The Drug Department warns that the use of peptides sold online may be associated with serious health risks, as the safety and efficacy of many such products are insufficiently studied, and their actual composition may not match the labeling.
According to the department, interest in peptides has noticeably increased recently, especially in fitness and bodybuilding communities. They are associated with weight loss, muscle mass gain, rapid recovery, and rejuvenating effects.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, some of which are naturally present in the body and act as hormones or other important signaling molecules. For example, insulin is a peptide hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Peptides are also used in medications. For instance, this group includes semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes, as well as for weight loss in combination with diet and physical activity.
At the same time, the Drug Department points out that there are also so-called "research peptides" sold online, which are not intended for human use.
"They are often advertised as substances that can help increase muscle mass, reduce fat deposits, stimulate growth hormone production, or accelerate recovery after workouts and injuries," noted the Drug Department.
According to the Drug Department, claims about many such substances are primarily based on animal studies and laboratory tests, while reliable data on humans is scarce or completely absent. The department warns that the health risks are not only related to insufficiently studied side effects.
"The risk may also be associated with the fact that the actual composition, purity, or dosage of the product may be unknown or not correspond to what is stated on the packaging. This means that the effects of the substance administered to a person may be unpredictable," stated the Drug Department.
Additionally, there is often a lack of data on the long-term effects of such products on health. Furthermore, their use may delay seeking medical attention, starting appropriate treatment, or determining the true cause of discomfort.
The Drug Department emphasized that this topic is important in sports as well, since synthetic peptides are mostly included in the list of prohibited substances and methods, and their use may constitute a violation of anti-doping rules.
According to the department, personal stories circulated online do not replace scientific evidence, and health-related decisions should not be made based on advertising promises, social media advice, or unverified products from the internet.
