Summary
There is no evidence that experimental peptides can be used safely.
We don’t fully understand the long-term health consequences of using experimental peptides.
You can be banned from all sport for using, possessing or buying experimental peptides, including from online sources.
There is increasing interest in peptides in New Zealand
Searches for “peptides” in New Zealand have increased by nearly 300% over recent years, according to Google Trends. This growing online interest coincides with the widespread availability of weight loss peptides. It comes alongside rising media attention on the Enhanced Games, the mainstreaming of “looksmaxxing” and a surge in social media influencers promoting unregulated peptides with claims that are often unsupported by scientific evidence.
Whether your interest is in collagen, weight loss or GHK-CU, we’re here to help anyone involved in sport to navigate the complicated world of peptides.
Peptides are the building blocks of protein
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. They’re produced naturally in our bodies as hormones, growth factors or neurotransmitters, each serving an important physiological role.
Synthetic (artificially produced) peptides mimic natural peptides. Many, like insulin, are approved as medicines that treat legitimate medical conditions. However, they are not intended for use in healthy people.
Unregulated peptides are untested and unsafe
Unregulated peptides are increasingly promoted and available via the ‘grey market’. Substances like TB-500, CJC-1295 and BPC-157 are sold as quick fixes to increase muscle bulk, accelerate fat loss, increase healing and enhance sport performance.
These substances are usually marked as ‘experimental’ or ‘for research purposes only’. The truth is that they haven’t been tested or approved for human use. That means there’s no evidence that they can be used safely, and no understanding of the long-term health consequences.
Unregulated peptides bought online can be intercepted by Customs NZ as they travel through the post. Customs interceptions can and do lead to anti-doping sanctions in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Many peptides are banned in sport
Many peptides are banned in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency. That ban applies to anyone involved in sport, from the community level to the podium. You could be sanctioned and banned from all sport for buying, using or possessing these substances – even if you only use them to improve the way you look and not to cheat at sport.
Peptides can be illegal in Aotearoa New Zealand
Possessing therapeutic peptides without a valid prescription is strictly illegal in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is illegal to import, supply or use these unapproved peptides – an important fact for anyone tempted to purchase peptide products online.
If you play sport, understand how anti-doping
If you’re looking for a quick fix to bulk up, slim down or get back in the game, unregulated peptides aren’t the answer. If you’re involved in sport, you need to understand how the Sports Anti-Doping Rules apply to you and what it could mean if you’re using banned substances.
Thanks to Professor David Gerrard for his support with this post.
