At the Drug Information Center (DIZ) in Zurich, we are receiving an increasing number of inquiries about peptides and growth hormone-like substances. These are currently being used more frequently in the fitness, bodybuilding, biohacking, and anti-aging sectors and are, in some cases, actively promoted.
A common question is whether such substances can be analyzed as part of our drug-checking process. The answer is no. Below, we explain why this is the case and what risks need to be considered.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. The term “peptides” encompasses a wide variety of active substances that differ in their mechanisms of action, effects, and spectra of activity.
In the body, they perform various functions, such as acting as signaling molecules. Some peptides are also used in medicine, for example in hormone therapy.
However, it is important to note that in medicine, these substances are used only when there is a clear diagnosis, with approved medications, and under medical supervision. This is not comparable to the use of over-the-counter products purchased online.
The Dangers of Peptides Purchased Online
Many peptides sold online are not approved drugs. They are often marketed as so-called “research chemicals.” This means they are not subject to regular oversight.
Swissmedic, the Swiss drug regulatory authority, expressly warns against purchasing peptides online. Such products can pose a significant health risk. Common problems include:
• Incorrect or unclear information about the ingredients
• Contaminants or other undeclared substances
• Lack of quality controls during manufacturing
As a result, it is often unclear in practice which substances are actually present.
Why an Analysis Doesn't Really Help
At first glance, it seems obvious that a laboratory analysis could provide clarity here. In traditional drug testing—as is common with substances like MDMA, cocaine, or AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids)—chemical analysis usually provides clear answers regarding purity and dosage. With peptides, however, this is only possible to a very limited extent. While certain components of a sample, impurities, or degradation products can be detected in individual cases, However, the significance of these results is extremely limited. For many of the peptides offered online, reliable laboratory reference values are lacking, and there is hardly any clinical data on which to base an assessment. This means that even if drug testing identifies a specific peptide, we often know nothing about its dosage or efficacy. Furthermore, unlike many other substances, peptides are particularly sensitive to structural changes. Even the slightest deviations in composition, purity, or stability can drastically alter the substance’s effects in the body, thereby making it difficult to reliably assess the actual risks and effects of a substance.
Peptides are biological chains that can be sensitive to heat, stress during transport, or UV light. A product may have left the illegal manufacturing lab in good condition—but if it is shipped by mail without refrigeration, it can degrade during transit. Furthermore, it is often not possible to meaningfully assess the health risks posed by potential degradation products or contaminants as part of a standard drug screening.
Another risk may arise during manufacturing. Depending on the product and manufacturing process, peptides are either chemically synthesized or produced using biotechnology. Various chemicals, excipients, and solvents may be used in this process. If these substances are not adequately removed after manufacturing or if quality control is insufficient, impurities or undesirable byproducts may remain in the final product. Particularly with products from unregulated sources or the black market, it is often unclear whether adequate quality control has been performed. As a result, these products may contain impurities that are harmful to health.
Even highly advanced drug testing using analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC/MS, or LC/MS reaches its methodological limits in this context. However, toxic synthesis residues or remnants of the chemical adhesive are often present in the samples in minute trace amounts. Due to the sheer volume of the main substance, these are masked by the signal in the measurement results and thus rendered invisible.
This means that a test result often says little about how safe a product actually is. The only thing that can be reported with any degree of certainty is whether the substance in question can actually be detected in the sample. From a harm reduction perspective, this is problematic because an apparently “good” result can easily be interpreted as a green light or reassurance. This creates a false sense of security that does not actually exist.
Interference with the Endocrine System
Many peptides affect the body's hormonal systems, such as the growth hormone system or metabolism. These systems are very complex and are sensitive to changes.
External intervention can have consequences that are difficult to predict—both in the short term and the long term.
Potential Risks
Various health issues have been reported in connection with peptides, such as:
• Blood sugar abnormalities (increased risk of diabetes)
• Stress on the heart and circulatory system
• Joint or nerve pain
• Sleep problems and psychological changes
• Water retention
• unwanted or uncontrolled tissue growth
• Changes in hormone levels
The severity of these effects varies from person to person. Factors such as health, hormonal status, dosage, or combination with other substances play a major role.
Hype and Unrealistic Expectations
There is currently a strong trend surrounding peptides, especially in biohacking and anti-aging circles. In some cases, grand promises are being made, such as:
• improved performance
• faster recovery
• Rejuvenation
• Treatment of diseases
However, there is no scientific evidence to support many of these claims. They are often based on animal studies, isolated cases, or personal accounts.
Little is known about the long-term effects
Another problem is that there is very little data on the long-term effects of many of these substances. Some effects do not become apparent until after a long period of time. In addition, there is often a lack of relevant studies on these substances.
Particularly with substances that affect growth or hormones, there is a risk that unwanted processes in the body will be exacerbated.
What's the best approach if you have questions or are unsure about peptides?
If you have questions about hormones, physical changes, or physical performance, it’s a good idea to consult a medical professional, such as an endocrinologist (www.sgedssed.ch) or a sports medicine specialist (sems.ch/services/sportarzt-aerztin-suchen).
There, you can discuss on a case-by-case basis what makes sense and what risks are involved.
Conclusion
Peptides are currently being heavily promoted in the fitness, biohacking, and anti-aging sectors and are in increasingly high demand. At the same time, there is considerable uncertainty regarding their composition, quality, and effects—especially when it comes to products purchased online.
Furthermore, for many of these substances, there are hardly any reliable human studies available. As a result, scientific evidence supporting claims about their benefits and risks is often insufficient.
From a harm reduction perspective, it is therefore important to note that peptides are not harmless dietary supplements. They are substances that have various effects on complex bodily systems, and the health risks associated with them often cannot be reliably assessed.
