Peptides FAQ

Welcome! We hope this page can help with a variety of questions members have asked.

List of Questions on this page:

(links skip to question)

How to Purchase Peptides and Bioregulators
Spray Reconstitution how to?
Why can’t I post a new question in the Facebook group?
Where can I find Success stories?
Why did you choose not to use BPC-157?
Which Peptides are “safer” than others?
Why should I use peptides?
Why do people pulse dose?
Difference between Lyophilized & Non-Lyophilized? What is Premium?
For Nasal Sprays, does Sublingual use work as well?

KPV specific Questions

Can I start with Larazotide Acetate before KPV?
How soon will I see results from KPV?
Do I really need to microdose KPV?
How long can the effects last?
What if I have die off from KPV?
Should I take binders proactively or wait for die off symptoms?
Can KPV kill good bacteria?
Do I still need to take antimicrobial herbs or can KPV be enough?
Can I take KPV near bedtime?
Will I need to take KPV forever?

General Questions

What age child can I give peptides to? What about pregnant or nursing women? What about pets?
Where can I learn about other peptides?
Can I take them together? And with other supplements?
Should I discontinue my digestive enzymes or other supplements?
What organs/glands can be supported with bioregulator peptides? (Or see Main bioreg page)
What empty capsules do you use?
Can Selank be used with an SSRI?
Why are some peptides labeled “Not for human consumption” and “For research use only”?
Where can I find more Research Studies?
Can (insert peptide) help with _______________?
Where can I find the Quiz?
Where can I find Dosing Info?
Where can I find your blog posts / videos?
Where is your new simplified website for families? (Nest Biomed)

NEW – Consider our AI Tool!

Learn more about this powerful AI tool that can help you with peptides, supplements, lab review and so much more!

If you’re new to Peptides, please see our Peptides 101 page:

We also have a page of resources here:

The best place to find info about all the peptides we’re discussing is our post:

40 Peptides we tried in a year – Our reviews and top picks!

• In the review, each product’s name is a clickable link to the company’s product page.

These and more are all covered in the above post:

Where to Purchase Peptides and Bioregulators

One simplified page with just the links is here.

But more detail about each brand is below.

Coupon Codes

Here are coupons for each of the brands we use. They are unlimited in use.

(Company Names are linked to the store page on their sites – But, I recommend visiting the above page because they have all the products listed so you can see them on one page)

Integrative Peptides: SAVE10

Biolab: RESTORE

VitaStream: BIOREG10

Limitless Life: QUALITY (20% off, stackable if they have a sale)

Integrative Peptides

Made in the USA, very well respected brand with highest purity standards

Coupon code: SAVE10 for 10% of any order, can be used more than once. shipping is free.

KPV: Capsules / Oral Spray

From this page, you can find links for products they also sell including: TB4 Frag & TB4Frag max, Thymogen Alpha 1, BPC-157, Cerebropep, CogniPep, ThyroPep, PinealPep, Epitalon- Pinealon Spray, Gut Feeling and Can’t Weight (we use the ones in bold)

🌎 They also ship internationally

Limitless Life Biotech

In the USA – Very trusted, 3rd party tested brand with higher prices than Biolab (many similar products) but larger discounts.

They sell: Larazotide, Selank, DSIP, VIP, NAD+ Oxytocin, and much more

20% off coupon code: QUALITY

(Stackable with other website discounts)

https://www.limitlesslifenootropics.com/Peptidelist

Biolab Shop

Ships from UK – Purity certificates are posted on the site.

*Most bank credit cards get declined the first time, then you need to approve it and it can go through. Some people find they need to use a different card.

Coupon code: RESTORE for 7% off, shipping varies by location

Search site for these products: Larazotide Acetate, KPV, Thymogen, DSIP (sleep) and many more

(Comparable products are more expensive than Integrative peptides because doses are smaller and Biolab is not Acetylated and Amidated)

Comment from group member: “For those having issues ordering from Biolabs: try to contact them via chat in the morning – give your name and order info, you can send payment via PayPal to the address Biolabshop.uk@gmail.com (Laura Pyszora) They immediately responded and shipped!”

Tip: I had to select “wire transfer” so I could get the order to process and get an order number to include with the PayPal info.

You can also contact them via WhatsApp at ‪+44 7493 197980‬

This is all somewhat confusing and I recommend buying peptides from other vendors when possible!

VitaStream for bioregulators

Learn about bioregulators here in our comprehensive post

Very reputable reseller of Khavinson line Bioregulator Peptides and their own, VitaPeptides line, made in the USA.

They have shipping worldwide – Free to USA

Coupon code is BIOREG10

Vitastream Website Link

Spray Reconstitition

For both nasal and sublingual use (both effective) you will buy the nasal spray and assemble it according to the directions on this page.

It contains video and written package inserts.

Why can’t I post a new question in the Facebook group?

Please see this page

Also see here for many group member Success stories

Why did you choose not to use BPC-157?

Often doctors do not recommend it for people with allergies or MCAS.

This is because some reports say it can trigger histamine reactions and some people have negative effects on mood.

We have had many reports (typically daily) in our group about members not tolerating BPC 157.

• What we DO use: TB4 Frag – see this post for how it stacks up to BPC 157: https://diaryofrecovery.com/tb4info

Safe vs “Less safe” Peptides

Q: “Can you do a short post on the difference between “safer” and “less safe” peptides— you mentioned it in passing in one of your videos (I think you referenced size also).

I’m assuming things like GLP-1 agonists are the latter, but curious about this and what makes the difference. Couldn’t find that info readily online. Thank you!”

The answer is here.

🧰 Why use Peptides?

Remodeling ourselves: Build the Future You!

Our bodies are always rebuilding. Over multi-year cycles we can reshape how we feel and function.
The signals we provide during that rebuild matter. If our internal environment is inflamed or depleted, new cells tend to copy that; if it’s calm, well signaled, and well nourished, they copy that instead.
Peptides are clean instructions during each turnover wave. They cue repair, quiet excessive inflammation, and support healthier gene expression while new cells are being made.
With steady use, peptide signaling compounds. As tissues cycle, repeated good signaling helps lock in better “set points,” so each generation of cells is a step up from the last.
Time will pass either way. If you guide the remodel now, future‑you is built on stronger instructions than the version that drifted without support.

Pulse Dosing / Breaks

Why do people pulse dose?

There are varied reasons

1. Typically, with the peptides we use it’s not because they stop working.

Rather it’s because:

They just aren’t needed continuously (repair has happened and / or genes have shifted and results can stick for a while)
- In this case, the breaks aren’t “required” and there wouldn’t be harm from continual use. But to save cost and effort it’s best to see how long you can go and remain symptom-free.
They work too well and taking them without breaks is too much. (Brain Bioregulators can be too stimulating or DSIP can cause daytime tiredness, KPV, killing too much yeast or bacteria causing excessive die off)

2. Cell Receptor Desensitization

If you ever notice a peptide isn’t working like it used to, you may be experiencing cell receptor desensitization.

When a signal is sent continually, some cells dial down their receptors which can make the peptide become less effective.

This is very rarely reported in our group, but if you notice it, you may want to take a break for approx 3 days.

Lyophilized / Premium vs. Non-Lyophilized peptide Vials

From the Limitless website:

“Lyophilized Peptides: These peptides are freeze-dried, a process that not only extends shelf life but also preserves the purity and integrity of the peptides during storage.

Non-Lyophilized Peptides: Offered as a dry powder, these peptides, while not as extensively processed as lyophilized peptides, still maintain a high level of purity.

Their stability, though not as enhanced as in lyophilized form, is sufficient for maintaining quality under proper storage conditions.”

They have changed some dropdown choices, ‘Premium’ = Lyophilized

• Note: Non-Lyophilized are easier to put together and require simply pulling the pop tab off of the water and pouring it into the sprayer – typically no syringe required.

For nasal spray sprays does sublingual use work equally well?

100% yes, no question – and the dosing amounts are the same.

For questions about KPV

If you haven’t read the KPV Peptide blog post, it’s a great place to begin!

We also now have a Shorter Guide with the basics of use:

Can I start with Larazotide Acetate before KPV?

Sure you can! Some people see gains just from LA alone. Reported benefits include: elimination of bloating, gas, bad breath and a happier mood.

To buy LA and much more info, please see this post https://diaryofrecovery.com/larazotide-acetate-info/

How soon will I see results from KPV?

Many people see them the same day. If you don’t, die off could be masking improvements or you might need a higher dose. Or it might just take a little longer.

From my research, very few people see no benefit at all. Quite a few are seeing what they call “miracles.”

If you’re in our group, please keep us posted with your observations!

Side effects of KPV?

KPV does not have reported side effects other than possible die off symptoms if you’re killing pathogens, which can be mitigated by going slow / detoxing.

Do I really need to microdose KPV?

It’s up to you of course, but nearly everyone in the group who started with a whole capsule decided to cut back and take much less within a day or two.

The die off can catch up with you (typically around day 5) because our bodies can only eliminate so much at a time.

Most people reporting the best gains are using very small doses.

See this video for more on this topic:

KPV Peptide “is effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, being more potent against Candida than Diflucan at 1/1000th the dose and is free of side effects associated with antifungals, antibiotics, and antiparasitics, and works synergistically with the body’s immune system and antibiotics.”

Please see the blog post for detailed info on how we dosed KPV – beginning with 1/10 of a capsule 5x a day.

A very crude non-exact example of the difference
if the signaling duration is only a few hours

Note: some people who are prone to acid reflux find they need to keep the powder inside of a capsule.

SPRAY OPTION

For smaller doses, some people are using the KPV spray with an eye dropper.

• There are approx 250 mcg of KPV per spray.

• If instead you use an eye dropper, I estimate there are approx 100mcg of KPV per drop.

This would mean to dose 50mcg with the liquid, you’d want to dilute it with half water and then give 1 drop (not 1 spray).

How long can the effects last?

Peptides work in two durations —

Short term: They work on the cell surface as messengers. This is where the short half life matters and frequent dosing is beneficial.
Longer term: They work epigenetically affecting gene transcription – (turn on and off genes) this is slower to build up initially but longer lasting. The benefits can continue after you stop taking them.

Due to this, peptide effects last longer the longer you take them and keep lasting for a period of time (can be days, weeks or months.) This coincides very much with what we have seen.

What if I have die off from KPV?

You can decrease the peptide dose (that is the best first step!)

Dr. Holthorf told us that peptides can even be effective at a nanodose.

Some people just dip their fingertip into the powder and that’s how we began.

You can also take measures to help absorb / move toxins out of the body.

One of the most common binders people use is Activated Charcoal taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

The blog post, Detox the Die off has many additional ideas!

Select from a few and especially note the reducing ammonia section.

Often times, die off symptoms are the **same symptoms that the pathogens themselves were causing, to a lesser degree**.

They are amplified during die off, you can internet search for a tremendous amount on the topic.

This is a general list from the internet – not specific to KPV

Should I take binders proactively or wait for die off symptoms?

This one really is up to you! Some people wait to see symptoms but others don’t.

You can also support the body’s own detox systems (see above linked post) and use binders as they are needed.

Can KPV kill good bacteria?

From everything I read, it only affects inflamed or diseased tissues and has no impact on healthy ones. This would include bacteria.

So it’s able to signal to pathogens to stop replicating and also can help the immune system fight them.

I understand the concern, but just like the immune system can distinguish between good and bad bacteria, KPV is using those same markers.

More info here: https://diaryofrecovery.com/amps

Do I still need to take antimicrobial herbs or can KPV be enough?

Also what about Biofilms?

We have experienced that KPV is better but if you’d like to take herbs also, KPV can increase their effectiveness. It can also breakthrough and prevent biofilms.

• These topics are covered much more in depth here: Why Peptides are the New Go-To for Fighting Chronic Infections — better than herbs

Can I take KPV near bedtime?

Some people say it keeps them awake, others don’t seem to have that effect and say it helps them sleep better.

It likely depends on how many microbes you have to kill because die off could lead to restlessness.

Some believe that it’s beneficial to take before bed because sleep is a very restorative time period for the body.

Will I need to take KPV forever?

No, but you might want to maintenance dose.

Our bodies can heal and our immune systems can become re-regulated.

After eradicating issues (pathogens, viruses etc..) and removing any ongoing exposure (mold, poor diet etc..) people should be able to pause using most peptides, revisiting as needed.

Most people’s bodies tend to lean toward fungal overgrowth. If you want to keep it in check, you can do an extreme microdose, once a few times a week.

This helps avoid needing to go through die off upon restarting in the future.

General Questions

What age child can I give peptides to? What about pregnant or nursing women? What about pets?

There have been some studies done on certain peptides given to children, but no one has published guidance on a particular age or if they are ok for pregnancy or nursing or pets. I’m sorry.

Where can I learn about other peptides?

Check out our Resources Page

And/ or Join our Facebook Chat where we have resources like this chart.

Source: Dr. Kent Holthorf – some of these aren’t top choices in the category and others are not peptides but it’s still a useful breakdown

If I want to use other peptides does the order I take them matter?

Can I take them together? And with other supplements?

Yes you can take them (and other supplements) together. Some peptides have even greater synergistic effects.

The only caution I have seen is to not take adrenal and pineal peptides together because they oppose one another (wake vs sleep) other than that, you are all set 🙂

• It’s commonly accepted that KPV is the ideal peptide to begin with for chronic issues.

Here’s our original timeline:

Started KPV 1/16/24
Started LA 2/2/24 (stopped 3/11/24 to 3/17/24) added back to experiment
Started TB4-Frag 2/29/24
Started Cerebropep 3/9/24 (CogniPep is an updated option that includes CerebroPep)
Started Thymogen A1 3/19/24 (stopped 3/23/24)

We do a blend of doses under the tongue and inside capsules. I make 3 capsules for each in the morning. I carry the extra two each with us to take before meals.

Nothing I do is exact.

I am not following the Thymogen category
— Source: this video *(11 minute mark)*

Re: Thymogen A1

More on my thoughts are here: https://diaryofrecovery.com/review/#thymogen

And also at this newer blog post: https://recoveringkids.com/relief. It’s about how to add Plavelle to help tolerate the immune shift from Thymogen.

We’re having great success using it to calm overactive Th2 / Th17 (which shows up as allergies & inflammation).

For more on Sequence:

• See this infographic.

Should I discontinue my digestive enzymes or other supplements?

It’s best to keep everything the same when you begin a new protocol. After a while, you can use your discretion to determine if you’d like to stop other supplements.

For digestive enzymes, we like Pancreatic enzymes like this one, because it’s not created using mold.

What organs / glands can be supported with bioregulator peptides?

We have a comprehensive post, here!

It Covers:

What empty capsules do you use?

I like these clear delayed release vegan Capsules.

Sometimes I put a size 0 into a 00 for even more of a chance the peptides make it past the stomach acids to the small intestine.

Can Selank be used with an SSRI?

Many people do! Selank has been studied for years and has not been associated with Serotonin syndrome

This comment, sums it up well. and for further concerns, I’d ask AI.

Why are some peptides labeled “Not for human consumption” and “For research use only”?

Peptides Globally are in a regulatory gray area, most of them being studied in approved clinical trials but not yet approved by agencies such as the U.S. FDA or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Labeling their products this way ensures there is compliance with any possible future regulations in the country they are made in or shipped to.

Labeling “for research use only” allows companies to provide peptides for further study and experimentation without making specific therapeutic claims.

Most of us are our own researchers and don’t regard this statement to mean anything much at all.

Some websites require you to be 18 or older to enter or have a disclaimer not for use in children for the same reasons.

They are simply using an abundance of caution.

Where can I find more Research Studies?

You can find a list here.

Can (insert peptide) help with _______________?

A good first step is to try a google search or Chat Gpt, then search the group to see if it’s been asked and answered there.

We also have our own Digital mind tool and you can learn about it here: digital mind tool

Here’s a general list:

Best Peptides for:

Brain: CogniPep (subcortical brain & blood vessels) – increase memory, focus, attention, recall and wellbeing #5
Mast Cells, inflammation, antifungal, antimicrobial, PANS: KPV #1
Thyroid: ThyroPep – improve energy, stabilize body systems, reduce brain fog & more #6
Longevity, anti-aging & sleep: PinealPep / Epithalon / Endoluten (pineal gland – endocrine system) #8, 13 & 25 (also DSIP spray or Selank spray for sleep #11 & 15)
Stress response & allergies Endocron + Adrenact(pituitary & adrenal) – HPA axis repair #32 & 33
Anxiety: Selank / Adalank (nasal spray) #15
Metabolism, energy, weight management & longevity: 5-Amino-1 MQ #10
Skin elasticity & joints: Collacell – Collagen Bioregulator #41
Repair of damaged tissues: TB4 Frag – for any injuries or toxin exposure #2
Nerve Pain: ARA 290
Immunity: Thymogen Alpha 1 – thymic peptide (^Th1) #3 and VIP (^Th2) #18
Gut Lining: Larazotide Acetate – close tight junctions – reduces intestinal permeability #9
Peri / menopause: For success, we need to focus on these areas: Ovary, Adrenals, Pituitary, Pineal, Thyroid, metabolism, skin elasticity & joints
Pairing with other peptides: Ventfort (blood vessels) – improve delivery & reach #21
Organ of your choice: see applicable bioregulator below