Inserm Warns: Peptide Trends Don’t Deliver on Wrinkle or Abs Claims

A miracle ingredient to look younger and more muscular? Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist. The National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) published on February 4 an article on its media “Canal Détox” to disprove preconceived ideas about peptides, sold online or commercially in the form of creams, food supplements or even injections.

Peptides are small chains of amino acids, the same molecules that make up proteins. “Most act as tiny messengers that send signals to cells telling them how to react, for example, to regulate immune defenses in the face of infection,” explains Inserm.

Peptides are generated naturally by our bodies but are also manufactured in laboratories to make drugs, such as insulin used to treat diabetes.

Danger during long-term use

If certain peptides can marginally stimulate muscle growth or cell regeneration, they are far from having the effects sold by influencers. “ Not all of these products are necessarily integrated into the body,” reports David Boccara, plastic surgeon at Saint-Louis hospital in Paris and researcher at Inserm, interviewed this Sunday by franceinfo. He compares peptides to vitamin C, taken by many French people against winter illnesses: “ in reality more than 90% of the vitamin is eliminated by the body. »

Concerning growth peptides (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin or GHRP-6) to gain muscle, scientific studies show that their effectiveness is only proven “in people with proven growth hormone deficiency” and under medical advice, details Inserm. Furthermore, taking peptides over the long term poses considerable risks, such as increased blood sugar, water retention, and can even cause changes in blood pressure. “the shape of the bones” or promote cancer, warns the Research Institute.

There are other peptides that supposedly have the power to hide wrinkles. But once again the studies analyzed by Inserm conclude “there is no solid evidence that these peptides have a lasting effect on skin aging”.

Studies carried out on rodents

And can peptides help with tanning? “We are very skeptical. My dermatologist colleagues, on the contrary, alerted me because they think that there is probably an increased risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. answers researcher David Boccara to franceinfo.

Furthermore, capsules based on organic active milk peptides or marine peptides and melatonin are sold in drugstores or online to improve sleep. Studies estimate that some “would help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep”. However, it is by no means a miracle treatment. If you have problems falling into the arms of Morpheus, promoting good sleep hygiene (pace, light, fewer screens) and seeking advice from a health professional are the first reflexes to have.

The Inserm article finally emphasizes the fact that most of the studies put forward by influencers or unscrupulous sellers on the internet are for the most part carried out “ on cells grown in the laboratory or on rodents ». Hoping to increase your sporting performance or your longevity with peptides is therefore impossible, even dangerous. The researchers who participated in writing the Inserm report give a completely different miracle recipe for staying in great shape: sleep well, eat well, move well.