muscle growth and other cellular repairs.
However, along with increasing GH, it also stimulates the production of IGF-1 in the liver.
IGF-1 increases the number and size of muscle fibers. This improves protein synthesis. IGF-1 essentially bridges the gap between growth hormone and its muscle-building benefits.
8. Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide that functions as a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It acts as a GHRH analog, mimicking the effects of the natural GHRH hormone produced in the hypothalamus.(11)
By binding to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, this peptide prompts the gland to secrete more GH into the bloodstream.
By promoting the repair of damaged muscle tissues, tendons, and ligaments, Sermorelin enables individuals to recover more rapidly from intense workouts.
9. Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is another synthetic peptide that works as a GH secretagogue. In turn, these increased GH levels enhance muscle protein synthesis, which encourages the formation of new muscle fibers.(12)
In addition to its muscle-building effects, Tesamorelin can impact fat metabolism. Higher GH levels encourage fat breakdown for use as energy. Lower fat levels improve muscle definition and overall body composition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which peptide builds muscle the most?
In our expert opinion, the best peptide to use if you’re looking to strictly build muscle would be BPC-157. If you’re looking for even better results, we highly recommend you stack it with another peptide called TB500.
It’s easily the most effective peptides combo used by bodybuilders the world over to help increase strength, size, and mass.
Which peptide is most like HGH?
We all know the importance of HGH and its role in hormone release, but are there any peptides that can mimic the effect of traditional HGH injections?
Yes! We specifically recommend you pick up CJC-1295 DAC for this purpose.
Are there any side effects?
Potential side effects of using peptides for muscle growth may include skin reactions at the injection site, headaches, increased appetite, joint pain, and more.
Some possible side effects include:
- Allergic reactions
- Fluid retention
- Joint and muscle pain
- Headaches
- Increased appetite
- Insulin resistance
Do peptides work like steroids?
Peptides and steroids are distinct in their mechanisms of action, but they can both influence muscle growth and body composition, albeit in different ways.
While peptides present a milder and safer alternative to anabolic steroids, it’s essential to approach their use with the same level of care and responsibility.
Conclusion
We looked at 9 of the best peptides for muscle growth, each with its own mechanism for improving body composition, building muscle, and speeding recovery.
Whether it’s stimulating the release of GH, promoting tissue repair and regeneration, or optimizing IGF-1, these peptides provide a diverse toolkit if you’re seeking to optimize muscle gains.
