Fasting with Peptides

Integrating peptide therapies with Fasting has garnered attention for their combined potential to enhance health, optimize body composition, and promote overall well-being. Understanding how specific peptides interact with fasting is crucial for maximizing benefits and minimizing potential risks. 

Peptides Potentially Beneficial During Fasting

1. Ipamorelin: A growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) without significantly affecting appetite. Its efficacy can be enhanced when administered during fasting periods, as fasting naturally elevates GH levels, leading to synergistic effects on fat loss and muscle preservation. ​

2. CJC-1295 (with or without DAC): This peptide increases GH secretion and has a longer half-life, especially with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), maintaining elevated GH levels for extended periods. Combining CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin during fasting can amplify GH release, supporting fat loss and muscle maintenance. ​

3. BPC-157: Known for its regenerative properties, BPC-157 promotes healing of muscles, tendons, and the gut lining. Fasting induces autophagy, a cellular cleanup process, and BPC-157 may complement this by enhancing tissue repair and reducing inflammation, making it beneficial during fasting periods. ​

4. TB-500: A synthetic version of thymosin beta-4, TB-500 aids in tissue repair and regeneration. Its use during fasting may support recovery from injuries and improve flexibility, aligning with fasting's anti-inflammatory benefits.

5. GHK-Cu: This copper-binding peptide has roles in wound healing, immune function, and anti-aging. During fasting, which can promote skin health and reduce inflammation, GHK-Cu may enhance these effects by stimulating collagen production and tissue repair.​ However, consuming collagen during fasting periods may break the fast, depending on the fasting protocol's strictness. However, some studies suggest minimal impact on ketosis, indicating that collagen's effect on fasting may vary based on individual goals and the type of fasting practiced. 

Peptides to Use with Caution During Fasting

1. Semaglutide: A GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite. While beneficial for weight loss, combining semaglutide with fasting may excessively reduce appetite and caloric intake, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies or hypoglycemia. Monitoring and professional guidance are advised. ​

2. Tirzepatide: This dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist enhances insulin secretion and suppresses appetite. Similar to semaglutide, using tirzepatide during fasting requires caution due to potential compounded effects on appetite suppression and blood glucose levels.​

3. Tesamorelin: A growth hormone-releasing hormone analog primarily used to reduce visceral fat. While it can aid in fat loss, combining it with fasting may lead to excessive GH levels, potentially causing joint pain, insulin resistance, or other side effects. Fasting can cause minimal reactions.

4. PT-141 (Bremelanotide): Primarily used for treating sexual dysfunction, PT-141's interaction with fasting is not well-documented. Its effects are centered on melanocortin receptors, unrelated to metabolic or appetite pathways. Fasting can cause minimal reactions.

5. MOTS-C: A mitochondrial-derived peptide that influences metabolism and exercise capacity. While it may enhance metabolic flexibility, its specific interactions with fasting remain under-researched, warranting cautious use until more data is available.​

6. Melanotan-II: Used to promote tanning by stimulating melanocytes, its effects are primarily cosmetic. Fasting can cause minimal reactions.

When considering peptide use during fasting, it's essential to understand each peptide's mechanism and potential interactions with fasting-induced physiological changes. While some peptides may synergistically enhance the benefits of fasting, others require careful monitoring to avoid adverse effects. 

References:

• Teichman, S. L., Neale, A., Lawrence, B., Gagnon, C., Castaigne, J.-P., & Frohman, L. A. (2006). Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 91(3), 799–805. ​

• FDA. (2024). Substances in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

• R2 Medical Clinic. (2023). The Top 5 Most Effective Muscle-Building Peptides. R2 Medical Clinic. ​

• Envizion Medical. (2023). Peptide Therapy: CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin.

• Greenfield, B. (2024). Ben's Peptide Stack for Recovery, Explosive Gains, & Ageless Vitality. Ben Greenfield Life.

• Evertitan. (2023). Hormone Replacement Therapy.

• Ruscio, M. (2018). Peptide Therapy for Anti-Aging, Gut Healing, and more. Dr. Ruscio. ​

• McGill Office for Science and Society. (2023). The Human Lab Rats Injecting Themselves with Peptides. McGill University. ​

• FDA. (2024). Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding May Present Significant Safety Risks. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. ​

• Greenfield, B. (2024). Safe & Effective Alternatives to Ozempic® and Other GLP-1 Agonists: Potent Peptides For Weight Loss and Muscle Gain. Ben Greenfield Life.