What Peptides Do Influencers Actually Take? A Research Check on Magda Santiago's List

A recent TikTok video by Magda Santiago, captioned “What peptides I take and what they do!” has sparked curiosity among viewers interested in longevity and wellness. The video, tagged with #peptide #healthyover50 #longevity #wellness, references a list of compounds including BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, Sermorelin, PT-141, NAD+, and a GLP-1 (likely semaglutide or tirzepatide). While the video is brief and likely summarizes personal experience, its claims about what these peptides “do” deserve a closer look at the research landscape.

What the Clip Is Claiming

The video implies that taking a combination of these peptides can support recovery, skin health, hormone regulation, and metabolic function—all within the context of healthy aging. The creator appears to endorse a multi-peptide stack as part of a longevity routine. However, the 15-second format cannot convey the nuance of dosing, cycling, or the evidence gaps for each compound.

What the Research Neighborhood Actually Covers

Each peptide mentioned has a distinct research profile. BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound) has been studied in animal models for gastrointestinal healing and tendon/ligament repair, but human data are sparse. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) is investigated for tissue regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects, again mostly in preclinical studies. GHK-Cu (copper peptide) has more robust evidence in dermatology for skin remodeling and anti-aging, with human trials supporting its topical use. Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog with FDA approval for diagnostic use, and it is studied off-label for increasing endogenous GH levels. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, but its use in men and for other indications is off-label. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme central to cellular metabolism; its supplementation as an anti-aging strategy is popular but still under clinical investigation. GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide are approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, with emerging data on cardiovascular benefits.

Limits, Missing Context, and What a 15-Second Clip Cannot Show

The video lacks critical context: it does not mention that most of these peptides are not approved for the uses implied, that research is largely preclinical or off-label, and that individual responses vary. It also omits potential side effects, drug interactions, and the importance of medical supervision. A short clip cannot convey the need for proper sourcing, purity, and dosing—especially for research-use-only peptides. Moreover, the combination of multiple peptides (a “stack”) has not been systematically studied, so any synergistic claims are speculative.

How This Maps to Named Research Compounds

From our catalog, the compounds mentioned in the clip include BPC-157, TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4), GHK-Cu, Sermorelin, PT-141 (Bremelanotide), NAD+, and Semaglutide or Tirzepatide (as GLP-1s). Each is available for research purposes only. The clip also references a “BPC-157 + TB-500 blend,” which is a common combination in research circles. It is important to note that these are not dietary supplements; they are research chemicals intended for laboratory investigation, not human consumption.

Research-Use Caveat

All compounds listed are for research use only (RUO). They are not approved for human use by regulatory agencies. Researchers must adhere to institutional guidelines and ensure proper handling. The claims made in the video are not endorsed by scientific consensus, and any use in humans should be under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider in jurisdictions where such use is permitted.

Open the full video fact-check page (transcript, takeaways, embedded clip).