Frequently Asked Questions

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, typically defined as 2–50 amino acids long. Proteins are longer chains (50+ amino acids). The distinction is primarily one of length and complexity. In research contexts, 'peptides' usually refers to synthetic short-chain compounds used as signaling molecules.

Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The benzyl alcohol prevents bacterial growth, allowing a reconstituted vial to be used safely for multiple doses over 28–30 days. Plain sterile water has no preservative and must be used within 24 hours — impractical for multi-dose peptide research.

Most peptides cannot be taken orally because they are rapidly degraded by digestive enzymes (proteases) in the stomach and small intestine. This is why nearly all research peptide protocols use subcutaneous injection. Exceptions include some very small peptides like KPV (tripeptide) and non-peptide compounds like MK-677, which are GI-stable. Check individual protocol pages for route-specific information.

Reconstitution is the process of dissolving a lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder in bacteriostatic water to create an injectable solution. Peptides are supplied as dry powder because they are far more stable in dry form. Once dissolved, they must be refrigerated and used within a specific window (typically 14–30 days).

The concentration determines how much liquid you inject per dose. Higher concentration = less liquid per dose. Each protocol page specifies a recommended BAC water volume chosen to make syringe units fall in a readable range (typically 5–80 units on a U-100 syringe). Use the PeptidEdge Calculator to check the math for any BAC water volume.

These are completely different things that unfortunately share the word 'unit.' U-100 syringe units are volume marks: 100 units = 1 mL of liquid. IU (International Units) measure biological potency for specific hormones like HGH and HCG. They are not interchangeable. '20 units on a U-100 syringe' means 0.20 mL of liquid; '20 IU of HGH' means a specific amount of biological hormone potency.

1 mg = 1,000 mcg. To convert mcg to mg: divide by 1,000. Example: 500 mcg ÷ 1,000 = 0.5 mg. To convert mg to mcg: multiply by 1,000. Example: 0.25 mg × 1,000 = 250 mcg. This conversion is critical — confusing the two units creates a 1,000-fold dosing error.

A loading phase is an initial period of higher dosing designed to quickly build compound concentrations in the body to a therapeutic level. Common for TB-500 (which distributes systemically and requires body-wide saturation) and tirzepatide/semaglutide (where higher initial doses quickly establish steady state). After the loading phase, a lower maintenance dose is used.

Growth hormone is primarily secreted in pulses during deep sleep — especially in the first few hours of sleep. For GH secretagogues (Sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295), administering before sleep synchronizes the pharmacological GH pulse with the natural nocturnal pulse, producing a larger combined effect. Additionally, natural somatostatin (the GH suppressor) is at its lowest level during sleep.

Half-life is the time for plasma concentration to fall by 50%. A compound with a 7-day half-life (semaglutide) maintains significant plasma levels throughout the week, enabling once-weekly dosing. One with a 2-hour half-life (ipamorelin) drops to negligible levels within hours, requiring multiple daily doses. Steady-state concentration takes 4–5 half-lives to achieve after starting a new protocol.

Legal status varies significantly by country, jurisdiction, and specific compound. Some peptides (semaglutide, tirzepatide, PT-141) are FDA-approved medications requiring prescriptions in the US. Others are in regulatory gray areas. WADA prohibits many peptides in competitive sports. PeptidEdge.com does not provide legal advice — consult applicable law in your jurisdiction.

WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) prohibits certain compounds in competitive sports to ensure fair competition. Many peptides including BPC-157, TB-500, all GHRPs, GHRH analogs, HGH, and IGF-1 are on the WADA prohibited list. This prohibition relates specifically to competitive sports contexts. Individual protocol pages note WADA status where applicable.