Summary
Ben Greenfield sits down with naturopath and supplement formulator Kyal Van Der Leest to explore the emerging world of oral peptides. They discuss how compounds like BPC-157 can now be taken orally instead of injected, and how specific peptide formulations may support tissue repair, gut healing, NAD production, cognitive function, and sexual health. Kyal explains the science behind making peptides bioavailable through the gut, a longstanding challenge in the supplement industry.
The conversation also covers natural testosterone optimization without pharmaceutical drugs. They discuss how specific peptide stacks and supplement formulations can support hormonal health, energy levels, and recovery. Ben and Kyal dive into the practical side of sourcing quality peptides, the importance of third-party testing, and how all-in-one supplement formulations can simplify complex health protocols that would otherwise require multiple products.
Key Points
- Oral peptides like BPC-157 are now available in supplement form, potentially eliminating the need for injections while still supporting tissue repair and gut healing
- Specific peptide formulations can boost NAD levels, supporting cellular energy production and recovery without traditional IV drips
- Natural testosterone optimization is possible through targeted supplement stacks that support hormonal pathways without pharmaceutical drugs
- Third-party testing of peptide supplements is critical since the market has significant quality and purity concerns
- All-in-one supplement formulations can simplify protocols that previously required multiple separate products
- Oral bioavailability of peptides has historically been a challenge, but newer delivery systems are making gut-absorbed peptides viable
- Peptide compounds may also support cognitive sharpness and sexual health as alternatives to prescription medications
Key Moments
5-amino-1MQ boosts NAD via salvage pathway
5-amino-1MQ inhibits the NNMT enzyme, redirecting NAD metabolites back into the salvage pathway instead of being excreted.
"Instead of it being cycled out of your body as the metabolite, it just goes back into the NAD salvage pathway and can increase your NAD levels."
