Athletes and anti-aging specialists alike rely on Ipamorelin – either as an individual supplement or in conjunction with another peptide such as CJC-1295 – to boost endogenous human growth hormone (HGH) levels.
In athletes and active individuals with sub-par HGH levels, Ipamorelin has the proven potential to enhance performance (as well as, more broadly, health-promoting benefits). I’ve you’ve been striving to hit your next personal best, Ipamorelin could be the missing ingredient you need to hit the peak.
Let’s take an in-depth review of the science that informs Ipamorelin’s clinical significance, some important notes on supplementing with Ipamorelin, and how to get started to improve your own athletic performance.
What Is Ipamorelin?
As a peptide (a short amino-acid chain), Ipamorelin functions in vivo as a growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) agonist, meaning that it stimulates the production and secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) by the pituitary gland in the brain.
Because Ipamorelin also mimics the physiological activities of ghrelin (the “hunger hormone”), it stimulates appetite and has been used successfully as a novel treatment for various gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) disorders:
“Since… ipamorelin accelerates gastric emptying and promotes small intestinal function, our findings support the feasibility and potential benefits of using GRLN-R agonists as a new class of prokinetics accelerating gastric emptying. ‘
How Does Ipamorelin Work as a Supplement?
Ipamorelin supplementation results in greater concentrations of circulating HGH in both human and non-human animals who receive it:
“Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) and a ghrelin mimetic with growth hormone (GH) releasing activity. Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin and binds to the ghrelin receptor (or GH secretagogue receptor, GHSR) in the brain, thereby selectively stimulating the release of GH from the pituitary gland. This results in increased plasma GH levels, which would affect many biological processes… Unlike other GH releasing peptides, ipamorelin only stimulates GH release in a manner very similar to that of growth hormone releasing hormone.”
Critically, one of the main benefits of Ipamorelin is that it does not trigger the potentially harmful increased release of other hormones that can lead to complications following hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (the “stress hormone”).
The performance-enhancing benefits of Ipamorelin can include:
- Increased, sustained energy levels
- Greater fat metabolism
- Facilitated protein synthesis (resulting in greater lean muscle mass)
- Deeper, more restorative sleep
- Faster recovery from previous injury
- Strengthened tendons and ligaments, making athletes less prone to future injury
- Greater bone density (also reducing risk of injury)
Other possible benefits of Ipamorelin not directly related to athletic performance include:
- Improved mood
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Increased sexual desire (libido)
- Better memory
- Firmer, more elastic skin
- Stronger, healthier nails and hair
- Optimized blood sugar regulation (improving metabolic health and reducing risk of metabolic disease such as diabetes)
Ipamorelin For Athletes
Athletes commonly use Ipamorelin – often in conjunction with other peptides and growth hormone stimulators – to enhance their physical performance as well as to recover more quickly and fully following injury.
Along with other HGH secretagogues, Ipamorelin has become controversial in professional sport due to its efficacy in augmenting athletic output:
“Peptides are comprised of amino acids, the building blocks of protein; certain formulations can aid in athletic performance…[Los Angeles Dodgers reliever] Ravin… used Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2), which stimulates the production of human growth hormone, and, in turn, can lead to gains in lean muscle mass and aid in recovery. McKirahan tested positive for a similar peptide, Ipamorelin, last season.”
The chart below chronicles the many HGH secretagogue peptides popular among athletes:
The bottom line: many sporting organizations ban Ipamorelin because it is proven to lend a competitive edge to the athletes who use it. Fortunately, for the average user, it’s totally legal for purchase and use in the United States with a largely risk-free safety profile (see later section for potential side effects).
Ipamorelin/CJC-1295: A Potent HGH-Enhancing Combination
CJC-1295 (also offered by Beyond Health) is another effective growth hormone secretagogue that effective in tandem for multiple reasons:
- Synergistically, simultaneously target different pituitary gland receptors
- Ipamorelin has immediate efficacy whereas CJC-1295 has a longer half-life, providing a stable yet immediate boost to HGH levels upon administration
- Neither supplement raises cortisol levels, a major bonus (as many other peptides do result in greater levels of the “stress hormone” which can be problematic in long-term supplementation)
Ipamorelin Delivery Method, Optimal Dosage, and Potential Side Effects
Ipamorelin, along with other hormonal supplements, is delivered subcutaneously into the tissue under the skin via injection.
The ideal dosage is between 100-500 mcg (micrograms) per day, ideally at the same time each day, most often in the morning before any meals. Some users may prefer to space out their dosages, taking one injection in the morning and one in the evening.
Ipamorelin, although well-tolerated by most, does carry some risk of side effects that can include:
- Intensified hunger (due to its ghrelin-mimicking effects (aka the “hunger hormone”)
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Weight gain
With responsible dosing and proper guidance from a trained medical professional, the risk of serious side effects can be nearly fully avoided. Always do your due diligence and, when necessary, seek expert guidance for safety and optimal outcomes.
Getting Started with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin
It goes without saying that if you are going to spend the money on supplements – especially ones like CJC-1295/Ipamorelin that you are injecting directly into your body – you are going to want to source the highest-quality formulations on the market to protect your health and achieve the results you want to see.
AlC-1295/Ipamorelin (or any other supplement) sourced on the black or gray market fromways rely, therefore, on the guidance of a medical professional to steer you in the right direction. Never settle for cut-rate CJ sources of ill repute such as India or China.
Partner with Beyond Health to get started on your journey to optimized performance and wellness with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin today. We work exclusively with compound pharmacies that use source materials from FDA regulated CGMP manufacturers.
This article has been reviewed and approved by our medical team.
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