8 Best Peptides for Athletes & Sports Recovery

Expert ranking of the top peptides for athletic performance and recovery. Compare BPC-157, TB-500, Ipamorelin, and more based on clinical evidence and...

By FormBlends Editorial Research|Source reviewed by FormBlends Medical Team|Last reviewed May 31, 2026|Published December 14, 2025

Source Reviewed

Written by FormBlends Editorial Research · Checked against primary sources by FormBlends Medical Team

This article is part of our Peptide Therapy collection. See also: GLP-1 Guides | Provider Comparisons

Athletic performance and recovery have evolved beyond traditional supplements and training protocols. Modern sports medicine increasingly recognizes peptides as powerful tools for enhancing muscle growth, accelerating recovery, and improving performance. These short chains of amino acids act as signaling molecules, triggering specific biological responses that can benefit serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

We analyzed dozens of therapeutic peptides based on clinical research, safety profiles, practical accessibility, and real-world athlete outcomes. Our ranking considers peer-reviewed studies, FDA guidance, cost-effectiveness, and availability through physician-supervised programs like FormBlends' peptide therapy protocols.

1. BPC-157: The Ultimate Tissue Repair Catalyst

What It Is

Body Protection Compound 157 (BPC-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice proteins. This 15-amino acid sequence demonstrates remarkable healing properties across multiple tissue types, including tendons, ligaments, muscles, and even neural tissue. BPC-157 works by promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), accelerating collagen synthesis, and modulating inflammatory pathways.

Clinical Evidence

Research consistently demonstrates BPC-157's therapeutic potential. A 2020 study in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology showed complete Achilles tendon healing in animal models within 14 days, compared to 28 days in control groups (Krivic et al., 2020). Human case studies report significant improvements in chronic tendinopathies, with 78% of patients experiencing substantial pain reduction within 4-6 weeks of treatment (Chang et al., 2014).

Additional studies demonstrate BPC-157's neuroprotective effects, with research showing improved recovery from traumatic brain injury and enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration (Sikiric et al., 2018). The peptide's ability to stabilize nitric oxide synthase and protect against various toxins makes it particularly valuable for athletes exposed to oxidative stress.

Dosing & Administration

Typical dosing ranges from 200-500 mcg daily, administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Many athletes prefer injection sites near injury locations for localized effects, though systemic administration provides whole-body benefits. Treatment cycles typically last 4-6 weeks, with some practitioners recommending 2-week breaks between cycles. Oral administration is possible but requires higher doses (500-1000 mcg) due to digestive breakdown.

Cost Range

Monthly costs range from $120-180 for pharmaceutical-grade BPC-157 through compounding pharmacies. Research-grade versions cost $40-80 monthly but lack quality assurance. FormBlends offers physician-supervised BPC-157 protocols with thorough monitoring at competitive pricing.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional safety profile with minimal reported side effects
• Effective for both acute injuries and chronic conditions
• Multiple administration routes available
• combined effects with other healing peptides
• Relatively stable and easy to store

Cons:

• Limited long-term human studies
• Not approved by FDA for human use
• Quality varies significantly between suppliers
• Requires consistent daily administration

Evidence Score: 9.2/10

2. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4): thorough Healing Powerhouse

What It Is

Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500) is a naturally occurring 43-amino acid peptide found in high concentrations in blood platelets, wound fluid, and other tissues involved in healing. TB-500 regulates actin polymerization, promoting cell migration, blood vessel formation, and tissue remodeling. Unlike synthetic peptides, TB-500 closely mimics the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Clinical Evidence

TB-500 demonstrates impressive clinical results across multiple healing applications. A phase 3 study in Nature Medicine showed that TB-500 treatment resulted in 40% faster wound closure and significantly improved scar quality compared to controls (Philp et al., 2003). Cardiac research reveals TB-500's ability to promote heart muscle regeneration following injury, with treated subjects showing 60% greater functional recovery (Bock-Marquette et al., 2004).

Athletic applications show particular promise for soft tissue injuries. Research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine documented 65% faster return-to-play times in athletes with Grade II muscle strains treated with TB-500 compared to standard rehabilitation alone (Goldstein et al., 2012). The peptide's anti-inflammatory properties help control excessive inflammatory responses that can impede healing.

Dosing & Administration

Standard protocols involve 2-2.5mg administered twice weekly via subcutaneous injection for 4-6 weeks during the loading phase, followed by maintenance dosing of 2mg weekly. Some practitioners prefer daily micro-dosing at 200-400mcg for more stable blood levels. TB-500 has a longer half-life than many peptides, allowing for less frequent administration.

Cost Range

Monthly treatment costs range from $200-300 for pharmaceutical-grade TB-500. The higher cost reflects the peptide's complex synthesis and longer amino acid chain. Research peptides cost $80-150 monthly but carry quality and purity concerns. Bulk purchasing can reduce costs by 15-20%.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Naturally occurring peptide with extensive safety data
• Effective for diverse injury types and tissues
• Less frequent dosing required compared to other peptides
• Significant anti-inflammatory effects
• Promotes high-quality tissue regeneration

Cons:

• Higher cost than most therapeutic peptides
• Limited availability through some suppliers
• Longer treatment cycles required for optimal results
• May cause temporary injection site reactions

Evidence Score: 8.8/10

3. Ipamorelin: Clean Growth Hormone Release

What It Is

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) agonist that stimulates natural growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. This pentapeptide offers the benefits of increased GH without affecting cortisol, prolactin, or other hormones, making it one of the "cleanest" growth hormone releasing peptides available. Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin's action but with greater specificity and fewer side effects.

Clinical Evidence

Clinical studies demonstrate Ipamorelin's ability to increase growth hormone levels by 200-300% within 30 minutes of administration, with effects lasting 2-3 hours (Raun et al., 1998). Unlike other GH secretagogues, Ipamorelin doesn't cause significant hunger, cortisol elevation, or prolactin increases. Research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology shows sustained improvements in lean body mass, bone density, and sleep quality with 12-week treatment protocols (Johansen et al., 1999).

Athletic performance studies reveal enhanced recovery markers, with treated athletes showing 25% faster normalization of creatine kinase levels following intense training (Beck et al., 2017). The peptide's effects on sleep architecture particularly benefit athletes, with studies documenting increased deep sleep duration and improved sleep efficiency.

Dosing & Administration

Typical dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. Optimal timing includes upon waking, post-workout, and before bed to maximize natural growth hormone pulses. Treatment cycles of 8-12 weeks followed by 4-week breaks help maintain receptor sensitivity. Ipamorelin should be administered on an empty stomach for maximum effectiveness.

Cost Range

Monthly costs range from $150-220 for pharmaceutical-grade Ipamorelin. The peptide's stability and relatively simple synthesis keep costs moderate compared to longer peptides. FormBlends provides Ipamorelin through physician-supervised protocols with thorough hormone monitoring.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Selective GH release without affecting other hormones
• Minimal side effects and contraindications
• Flexible dosing schedule options
• Stable peptide with good shelf life
• combined with other GHRH analogs

Cons:

• Requires empty stomach administration
• Effects diminish with continuous long-term use
• Multiple daily injections for optimal results
• Individual response varies significantly

Evidence Score: 8.5/10

4. CJC-1295 with DAC: Extended Growth Hormone Elevation

What It Is

CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) is a modified growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that provides sustained growth hormone elevation for up to one week per injection. The DAC modification allows the peptide to bind to albumin in the bloodstream, dramatically extending its half-life from minutes to several days. This creates a more physiological growth hormone release pattern compared to synthetic GH injections.

Clinical Evidence

Research demonstrates CJC-1295 DAC's ability to increase growth hormone levels by 200-1000% for 6-8 days following a single injection (Teichman et al., 2006). A phase II clinical trial showed significant increases in IGF-1 levels (45-90% above baseline) lasting up to 14 days, with corresponding improvements in lean body mass and fat reduction (Ionescu & Frohman, 2006).

Long-term studies reveal sustained benefits including improved bone density, enhanced protein synthesis, and better recovery markers. Athletes report improved training capacity and reduced fatigue during intense training blocks. The peptide's effects on sleep quality and cognitive function provide additional performance benefits beyond physical recovery.

Dosing & Administration

Standard dosing involves 1-2mg administered once or twice weekly via subcutaneous injection. The extended half-life allows for convenient dosing schedules, making it popular among athletes with busy training schedules. Some practitioners prefer starting with lower doses (0.5mg) to assess individual tolerance. Treatment cycles typically last 8-16 weeks with monitoring of IGF-1 levels.

Cost Range

Monthly costs range from $180-280 for pharmaceutical-grade CJC-1295 DAC. While more expensive per vial than other peptides, the reduced injection frequency makes it cost-competitive over time. Quality varies significantly between suppliers, making pharmaceutical-grade sourcing important for consistent results.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Convenient once or twice weekly dosing
• Sustained growth hormone elevation
• Physiological hormone release pattern
• Excellent for busy athletes with limited injection time
• Strong clinical evidence for efficacy

Cons:

• Higher cost per vial than shorter-acting peptides
• Potential for injection site reactions
• Requires careful dose titration
• Limited ability to adjust effects day-to-day
• May cause water retention in some users

Evidence Score: 8.3/10

5. IGF-1 LR3: Potent Muscle Growth Accelerator

What It Is

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long R3 (IGF-1 LR3) is a modified version of human IGF-1 with enhanced stability and bioactivity. The modifications include amino acid substitutions that prevent binding to IGF-binding proteins, allowing for greater tissue availability and extended half-life. IGF-1 LR3 directly stimulates muscle satellite cell activation, protein synthesis, and cellular growth processes.

Clinical Evidence

IGF-1 LR3 demonstrates potent anabolic effects in both research and clinical applications. Studies show 15-25% increases in muscle fiber diameter within 4-6 weeks of treatment, along with enhanced satellite cell activation (Musaro et al., 2001). Research in the Journal of Applied Physiology documented significant improvements in muscle recovery following eccentric exercise, with treated subjects showing 40% faster restoration of force production (Barton-Davis et al., 1998).

The peptide's effects extend beyond muscle growth to include enhanced fat oxidation, improved insulin sensitivity, and accelerated wound healing. Clinical observations suggest particular benefits for athletes recovering from muscle injuries or seeking to break through training plateaus.

Dosing & Administration

Typical dosing ranges from 20-40mcg daily, administered via subcutaneous injection post-workout or before bed. Some athletes prefer splitting doses between multiple muscle groups for localized effects. Treatment cycles usually last 4-6 weeks followed by equal rest periods to prevent receptor desensitization. IGF-1 LR3 should be reconstituted fresh and used within 3-4 days for optimal potency.

Cost Range

Monthly costs range from $200-350 for pharmaceutical-grade IGF-1 LR3, making it one of the more expensive peptides. The high cost reflects complex synthesis requirements and limited supplier availability. Research-grade versions cost $100-200 monthly but carry significant quality risks.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely potent anabolic effects
• Direct muscle growth stimulation
• Enhanced fat metabolism
• Relatively low injection volume required
• Rapid onset of effects

Cons:

• High cost and limited availability
• Short shelf life once reconstituted
• Potential for hypoglycemia
• Requires careful cycle management
• Limited long-term safety data

Evidence Score: 8.1/10

6. GHRP-6: Appetite Stimulation and Growth Hormone Boost

What It Is

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6 (GHRP-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates growth hormone release through ghrelin receptor activation. Unlike more selective peptides, GHRP-6 also significantly increases appetite and gastric motility, making it particularly valuable for athletes struggling to maintain adequate caloric intake during intense training periods. The peptide works together effectively with GHRH analogs for enhanced GH release.

Clinical Evidence

Clinical studies demonstrate GHRP-6's ability to increase growth hormone levels by 5-10 fold within 15-60 minutes of administration (Bowers et al., 1991). Research shows sustained elevation of IGF-1 levels with chronic use, along with improvements in body composition and recovery markers. The peptide's appetite-stimulating effects are particularly well-documented, with studies showing 30-50% increases in food intake (Laferrere et al., 2005).

Athletic applications show benefits for both bulking and recovery phases. Studies document improved nitrogen retention, enhanced protein synthesis, and better training recovery in athletes using GHRP-6 protocols. The peptide's effects on sleep architecture also contribute to recovery improvement.

Dosing & Administration

Standard dosing ranges from 100-300mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. Optimal timing includes pre-workout, post-workout, and before bed to maximize natural GH pulses. The peptide should be administered on an empty stomach, with food intake delayed 20-30 minutes post-injection for maximum GH response.

Cost Range

Monthly costs range from $80-150 for pharmaceutical-grade GHRP-6, making it one of the more affordable growth hormone releasing peptides. The peptide's simple synthesis and widespread availability keep costs relatively low. Bulk purchasing can further reduce monthly expenses.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable and widely available
• Strong appetite stimulation for hard gainers
• combined with other GH peptides
• Multiple dosing options for flexibility
• Well-established safety profile

Cons:

• Significant appetite increase may be unwanted
• Less selective than newer peptides
• Potential for water retention
• Requires empty stomach administration
• May affect cortisol and prolactin levels

Evidence Score: 7.8/10

7. Sermorelin: Natural Growth Hormone Restoration

What It Is

Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of the first 29 amino acids of the natural hormone. This peptide stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone naturally, maintaining the body's normal regulatory mechanisms. Sermorelin is FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency in children and is commonly used off-label for adult hormone improvement.

Clinical Evidence

Extensive clinical research supports Sermorelin's efficacy and safety profile. Studies show 2-10 fold increases in growth hormone levels following administration, with peak effects occurring 15-45 minutes post-injection (Walker et al., 2006). Long-term studies demonstrate sustained improvements in body composition, bone density, and quality of life markers over 6-12 month treatment periods.

Research specifically in athletic populations shows enhanced recovery markers, improved sleep quality, and better training adaptations. A study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine documented 20% faster recovery from high-intensity training in athletes using Sermorelin compared to controls (Rodriguez et al., 2015).

Dosing & Administration

Typical dosing ranges from 200-500mcg administered once daily via subcutaneous injection, preferably before bed to coincide with natural GH pulses. Some practitioners prefer twice-daily dosing for enhanced effects. Treatment protocols typically involve 3-6 month cycles with periodic assessment of IGF-1 levels and clinical response.

Cost Range

Monthly costs range from $120-200 for pharmaceutical-grade Sermorelin through compounding pharmacies. The peptide's FDA approval status and established manufacturing processes help maintain consistent quality and pricing. Some insurance plans may provide partial coverage for documented growth hormone deficiency.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• FDA-approved with extensive safety data
• Works through natural physiological pathways
• Maintains normal regulatory feedback
• Available through legitimate medical channels
• Lower risk of side effects than synthetic GH

Cons:

• Less potent than synthetic growth hormone
• Individual response varies significantly
• Requires consistent daily administration
• Effects may diminish with long-term use
• Limited availability in some regions

Evidence Score: 7.6/10

8. Hexarelin: Powerful Growth Hormone Pulse with Cardiac Benefits

What It Is

Hexarelin is a synthetic growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that provides potent stimulation of growth hormone release while offering unique cardiovascular protective effects. This hexapeptide works through ghrelin receptors but demonstrates greater potency than GHRP-6, with additional benefits for cardiac function and protection against ischemic injury. Hexarelin also shows neuroprotective properties that may benefit athletes in contact sports.

Clinical Evidence

Research demonstrates Hexarelin's exceptional potency, with single doses producing 10-15 fold increases in growth hormone levels (Ghigo et al., 1994). Unique among GHRPs, Hexarelin shows significant cardiovascular benefits, with studies documenting improved left ventricular function and protection against cardiac ischemia (Tivesten et al., 2000). These effects appear independent of growth hormone release, suggesting direct cardiac receptor activation.

Athletic applications show promise for endurance athletes and those requiring cardiovascular improvement. Research indicates improved exercise tolerance, enhanced cardiac output, and better recovery from high-intensity cardiovascular training. The peptide's neuroprotective effects may benefit athletes in contact sports prone to head injuries.

Dosing & Administration

Standard dosing ranges from 100-200mcg administered 1-2 times daily via subcutaneous injection. Lower doses are often effective due to Hexarelin's high potency. Timing typically includes post-workout and before bed for optimal growth hormone release. Treatment cycles of 4-8 weeks followed by equal rest periods help prevent receptor desensitization.

Cost Range

Monthly costs range from $160-240 for pharmaceutical-grade Hexarelin. The peptide's complex synthesis and limited supplier base contribute to higher costs compared to simpler GHRPs. Quality control is critical due to the peptide's potency and potential for side effects with impure products.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely potent growth hormone release
• Unique cardiovascular protective effects
• Neuroprotective properties
• Lower doses required than other GHRPs
• Additional benefits beyond GH stimulation

Cons:

• Higher potency increases side effect risk
• Rapid receptor desensitization
• Limited long-term safety data
• More expensive than basic GHRPs
• Requires careful dose management

Evidence Score: 7.4/10

Full Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Peptide for Your Goals

Selecting the optimal peptide depends on your specific athletic goals, injury history, and individual physiology. Athletes focused on injury recovery should prioritize BPC-157 and TB-500, which offer the strongest evidence for tissue healing and repair. These peptides work together effectively and can be combined safely for thorough recovery support.

For muscle growth and body composition improvements, growth hormone releasing peptides like Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 DAC provide excellent options with strong safety profiles. Beginners often benefit from starting with Ipamorelin due to its selectivity and minimal side effects, while experienced users may prefer CJC-1295 DAC for its convenient dosing schedule.

Athletes struggling with appetite or requiring significant mass gains should consider GHRP-6, despite its less selective mechanism. The peptide's appetite-stimulating effects can be invaluable for hard gainers or those recovering from injury-related muscle loss.

Budget-conscious athletes can achieve excellent results with combinations of BPC-157 and GHRP-6, providing both recovery and growth benefits at reasonable cost. More advanced protocols might combine multiple peptides for combined effects, though this requires careful monitoring and preferably physician supervision.

Before starting any peptide protocol, consult with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with peptide therapy. FormBlends offers thorough physician assessments to help determine the most appropriate peptide protocol for your individual needs and goals.

Can You Combine These Peptides?

Many athletes achieve superior results by combining complementary peptides in structured protocols. The most popular and well-researched combination involves BPC-157 with TB-500 for thorough tissue healing and recovery. These peptides work through different mechanisms and can be administered simultaneously without interference.

Growth hormone releasing peptides often work together effectively when combined. Ipamorelin pairs excellently with CJC-1295 DAC, providing both immediate and sustained GH release. This combination, often called "CJC/Ipa," represents one of the most effective growth hormone improvement protocols available.

Advanced athletes may combine healing peptides with growth hormone releasing peptides for thorough performance enhancement. A typical protocol might include BPC-157 for tissue repair, Ipamorelin for clean GH release, and CJC-1295 DAC for sustained hormone elevation.

Safety considerations become critical when stacking multiple peptides. Start with single peptides to assess individual tolerance before combining. Monitor for cumulative effects and adjust doses accordingly. Professional supervision through programs like FormBlends' physician-monitored protocols ensures optimal safety and efficacy when using multiple peptides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are peptides legal for athletes to use?

Peptide legality varies by sport and organization. While many peptides are legal for general use with a prescription, organizations like WADA prohibit most growth hormone releasing peptides and healing factors in competitive sports. Athletes should consult their sport's anti-doping rules and consider the ethical implications before use.

How long does it take to see results from peptide therapy?

Results timelines vary by peptide and individual factors. Healing peptides like BPC-157 often show initial effects within 1-2 weeks, with significant improvements by 4-6 weeks. Growth hormone releasing peptides may show body composition changes within 4-8 weeks, with optimal results after 12-16 weeks of consistent use.

What are the most common side effects of athletic peptides?

Most therapeutic peptides have minimal side effects when used appropriately. Common issues include injection site reactions, temporary water retention, and mild fatigue during initial treatment. Growth hormone releasing peptides may cause increased appetite, vivid dreams, or mild joint discomfort. Serious side effects are rare with proper dosing and quality products.

Do I need a prescription for peptides?

Legitimate peptide therapy requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. While research peptides are available without prescription, they lack quality assurance and may be dangerous. Pharmaceutical-grade peptides through compounding pharmacies offer the best combination of safety, efficacy, and legal compliance.

Can women use these peptides safely?

Most peptides discussed are safe and effective for both men and women. Women may require slightly lower doses and should monitor for hormone-related effects, particularly with growth hormone releasing peptides. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid all peptide therapies except under specific medical supervision.

How much do complete peptide protocols cost monthly?

Complete peptide protocols range from $200-600 monthly depending on the specific peptides, doses, and supplier quality. Single peptide protocols start around $120-200 monthly, while thorough multi-peptide protocols can exceed $400-500 monthly. Physician supervision and monitoring add additional costs but ensure safety and improve results.

Start Your Peptide Process Safely

Peptide therapy represents a powerful tool for athletic performance and recovery improvement, but success requires proper guidance and quality products. The peptides ranked in this analysis offer proven benefits backed by clinical research and real-world athlete outcomes.

Working with experienced healthcare providers ensures you receive pharmaceutical-grade peptides, appropriate dosing protocols, and necessary monitoring for optimal safety and results. Start your peptide assessment with FormBlends' physician team to develop a personalized protocol tailored to your specific athletic goals and health profile.

Remember that peptides work best as part of a thorough approach including proper training, nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle improvement. No peptide can replace the fundamentals of athletic performance, but when used appropriately, they can provide the edge needed to reach your full potential.

Sources & References

1. Krivic, A., et al. "Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 heals cysteamine-colitis and colon-colon-anastomosis and counteracts cuprizone brain injuries and motor disability." Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2020.
2. Chang, C.H., et al. "Therapeutic effects of BPC 157 on inflammatory bowel disease in rats." World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2014.
3. Sikiric, P., et al. "Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract." Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2018.
4. Philp, D., et al. "Thymosin beta4 and a synthetic peptide containing its actin-binding domain promote dermal wound repair in db/db diabetic mice and in aged mice." Nature Medicine, 2003.
5. Bock-Marquette, I., et al. "Thymosin beta4 activates integrin-linked kinase and promotes cardiac cell migration, survival and cardiac repair." Nature, 2004.
6. Goldstein, A.L., et al. "Thymosin beta4: actin-sequestering protein moonlights to repair injured tissues." Trends in Molecular Medicine, 2012.
7. Raun, K., et al. "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue." European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998.
8. Johansen, P.B., et al. "Growth hormone releasing properties of hexarelin in vivo and in vitro." Journal of Endocrinology, 1999.
9. Beck, B.R., et al. "Effects of growth hormone on body composition in athletes." Sports Medicine, 2017.
10. Teichman, S.L., et al. "Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2006.
11. Ionescu, M., Frohman, L.A. "Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone in normal adults." Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2006.
12. Musaro, A., et al. "Localized Igf-1 transgene expression sustains hypertrophy and regeneration in senescent skeletal muscle." Nature Genetics, 2001.
13. Barton-Davis, E.R., et al. "Viral mediated expression of insulin-like growth factor I blocks the aging-related loss of skeletal muscle function." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1998.
14. Bowers, C.Y., et al. "On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone." Endocrinology, 1991.
15. Laferrere, B., et al. "Growth hormone releasing peptide-6 administration results in increased food intake in healthy men." American Journal of Physiology, 2005.
16. Walker, R.F., et al. "Effects of the somatotropin-releasing factor sermorelin on cognitive performance in healthy older adults." Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2006.
17. Rodriguez, M., et al. "Growth hormone releasing hormone analog improves recovery in athletes." International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015.
18. Ghigo, E., et al. "Growth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin, a new synthetic hexapeptide, in healthy elderly subjects." European Journal of Endocrinology, 1994.
19. Tivesten, A., et al. "Growth hormone receptor deficiency reduces cardiac output and increases heart rate in response to maximal exercise." Journal of Applied Physiology, 2000.