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The National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) published an article on February 4th on its media platform, “Canal Détox,” to debunk common misconceptions about peptides. (Photo illustration)
• Peptides can cause adverse effects, such as increased blood sugar and cancer risks, especially with prolonged use.
• The Inserm recommends prioritizing a healthy lifestyle to stay in shape.
The search for a miracle ingredient to look and feel younger is a common one, but experts say it doesn’t exist. The National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) published an article on February 4th on its “Canal Détox” platform to address misleading claims surrounding peptides, which are sold online and in stores as creams, supplements, or injections. This caution is important as the popularity of these products grows and consumers may be unaware of potential risks.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids – the same molecules that build up proteins. “Most act as tiny messengers that send signals to cells, telling them how to react, for example, to regulate immune defenses against infection,” explains the Inserm.
While the body naturally produces peptides, they are also manufactured in laboratories for use in medications, such as insulin, which is used to treat diabetes.
Risks with Long-Term Use
While some peptides may offer a marginal boost to muscle growth or cellular regeneration, their effects fall far short of the promises made by influencers. “Not all of these products are necessarily integrated into the body,” reports David Boccara, a plastic surgeon at Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris and a researcher at the Inserm, as reported by franceinfo on Sunday. He compares peptides to vitamin C, commonly taken by many French people to ward off winter illnesses: “in reality, more than 90% of the vitamin is eliminated by the body.”
Regarding growth peptides (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, or GHRP-6) marketed for muscle gain, scientific studies demonstrate their effectiveness only “in people with a proven deficiency in growth hormones” and under medical supervision, details the Inserm. Long-term use of peptides carries considerable risks, including increased blood sugar, water retention, and even changes in “bone shape” or an increased risk of cancer, the research institute warns.
Other peptides are touted for their ability to reduce wrinkles, but studies analyzed by the Inserm conclude “there is no solid evidence that these peptides have a lasting effect on skin aging.”
Studies Conducted on Rodents
And can peptides help with tanning? “We are extremely skeptical. My dermatologist colleagues, alerted me because they believe there is probably an increased risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma,” researcher David Boccara told franceinfo.
capsules containing bioactive milk peptides or marine peptides and melatonin are sold in pharmacies and online to improve sleep. Some studies suggest that certain formulations “may help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.” However, this is by no means a miracle cure. If you are having trouble falling asleep, prioritizing decent sleep hygiene (routine, light exposure, reduced screen time) and seeking advice from a healthcare professional are the first steps to take.
The Inserm article emphasizes that most of the studies cited by influencers or unscrupulous vendors online are conducted “on cells grown in the laboratory or on rodents.” hoping to improve athletic performance or longevity with peptides is not only unrealistic but potentially dangerous. The researchers who contributed to the Inserm report offer a different recipe for staying in shape: getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
