Peptides in CrossFit: miracle cure or dangerous grey area?

They are appearing with increasing frequency on Instagram, YouTube and CrossFit forums: peptides. Users claim they can heal injuries within a few weeks and dramatically speed up recovery after tough training sessions. But what exactly are peptides, and do those claims hold up?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that occur naturally in the body but can also be produced synthetically. Certain variants are said to promote the recovery of tendons and joints or to stimulate the production of growth hormone, an appealing prospect for CrossFitters dealing with chronic injuries or gruelling training programmes.

However, the risks are serious. Most peptides are sold labelled 'for research purposes only' and have not been approved for human use. That means their quality and purity go unchecked, and their side effects are poorly understood. On top of that, several peptides appear on the WADA prohibited list, which could result in a ban for competitive CrossFitters.

The advice for CrossFitters is therefore clear: don't be swayed by promising claims on social media. If you're dealing with an injury, consult a sports physician or physiotherapist, and stick to supplements that have been properly tested and approved. For now, the risks of peptides outweigh their uncertain benefits.