What is the Difference Between SARMs and Peptides

The main difference between SARMs and peptides is that SARMs are a type of androgen receptor ligands which help in muscle building by binding to androgen receptors whereas peptides are a type of dietary supplement which increases the secretion of growth hormone in the body. Furthermore, SARMs produce a more selective effect on muscle building while peptides produce a less selective effect on muscle building.

SARMs or selective androgen receptor modulators and peptides are two agents, which can be used to increase muscle and bone mass.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are SARMs
     – Definition, Features, Importance
2. What are Peptides
     – Definition, Features, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between SARMs and Peptides
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between SARMs and Peptides
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Androgen Receptors, Growth Hormone, Muscle Building, Peptides, SARMs

What are SARMs

SARMs are a type of androgen receptor ligands which selectively bind to the androgen receptors. They were first developed for bone regeneration. However, it showed effects on muscle building and fat burning by serving as a fast acting performance enhancer. Therefore, SARMs became a good anabolic steroid replacement. A reason for this is because they do not show signs of liver damage when taken orally. Also, SARMs can generate an effect similar to testosterone but, with fewer side effects as shown by testosterone. However, the structure of SARMs differs from the structure of testosterone. 

Figure 1: Ostarine

One of the main important features of SARMs is that different types of SARMs can selectively target different tissues. That means; some SARMs are specific for muscle building while others are specific for leaning out fat in the body. Some examples of SARMs include RAD 140, LGD 4033, Ostarine, Andarine (S-4, GTx-007), BMS-564,929, etc.

What are Peptides

Peptides are a type of bodybuilding supplements that comprise polypeptide chains with less than 50 amino acids. Here, the amino acid chains with 10 to 100 amino acids are known as polypeptides while polypeptides with more than 50 amino acids are known as proteins. However, peptides are better than proteins and creatine used in muscle building. Moreover, peptides produce less-long side effects in comparison to the other steroids used for this purpose.

Figure 2: GHRP-6

Furthermore, peptides have no direct anabolic effect. They are used as GH secretagogues and are responsible for increasing the secretion of growth hormone. Also, there are two main forms of peptides: synthetic forms of GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) and GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptides). Additionally, some synthetic GHRH related side effects are impaired glucose tolerance/elevated blood sugar, water retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. On the other hand, some GHRP related side effects are sleepiness, hunger, increased GI motility, etc. Some other types of peptides used are the HGH Fragment 176-191, MGF (mechano growth factor), and Myostatin.

Similarities Between SARMs and Peptides

• SARMs and peptides are two types of muscle building agents.
• Both have fewer side effects on muscle building.
• Also, both have an indirect anabolic effect on bone and muscles.
• Importantly, they are legal to buy.

Difference Between SARMs and Peptides

Definition

SARMs refer to a class of therapeutic compounds that have similar properties to anabolic agents, but with reduced androgenic properties, while peptides refer to the synthetic or natural forms of polypeptide chains comprising of less than 50 amino acids in the chain, used for fat burning and muscle building benefits. Thus, this is the main difference between SARMs and peptides.

Significance

Moreover, SARMs are a type of androgen ligand receptors while peptides are the polypeptide chains with amino acids less than 50.

Natural or Synthetic

Also, another difference between SARMs and peptides is that SARMs are synthetic while peptides can be either synthetic or natural.

Functional Significance

Importantly, SARMs bind to the androgen receptors in the muscle and bones, increasing their growth, while peptides increase the release of growth hormone. Thus, this is the functional difference between SARMs and peptides.

Selectivity

Besides, SARMs produce a highly selective effect on bone and muscle building while the selective effect of peptides on muscle building is comparatively low. Hence, this is also a difference between SARMs and peptides.

Alternatives to

Furthermore, SARMs are better than anabolic steroids while peptides are better than protein powder and creatine.

Conclusion

SARMs are a type of ligands which selectively bind to the androgen receptors in bone and muscles. They are a good alternative to anabolic steroids. Whereas, peptides are polypeptides with less than 50 amino acids in a chain. They get absorbed easily and increase the secretion of growth hormone in the body. Generally, peptides are a good alternative to protein powders and creatine. Therefore, both SARMs and peptides can be used to increase bone and muscle mass. However, the main difference between SARMs and peptides is their method of action and selectivity.

References:

1. “SARMS and Peptides Reviews – Only The Best Peptides.” The Complete Guide to SARMS in 2019, GeneratePress, Available Here.
2. Nunn, Gary. “Peptides May Accelerate Muscle Growth, but Are They Worth the Risk?” Executive Style, 1 Nov. 2017, Available Here.
3. Llewellyn, William. “SARMs, Peptides, and Other Emerging Drugs.” Liverpool John Moores University, 13 Oct. 2017, Available Here. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Ostarine” By Ronhjones – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “GHRP-6” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia