Viral peptide products sold at bodegas and smoke shops are not what they claim to be. Recent laboratory tests found that these popular items contain none of the advertised peptides.
WIRED tested four types of peptides purchased from various retail locations. The results confirmed that the products contained entirely different substances than what was listed on their labels.
The peptide market has surged in popularity recently, particularly among fitness enthusiasts and biohackers. These products are often marketed as performance enhancers or anti-aging solutions.
Despite their growing presence, these items face minimal regulatory oversight. They are frequently sold alongside candy and snacks, far removed from pharmaceutical supply chains.
Testing revealed that some products contained common fillers or unlisted compounds. None of the samples matched their stated peptide ingredients.
The lack of regulation allows manufacturers to make bold claims without evidence. Consumers have no reliable way to verify what they are purchasing.
This gap in oversight poses potential health risks to users. Without proper testing, the actual effects of these substances remain unknown.
