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3 Reasons Why I’m Not Currently Taking Peptides

3 Reasons Why I’m Not Currently Taking Peptides

Everyone’s talking about peptides right now. But limited safety data, injection concerns, and questions about sourcing have kept me (an exercise scientist) on the sidelines.

Written By Jim Stoppani, PhD

Updated October 21, 2026

Peptides are having a moment. Fitness influencers are promoting them, doctors are talking them up, and the promises seem to get bigger by the day: faster recovery, more muscle, even healthier aging. I understand why people are curious. Researchers are studying many peptides, and some may eventually prove useful.

But as a 58-year-old exercise scientist, I’m not taking any peptides right now. This a personal decision, based on three main concerns.

Peptides are a broad category, and my skepticism primarily revolves around using peptides marketed for performance, recovery, or anti-aging without enough evidence or a reliable source. Approved peptide-based medicines do exist, and a doctor can help determine whether a specific medication is appropriate for you.

That said, here’s why I’m not hopping on the peptide bandwagon just yet…

1. We Don’t Know Enough About Some Peptides’ Safety

Peptide research is moving quickly, but the amount of human safety data varies widely from one peptide to another. A compound may affect the pathway researchers are studying, but it could also influence other processes in the body that we don’t fully understand.

That’s why promising early findings aren’t enough for me. Before I would consider using a peptide, I’d want to see strong evidence that it works as intended and that its risks are well understood—not just claims based on animal studies, small trials, or anecdotes.

2. Many Peptides Aren’t Easy to Take Orally

Many peptides are broken down during digestion, which can make them difficult to use as an oral supplement. Depending on the compound, they may need to be delivered another way, often by injection.

That raises practical questions as well as medical ones. Injections carry risks, including infection if the product or equipment isn’t sterile. And if a peptide is being injected, I want to know exactly what’s in it, how it was made, and whether it’s appropriate for me.

3. I’m Not Sure I Can Trust the Source

Even if a peptide has potential and the risks appear manageable, where are you getting it? Buying an injectable product from an online seller leaves you with serious questions about what’s actually in the vial and how it was handled.

A product could contain less—or something different—than its label claims. It could also be contaminated. A prescription doesn’t automatically answer every quality question, either: compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and the FDA doesn’t verify their safety, effectiveness, or quality before they’re marketed. Compounded medications can meet a medical need, but they should be discussed with a qualified health care provider.

I’ve Seen This Movie Before

This third concern about sourcing, trust, and transparency is familiar to me. For years, I’ve spoken out against supplement companies that hide ingredient amounts behind proprietary blends . If you don’t know how much of each ingredient a product contains, you can’t judge whether it’s effective or how it fits with the rest of your routine. That frustration was one reason I started JYM Supplement Science : I wanted people to know exactly what was in the products they were buying, down to each ingredient and dose.

All of the uncertainty around peptides makes it a gamble I’m not willing to take right now.

With peptides, the transparency question goes even further. You need to know what’s in the product and where it came from. If a seller can’t give you clear answers, you can’t make an informed decision—or feel confident about what you’re putting into your body. For something you may be injecting, proceed with extreme caution.

What Would Have to Change My Mind For Me to Take Peptides?

I wouldn’t consider a peptide just because it’s trending or someone says it changed their life. After all, most people you see online touting peptides don’t have the first clue what they’re talking about. (Just being honest!)

I’d want clear answers to a few basic questions:

Is this specific product FDA-approved, and for what use?
What do well-designed human studies show about its benefits, side effects, and long-term safety?
If it’s a compounded drug, why is compounding needed, and which pharmacy is preparing it?

I’d also want to know exactly where it came from and what quality checks were performed. If the answers are vague—or the pitch relies mostly on testimonials—that tells me I don’t have enough information to make a good decision.

My Final Take-Home on Peptides

All of this uncertainty is why peptides are a gamble I’m not willing to take right now. I’d rather stick with training, nutrition, and supplements that have scientific support and a long track record of real-world use. Those are the things that keep me going at 58.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Talk with your health care provider before considering any peptide, especially one you would inject. For me, the unanswered questions outweigh the potential upside.

Peptide FAQs

Are All Peptides Unsafe?

No. Peptides are a broad category, and some peptide-based medicines are FDA-approved. My concerns are about using peptides marketed for performance, recovery, or anti-aging when the evidence, safety information, or product quality is unclear.

Does a Prescription Mean a Peptide Is FDA-Approved?

No. A clinician may prescribe a compounded medication when it meets a patient’s medical needs, but compounded drugs aren’t FDA-approved. The FDA doesn’t review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they’re marketed.

Can Peptides Be Taken Orally?

Some can, but it depends on the specific peptide and formulation. Many are broken down during digestion, which can make them difficult to deliver effectively as a pill. Others are specially formulated for oral use; semaglutide, for example, is available as an FDA-approved tablet.