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Peptide stacking is gaining attention in the fitness world, and it’s easy to see why. For those aiming to restore muscle mass, incorporating peptide stacking into your wellness regimen could be advantageous. We consulted with specialists to understand what peptide stacking entails and the benefits it may offer.
What Is Peptide Stacking?
In order to understand stacking peptides, let’s first break down what peptides are.
“A peptide is essentially a short sequence of amino acids,” says Jessica DeLuise, MHS, PA-C, CCMS, a physician assistant with an advanced degree in health science. “These amino acids progress to form peptides, which subsequently create proteins. Peptide chains can vary in length, ranging from a few amino acids to as many as 100. In the human body, peptides play roles in several biological processes, including acting as neurotransmitters, hormones, and contributing to tissue growth. The 20 core types of amino acids are derived from both plant and animal-based proteins.”
Peptide stacking is increasingly popular in anti-aging and fitness circles. This approach involves using multiple peptides together—whether as oral supplements, powders, or injections—to tackle the inevitable changes that accompany aging.
“The goal of peptide stacking (in most cases) is weight loss, lean muscle synthesis, boost efficacy of workouts, improved energy, anti-aging effects, among other benefits,” DeLuise notes.
According to Jay Campbell, co-founder of BioLongevity Labs, 5x international best-selling author and former CSCS and ACE CPT, “It is important to understand that utilizing therapeutic peptides without first addressing hormonal deficiencies is like pouring water into the gas tank of an exotic sports car.”
Nurse practitioner Kristina (@kristinastout on TikTok) stresses the importance of first-timers taking one peptide to start out. She shared in a video, “I always like to tell new patients who have never been on any peptides before that I like to start you off on one peptide at a time, give it a couple months, and then we can always add on a peptide. If I were to start patients out on three or four peptides at a time, we’re never gonna know which one is causing you to see certain benefits or certain side effects.”
The Benefits
Campbell outlines the top benefits of optimizing hormones while using therapeutic peptide stacks: quicker post-workout recovery, deeper sleep, improved skin elasticity, reduced body fat, muscle gain, and overall better well-being.
“Certain peptides and peptide ‘stacks’ have shown promise for the desired effects of healing, weight loss, etc.,” DeLuise adds. “Additionally, certain peptides show an increase of hormone GH (growth hormone) after taking the peptide, which may help muscle building, body fat composition.”
After hitting 30, you naturally lose 3% to 8% of lean muscle every decade if you don’t perform regular strength training or consume a protein-rich diet.
“Using therapeutic hormones and peptides as one ages can offset the potential sarcopenia even more significantly,” Campbell stresses. That said, it’s crucial to continue performing regular resistance training to boost muscle and strength.
Safety of Peptides for Those 45+
Campbell notes that when peptides are dosed with health and longevity in mind, they are generally safe, with side effects being rare or mild.
“Common side effects would be observed as rashes at the point of injection and potential mild nausea if an individual’s biochemistry doesn’t agree with the peptide being administered,” Campbell notes.
At the same time, DeLuise cautions that there’s more research needing to be done: “There is a lack of human studies on many peptides and their associated ‘stack’ combinations, which is integral to make recommendations, understand the short and long-term effects, and assess the safety across multiple populations of individuals.”
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Alexa Mellardo
