The Healing Peptide Athletes Are Talking About: What to Know About BPC-157

Body Protective Compound, also known as BPC 157, is probably one of the most studied peptides. It’s been around for almost 100 years, and researchers have been exploring how it may support the body’s healing processes.

As the National Library of Medicine explains, “the Body protection compound-157 (BPC-157) is a naturally occurring gastric peptide that promotes mucosal integrity and homeostasis.”

Preclinical studies have explored its potential role in healing different kinds of injuries. According to the government agency, “Preclinical studies show its potential for promoting healing in musculoskeletal injuries such as fractures, tendon ruptures, ligament tears, and muscle injuries.”

But the research also comes with important caveats. “Despite lacking US Food and Drug Administration approval and its use being banned in professional sports, it is increasingly used by clinicians and athletes,” the National Library of Medicine writes.

What Researchers Have Observed in Early Studies

Researchers have been interested in BPC-157 because of its potential effects on tissue repair and recovery.

According to ThriveX’s Clinical Director, Dr. Mary Van, the body protective compound peptide helps stimulate and supports faster cellular healing – “think faster collagen, faster tendon healing,” she says.

In experimental studies using animal models, researchers observed significant tendon repair in a relatively short timeframe.

“In fact, when they did the original studies, when they used mice, they saw that at 14 days, they could heal severely damaged and torn tendons,” she explains in her latest reel.

Why BPC-157 Is Often Discussed for Injuries

Some researchers believe the peptide may be especially relevant in the early stages after an injury. But when might it matter most?

“That's actually where BPC shines the most – when you have just been recently injured, and you need to get back into the ring a lot faster,” says Dr. Van.

Dr. Mary Van discusses BPC-157 in a ThriveX Instagram reel.