In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, being “natty” means building muscle mass and improving body composition without using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as anabolic steroids, growth hormone, or synthetic peptides. Historically, athletes, particularly bodybuilders, have been known for taking human growth hormone as a performance-enhancing substance. Many dietary supplements like collagen peptides and creatine peptides are accepted in natural bodybuilding, but certain peptides that alter hormone levels may disqualify an athlete from being considered natty.
Most natural bodybuilding competitions follow the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) guidelines, banning substances that stimulate muscle growth, enhance muscle recovery, or increase growth hormone levels beyond normal biological processes.
So, are peptides natty? The answer depends on which peptides are used, how they interact with the pituitary gland, and whether they are listed as prohibited substances in drug-tested competitions.
Peptides are short sequences of amino acids, typically comprising between 2 and 50 units, connected by peptide bonds. They serve as fundamental components in biological systems, playing pivotal roles in processes such as muscle development, hormone regulation, and cellular communication. Peptides occur naturally within the body and can also be sourced from animal or plant proteins.
Functionally, peptides exert their effects by binding to specific receptors on cell surfaces, initiating responses that lead to various physiological outcomes. For instance, growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) interact with receptors in the pituitary gland, prompting the secretion of growth hormone, which in turn supports muscle growth and the maintenance of muscle tissue. Similarly, collagen peptides contribute to the health of skin and joints by promoting the integrity of connective tissues.
Peptides exist in a gray area when it comes to natural bodybuilding. Some peptide hormones work naturally with the body, supporting tissue repair, immune system function, and muscle recovery, while others directly enhance growth hormone levels, body fat metabolism, and muscle hypertrophy, making them non-natty.
💡 Think about it like this:
A dietary supplement that helps the body optimize its natural functions? Likely natty.
A peptide that forces the body to produce more human growth hormone (HGH) or insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)? Not natty.
Now, let’s break down which peptides cross the line and which ones might still be considered natural.
🚨 These peptides are NOT considered natty because they manipulate growth hormone levels, enhance muscle growth unnaturally, or accelerate recovery beyond normal biological processes.
❌ CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin – Growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs) that stimulate growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) to boost HGH production and muscle gain.
❌ GHRP-2 & GHRP-6 – Target the pituitary gland, increasing growth hormone secretagogues that promote muscle hypertrophy and lean body mass.
❌ IGF-1 LR3 – A growth factor modulator that enhances muscle repair, body composition, and muscle tissue regeneration.
❌ TB-500 & BPC-157 – Improve tissue repair, muscle recovery, and connective tissues, giving users a competitive advantage in healing from injuries.
📌 Since these peptides significantly impact muscle growth, insulin-like growth factors, and athletic performance, they are considered non-natty and are banned under WADA’s doping control regulations.
BPC-157 is known for its healing and recovery properties, but for athletes who want to stay WADA-compliant, Blue Scorpion Venom has been suggested as a potential alternative.
💡 Blue Scorpion Venom has been researched for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to aid tissue repair.
🚨 However, before using Blue Scorpion Venom, check WADA’s prohibited substances list. While it is not explicitly named, it may fall under WADA’s S0 (Non-Approved Substances) category, banning unapproved pharmacological agents.
📌 Unlike BPC-157, Blue Scorpion Venom has little scientific backing for muscle repair or injury recovery. Athletes should be cautious before using experimental treatments.
Some specific peptides do not directly alter hormone levels or enhance muscle growth unnaturally, making them potentially acceptable in natural bodybuilding.
✅ Creatine Peptides – Improve ATP production for muscle energy without influencing growth hormone releasing peptides.
✅ Collagen Peptides & Hydrolyzed Collagen – Support connective tissues, skeletal muscle, and skin elasticity, but don’t enhance protein synthesis or body composition.
✅ Glutathione Peptides – Function as antioxidants, supporting immune system function and reducing allergic reactions.
📌 If a peptide does not significantly enhance muscle gain, increase growth hormone levels, or impact performance, it MAY still be considered natty.
Most natural bodybuilding federations follow WADA’s doping control regulations, banning peptides that affect growth hormone levels, muscle mass, or recovery speed.
🚨 Peptides banned in natural competitions include:
CJC-1295
GHRP-2 & GHRP-6
TB-500
📌 If you compete in a natural bodybuilding organization, always check the prohibited substances list before using any peptide. Even if a peptide is not explicitly named, it could still be banned under WADA’s broad classification of non-approved substances.
Regardless of whether peptides are considered natty, they do offer real benefits in fitness and recovery. Peptides are composed of short chains of amino acids, and manufacturers can isolate peptides from natural food sources or synthesize them by combining individual amino acids.
✅ Enhance muscle recovery and tissue repair after intense physical exercise. ✅ Boost muscle growth naturally by supporting protein synthesis and insulin-like growth factors. ✅ Improve body composition and fat metabolism, reducing body fat percentage. ✅ Support skeletal muscle health, immune system function, and joint mobility. ✅ Regulate blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular stress from heavy training.
📌 While peptides offer benefits, using prohibited substances in competition can result in an adverse analytical finding and disqualification.
While peptides are generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects and risks associated with their use. The most common side effects of peptide use include:
Increased appetite
Elevated blood sugar levels
Fluid retention
Insomnia
Joint pain
More serious side effects can include:
Increased risk of certain cancers
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
It’s also important to note that peptides can interact with other medications and supplements, and can have adverse effects in certain individuals, such as those with pre-existing medical conditions or taking certain medications.
It’s also worth noting that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned the use of certain peptides, such as growth hormone-releasing peptides, in professional sports due to their potential to enhance athletic performance.
In conclusion, peptides are a promising area of research, and their potential benefits for muscle growth, hormone regulation, and cell signaling are well-documented. However, it’s essential to approach peptide use with caution and to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. As with any dietary supplement, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting peptide therapy.
💉 Peptide Injections – Many peptides are administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
💊 Peptide Supplements – Some peptides, such as collagen peptides and food peptides, can be taken orally or sublingually.
🚨 Before injecting peptides or taking peptide supplements, always:
✔️ Consult a healthcare professional about potential side effects, such as allergic reactions or changes in blood pressure.
✔️ Check the prohibited substances list if you compete in drug-tested sports.
✔️ Research the long-term effects of peptide therapy and whether it aligns with your goals.
📌 If a peptide is legally prescribed for a medical condition, it may be covered by insurance. However, peptides used for bodybuilding are typically not covered.
📌 If a peptide only supports recovery and general health, it MAY be considered natty.
📌 If a peptide enhances hormone levels, speeds up recovery unnaturally, or accelerates muscle growth, it is NOT natty.
Creatine peptides, collagen peptides, and glutathione peptides are likely natty.
Growth hormone-releasing peptides, IGF-1 LR3, and healing peptides are NOT natty.
Peptides banned by WADA’s doping control list are almost always considered non-natty.
If you’re competing, always research which peptides are allowed before using them.
💡 For those aiming to compete naturally or maintain an all-natural physique, avoiding performance-enhancing peptides is the safest approach. Always research, consult a professional, and make informed decisions.
Sources
Peptides for Bodybuilding: Do They Work, and Are They Safe?
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peptides-for-bodybuilding
Are Peptides Safer Than Steroids for Muscle Growth?
https://tucsonwellnessmd.com/are-peptides-safer-than-steroids-for-muscle-growth/
Peptides and Bodybuilding
https://xsculpt.com/peptides-and-bodybuilding/
The Truth About Injecting Peptides for Injury Recovery and Muscle Gain
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a41193567/peptides-for-performance-healing-muscle/
Natural Bodybuilding
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_bodybuilding
Are You Natural If You Take Peptides? | The Mike O'Hearn Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNZTrlnBP_8
