Known safety concerns, contraindications, and risk factors.
Active malignancies or history of cancer
Peptides that stimulate metabolic signaling or telomerase activity (MOTS-c, Epitalon) may support malignant cell growth and are contraindicated in individuals with active cancers.
Scheduled elective surgery
GLP-1 receptor agonists (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide) must be discontinued before surgery due to delayed gastric emptying and aspiration risk during anesthesia.
Pregnancy or adolescence
MOTS-c is explicitly not recommended during pregnancy or adolescence. Safety data is absent for most peptides in these populations.
Pediatric patients
Safety has not been established for peptides like Thymosin Beta-4 in pediatric populations.
Metal toxicity or trace element imbalance
Excessive Zinc ingestion can interfere with cellular processes. Improper Copper supplementation carries risk of serious side effects.
Concurrent fasting or glucose-lowering therapy
Combining insulin-sensitizing peptides like MOTS-c with fasting or other glucose-lowering strategies increases hypoglycemia risk.