How to Start Taking Peptides: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
- Intrinsic Peptides
- Jul 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 26
Everything you need to know to begin your first peptide cycle — safely and effectively.
Are you curious about peptides but don’t know where to start?
You’re not alone. At Intrinsic Peptides, we provide research-grade materials and resources so qualified investigators can explore peptide science without the guesswork.
This guide is designed to give you a clear, research-oriented overview of peptides — their structure, function, and the diverse areas of study they support.
🧠 What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as cellular messengers, signaling pathways that influence biological processes. In research settings, they are studied for their roles in:
Metabolic regulation
Tissue repair mechanisms
Growth hormone signaling pathways
Cellular energy efficiency
Healthy aging processes
Think of them as precision research tools that help scientists better understand how the body regulates itself naturally and efficiently.
🚀 How to Begin Researching Peptides in 3 Steps
Step 1: Define Your Research Focus
Before selecting a peptide, clarify the area of study. Common research interests include:
Fat metabolism pathways
Skeletal muscle signaling
Tissue healing and regeneration
Longevity and cellular aging
Hormone and neurotransmitter balance
Step 2: Match the Research Peptide to the Focus
Different peptides are studied for different mechanisms. Beginner-friendly options often align with these categories of investigation:
Metabolism & Weight Regulation
Muscle Growth & Recovery
Tissue Repair Studies
Aging & Longevity Research
Hormone/Neurotransmitter Signaling
⚠️ Disclaimer: All products are sold strictly for Research Use Only. Not for human consumption, medical, or veterinary use.
Step 3: Preparing Your First Research Study
🧪 How Peptides Are Delivered and Reconstituted
All peptides supplied by Intrinsic Peptides are delivered in lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder form. This process preserves stability and integrity during storage and shipping, ensuring the material is suitable for controlled research settings.
💧 What Does “Reconstituting” Mean?
In research environments, lyophilized peptide powders are commonly reconstituted by combining them with a sterile liquid medium such as bacteriostatic water (BAC water). Reconstitution converts the dry powder into a usable liquid solution for laboratory testing.
🔧 How to Reconstitute Peptides (Research Use Only)
Materials Commonly Used in Research:
Peptide vial (lyophilized powder)
Bacteriostatic water (sold separately)
Sterile syringe for transferring liquid
Alcohol prep pads
General Laboratory Steps:
Sanitize
Clean the septa (rubber stoppers) of both the peptide vial and BAC water vial with an alcohol prep pad.
Draw the BAC Water
Using a sterile syringe, withdraw the appropriate research volume of bacteriostatic water. The exact dilution depends on the research protocol being followed.
Reconstitute the Peptide
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and slowly release the BAC water along the inner wall of the vial (not directly onto the powder). This minimizes bubbling and helps preserve peptide structure.
Allow the powder to dissolve naturally. Gentle swirling may be used if needed — avoid vigorous shaking.
Storage
After reconstitution, peptides should be stored in a controlled cold environment (2–8°C / 35–46°F) to maintain stability. Under proper storage, peptides typically remain stable for several weeks, depending on the compound.
⚠️ Important Note:
All peptides provided by Intrinsic Peptides are for Research Use Only. They are not intended for human consumption, injection, or therapeutic use. Any references to administration or “cycles” in other contexts do not apply to Intrinsic Peptides products. Researchers are responsible for following appropriate laboratory standards and safety protocols.
🧬 Our Top 4 Peptides for Beginners
⭐ CJC-1295/Ipamorelin
A widely studied peptide combination used in research exploring growth hormone–related pathways. Investigations have focused on potential roles in sleep quality, cellular repair, and metabolic function. All Intrinsic Peptides products are supplied for Research Use Only and are not intended for human consumption or therapeutic use.
Dose: 250–500mcg before bed, 5x/week
⭐ NAD+
A vital coenzyme involved in cellular energy production, mitochondrial health, and DNA repair. Research has examined its potential in supporting metabolic efficiency, neurological function, and healthy aging through improved cellular resilience and oxidative balance. All Intrinsic Peptides products are supplied for Research Use Only and are not intended for human consumption or therapeutic use.
⚠️ For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption.
Dose: 0.1 mL (≈20 mg) and gradually increase to 0.5 mL (≈100 mg), administered 1-3 times per week.
⭐ BPC-157
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound) is a synthetic peptide fragment that has been studied in preclinical research for its potential effects on tissue repair, angiogenesis, and gastrointestinal protection. Current findings are based on animal and cell studies; products supplied by Intrinsic Peptides are for Research Use Only and are not intended for human consumption or therapeutic use.
Dose: 250–500mcg daily, before bed, 5x/week
⭐ Retatrutide
Retatrutide is a triple-agonist peptide (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon pathways) that is being studied in research settings for its potential effects on metabolism, energy balance, and weight regulation. Current investigations focus on how it may influence appetite signaling, glucose control, and lipid metabolism.
⚠️ For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption or therapeutic use.
Dose: 5–10 units, 1x/week with titration increasing based off tolerance
📈 What Outcomes Have Been Observed in Research?
In scientific and preclinical studies, peptides have been associated with a range of biological effects when tested under controlled research conditions:
Early Phases (Week 1–2): Studies have reported changes in biomarkers linked to sleep regulation, energy metabolism, and recovery processes.
Mid Phases (Week 3–4): Research models have shown shifts in metabolic efficiency, body composition markers, and tissue repair mechanisms.
Later Phases (Week 5+): Some studies note continued improvements in parameters related to body composition, cellular resilience, and skin structure.
⚠️ Important Note: All products from Intrinsic Peptides are provided for Research Use Only. They are not intended for human consumption or therapeutic use. Observations described above are based on research data and are not to be interpreted as medical advice or guaranteed outcomes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are peptides safe?
Yes, peptides are bio-identical and typically have minimal side effects when used correctly.
Do I need a prescription?
Our products are sold for research purposes only. We recommend consulting a provider for medical use.
Can I combine peptides?
Yes! Many peptides work synergistically — for example, AOD + CJC for fat loss, or BPC + TB-500 for healing.
How fast do research enthusiasts see results?
Most users notice benefits in 2–4 weeks. However, some peptides take longer for the physiological effects to occur. Best results come from consistency and lifestyle support.
What supplies do I need to get started?
All you need is bacteriostatic water, 31g insulin syringes, alcohol wipes, and your peptide of choice. We also offer starter kits with everything included.
🎯 Ready to Begin?
Here are your next steps:
Still Have Questions?
📧 Message us at: [intrinsicpeptides@gmail.com]
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📍 Based in San Diego, CA – Fast shipping nationwide