In some circles, especially bodybuilding and weight lifting, people might use the terms “peptides” and “SARMS” interchangeably, but, even though they might share some similar actions, they are very different.
In the following paragraphs, we’re going to talk about these differences from a medical perspective, explain what are peptides, what are SARM and what are the main differences between them.
Peptides
We talked a lot about what are peptides in some of the previous posts on our blog, so we won’t go into too much detail (if you want to read more about peptides you can check out this blog post – What Are Peptides?).
In short, peptides are chains of amino acids, 2 to 50 in length. Most importantly, peptides are substances occurring naturally within our organism and performing a whole host of different functions and signaling effects.
SARMS
SARMS, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, designed to have similar properties like anabolic steroids but with minimized effects on prostate and skin.
Notice the word “designed”… this is what makes SARMS different to peptides. Of course, there are a lot of synthetic peptides on the market, produced and used in the lab, but peptides were structures already present within our body, while SARMS were designed to act as anabolic steroids (naturally produced within our body in the adrenal glands).
SARMS Mechanism Of Action
SARMS act by selectively binding and activating the specific androgen receptor within the body. Thys way, only the receptors are activated and no other tissue is affected (which results in far less side effects and problems typically associated with taking anabolic steroids).
One might think SARMS only make the receptors more active, thus allowing the body to bind more androgen hormones, but that’s not how they work. They bind to the receptors and mimic the effect of naturally occurring hormones within our body (like testosterone).
By doing this, SARMS induce the anabolic effect, such as increased muscle growth and protein synthesis. In essence, they “trick” the body and “make” it go into a heightened state of increased muscle mass development.
Peptides VS SARMS – It’s Not A Simple Comparison
From what we’ve learned so far, there really is not much comparison between peptides and SARMS.
Differences In Origin And Structure
Peptides are built up of amino acid chains and are naturally produced within our body. On the other hand, SARMS are entirely synthetic, designed in a lab and built up of small molecules specifically designed to bind to androgen receptors.
Differences In Mechanism Of Action
SARMS were built in a lab with one specific purpose – to induce an anabolic state within our body, while minimizing (eliminating) side effects commonly associated with taking anabolic steroids, such as skin and prostate problems.
Peptides are naturally occurring compounds within our body and have numerous vital functions including:
- Hormonal regulation
- Neurotransmission
- Immune system regulation
- Cell signaling
- Metabolism regulation
- Tissue restructuring
- Muscle development and repair
- Transport and storage
Differences in Application
Though SARMS are currently used (misused) to build muscles and improve one’s physique, they were primarily developed to fight muscle wasting diseases.
Peptides are mostly being used in labs for medical diagnostics and research (just like the ones we sell on Peptide.shop currently).
Are Peptides Or SARMS Steroids?
We briefly touched on this topic when we discussed whether peptides are steroids. In that article, we clearly stated that peptides are not steroids – they differ in structure and mechanism of action.
When it comes to SARMS, we also gave an answer to this question in the “SARMS Mechanism Of Action” section where we said that SARMS are not anabolic steroids, they are substances that just mimic them and “trick” our body into an anabolic state.
So, to answer this question definitely, neither peptides nor SARMS are steroids.
Regulatory Status of Peptides and SARMS
Peptide.shop (and the majority of online distributors), sell only peptides for laboratory use. Our products are meant to be used in a lab for various research and diagnostic purposes. Though, of course, there are peptides being used to treat various medical conditions (such as insulin).
SARMS have yet to be approved by regulatory bodies to be used in both medicinal/treatment purposes. Though some people use them without prescription or medical supervision, we do not condone these practices and urge all Peptide.shop’s readers and customers to adhere to the FDA guidelines.
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