What is the best peptide for muscle growth?

For muscle growth, the peptide that consistently stands out is IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, Long Arg3 variant). It directly promotes muscle cell proliferation and differentiation, essentially telling muscle tissue to grow and repair more effectively.

Here are the main contenders often discussed for muscle-building purposes:

1. IGF-1 LR3

Potent at stimulating new muscle cell growth (hyperplasia) and increasing protein synthesis.
Works downstream of growth hormone, so it provides more direct anabolic effects.

2. CJC-1295 (with DAC) or CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

Stimulates your body’s natural release of growth hormone.
Increases IGF-1 levels indirectly, which supports lean mass gains, recovery, and fat loss.
Better for a longer-term, steady boost rather than rapid muscle increase.

3. Follistatin-344

Blocks myostatin, the protein that limits muscle growth.
Can lead to significant size and strength increases but is usually considered more experimental.

4. PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor)

A variant of IGF-1 released after muscle damage.
Supports muscle repair and localized growth, often used post-workout.

5. BPC-157 (indirectly)

Not anabolic by itself but excellent for healing tendons, ligaments, and joints.
Supports consistent training, which indirectly improves muscle growth potential.

If the goal is maximum hypertrophy, IGF-1 LR3 is often considered the most effective, but if the goal is safer, steady growth with better recovery, then CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin is a strong option.

1. IGF-1 LR3

Goal: Direct muscle hypertrophy through cell proliferation.
Typical Dose: 20–50 mcg per day, subcutaneously.
Cycle Length: 4–6 weeks. Some protocols use 2–3 weeks on, 1 week off to prevent desensitization.
Timing: Often post-workout for best muscle uptake, but can also be split into morning and post-training doses.
Notes: Extremely potent; watch for side effects like joint pain, water retention, or hypoglycemia.

2. CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

Goal: Stimulate natural growth hormone release, increase IGF-1.
Typical Dose:
- CJC-1295 (with DAC): 1–2 mg, 1–2x per week.
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin: 100 mcg CJC-1295 + 100 mcg Ipamorelin, 1–2x daily.
Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks, sometimes longer since these peptides are mild and have low risk of desensitization.
Timing: Best at night before sleep or pre/post-workout for synergistic GH pulses.
Notes: Gentle on the system; side effects are usually mild (headache, water retention).

3. Follistatin-344

Goal: Myostatin inhibition for increased muscle size potential.
Typical Dose: 50–100 mcg daily, subcutaneously.
Cycle Length: 3–4 weeks, often used in combination with IGF-1 LR3 or GHRH/GHRP peptides.
Notes: Experimental; long-term safety is not well established.

4. PEG-MGF

Goal: Promote localized muscle repair and hypertrophy post-exercise.
Typical Dose: 100–200 mcg, post-workout, subcutaneously.
Cycle Length: 4–6 weeks, often in combination with IGF-1 LR3.
Timing: Immediately after training for best effect.
Notes: Helps recovery and repair; mild systemic effects.

5. BPC-157

Goal: Not anabolic directly, supports recovery from injuries, tendons, ligaments.
Typical Dose: 200–500 mcg daily, subcutaneously at site of injury or systemically.
Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks, often used alongside anabolic peptides to maintain training consistency.
Notes: Very safe, minimal side effects; accelerates recovery and protects joints during heavy training.

Stacking Option for Muscle Growth:

Primary Stack: IGF-1 LR3 + PEG-MGF post-workout.
Support Stack: CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin for overall GH boost.
Recovery Stack: BPC-157 to protect tendons and ligaments.