Your Cart is Empty
FREE Shipping On all domestic orders over $99
BPC 157 Summary:
BPC 157 has been making waves in the fitness community lately.
It was discovered by Brazilian scientists and is claimed to help with muscle, joint, and gut repair, inflammation, strengthen bones, and even protect the brain.
What does science say? Is BPC 157 safe? To answer these questions we need to look at what research says about this new supplement.
BPC-157 is a protein peptide that contains 15 amino acids.
These are: L-Valine, glycyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-prolyl-L-prolyl-L-prolylglycyl-L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-alanyl-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-alanylglycyl-L-leucyl-; glycyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-prolyl-L-prolyl-L-prolylglycyllysyl-L-prolyl-L-alanyl-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-alanylglycyl-L-leucyl-L-valine.
The sequence does not exist in nature, but instead has been replicated and synthesized by researchers from the protective proteins found in stomach tissue.
BPC-157 targets cytokines such as TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and IL1β to improve immune response and reduce inflammation during wounds or other traumas.
Studies have found that BPC-157 has protective effects beyond the stomach and intestinal tract. It is best known for improving ulcers in the stomach, as well as gastrointestinal problems such as fistulas and other inflammatory disorders. In addition to these benefits, it has been shown to help heal bone and joint diseases significantly faster than placebo.
Clinical trials have also suggested that BPC-157 can have a protective effect on the brain, as evidenced by rats' response to this protein derivative undergoing research toxin or damaging surgical procedure.
More research is needed to understand why the drug does not work for all patients. However, current findings suggest that BPC-157 influences several growth factors usually involved in angiogenesis and regeneration following injury.
BPC stands for body protecting compound.
BPC 157 may be found naturally occurring within soybeans but it can't be ingested in this form because it will be broken down before entering the bloodstream.
The purported benefits of BPC 157 include:
What is essential to understand is these benefits are being claimed from rodent studies; not human studies. To date there are no studies showing BPC 157 will have a positive impact on human health.
This doesn't mean it doesn't work, as some people have reported benefits. It just means research in humans need to be conducted to:
Let's briefly look at a few key studies done on BPC 157.
Here is a brief summary of BPC 157 studies done on rodents provided by the good folks over at Suppversity.
The are two ways to dose BPC 157. One is done through an injection and the other orally.
BPC-157 acts systemically. This means you inject it subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or you simply spray it into your mouth orally
Oral Dosage: Oral administration of BPC-157 is simple and easy. Just spray and hold it in your mouth for 90-120 seconds, then swallow.
Injectable Dosage: Take 100mcg of BPC 157 every day, subcutaneously (under the skin).
Injections are potentially more bioavailable as the BPC 157 doesn't break down as quickly and can enter the blood stream in its active state
BPC 157 powder is mixed with bacteriostatic water. Here's how according to one manufacturer:
To inject BPC 157 subcutaneously, either pinch an area of skin near the injured body part and poke the syringe into that spot, or if it's too difficult to simultaneously grab your skin and inject yourself, you can get a helper or just angle the syringe so it slips under the skin.
Based on current human studies, BPC-157 can be safely used for four weeks followed by a two-week break.
None found so far within studies on mice. It's unclear if any side effects will be seen in human trials.
There is no way to know if the compound BPC-157 is safe or useful in treatments because it has not been examined extensively in humans.
There does not appear to be any legal basis for selling BPC-157 as a drug, food, or dietary supplement. The FDA also confirmed that there's no way for pharmacies to compound medications with this substance
However, there is evidence that BPC-157 is being illegally included in some wellness and anti-aging treatments and products.
In response to recent inquiries about BPC-157, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has clarified that it is not a prohibited substance at this time.
There are, however, three criteria for inclusion on the WADA Prohibited List: "use by athletes must pose an actual or potential health risk,"; "use by athletes would be contrary to sportsmanship;" and "use of such substances would violate the spirit of sport." If BPC-157 meets any two of these criteria in the future, it will be added to the list.
It is possible BPC 157 may have negative interactions with the following drugs and medications:
The following are research demonstrated and safe alternatives to BPC 157:
About The Author:
Matt Mosman (MS, CISSN, CSCS) is a research scientist, endurance athlete, and the founder of EndurElite. Matt holds his B.S. in Exercise Science from Creighton University and his M.S. in Exercise Physiology from the University of California. Matt and his family reside in Spearfish South Dakota, where they enjoy running, mountain biking, camping, and all the outdoor adventures Spearfish has to offer.
References:
