GHK-Cu and bodybuilding
GHK-Cu and bodybuilding
In the last couple of years the U.K bodybuilding scene has exploded with experimental peptides. One of those peptides that has seen a drastic increase in its use as of late is GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper), often referred to as Blue Copper. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to explain how GHK-Cu works and its place within bodybuilding.
What DOES GHK-CU DO?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide that can be found in the body and is widely known for its roles in wound healing, tissue regeneration; skin, hair, bone, and its anti-inflammatory properties. Now, let’s breakdown exactly how it does that, but put it in words you can understand.
In skin cells, GHK-Cu promotes the increased production of vital proteins: collagen and elastin. Collagen is what gives your skin strength and is often seen as the ‘building blocks’ of skin structure. Elastin is involved in skin flexibility and helps maintain its shape. Increased production of both will have your skin looking firmer, smoother and more youthful.
It enhances wound/injury healing through a variety of different mechanisms. Those mechanisms promote increased blood vessel and nerve growth which are crucial in skin healing and regeneration. We also see an increase in antioxidant enzymes, otherwise known as your bodies internal defence system. These enzymes protect your body from harmful substances and prevent cellular damaged linked to aging and diseases like cancer.
Some of you might be wonder why on earth GHK is bound to copper? It does so because GHK acts as a natural carrier for copper, which in turn delivers copper ions into cells in a safe, non-toxic form. ‘Free’ copper ions can be extremely harmful in the body but when bound with GHK it forms a stable complex. It’s that complex that allows copper to be transported into cells where it’s needed for enzymes and cellular process such as skin regeneration. Inside cells the copper is released and utilized by the enzymes that need it. In simple terms, GHUK is the transporter that delivers copper, copper does the work inside cells.
Use within bodybuilding
Assisted bodybuilders use steroids to help them gain size and shape needed for the stage. The use of steroids can have a drastic impact on the skin health. Side effects include thinning of the skin, acne, redness and stretch marks. These side effects can make the user appear to look much older than they are, although this can vary from person to person. Now that you are aware of what GHK-Cu does within the body it should make sense as why it would appeal to bodybuilders. They can somewhat ‘reverse’ or ‘undo’ the effects the steroids are having on their skin whilst continuing to use the steroids themselves.
Another side effect of steroid use can be a thinning of the hair. GHK-Cu can improve blood flow to the scalp, reduce inflammation, increase collagen and stimulate new hair follicle growth. In simple terms, GHK-Cu is making steroid users look younger and have thicker/better hair.
It’s important to note that although GHK-Cu is naturally occurring within the body, our circulating levels decrease with age. One could argue that it would appeal to master competitors, those above the age of 35+, as a means of ‘anti-aging’. Like it or not, a more youthful look is often rewarded even in the masters categories so some competitors may use even if they don’t take steroids themselves to simply look that bit younger.
Lastly, GHK-CU has been known to accelerate injury healing. If one were to combine this with other healing peptides such as BPC 157 and TB 500 (read more about those here) then this would dramatically accelerate the recovery time from an injury. This would allow competitors to get back to their normal training regime in a much faster time than would be seen without the help of peptides.
It’s worthwhile noting that bodybuilders inject GHK-Cu subcutaneously and have to do so frequently. This is because it has a relatively short half life of 1.5-2 hours, meaning the time it takes for half of the dose to be excreted from the body.
In summary, GHK-CU is an experimental peptide that has seen a significant rise in its use within the bodybuilding world. It works to improve skin health, enhance wound healing, reduce inflammation which contribute to its ‘anti-aging’ properties. GHK is the transporter for copper to be transported into cells and to elicit its effects. It is mostly used within bodybuilding to combat some of the side effects that steroids have on skin and hair quality. However, it can also be used in injury healing and by non-steroids users who would like a more youthful look. GHK-Cu is not approved for internal human use in the U.K. More data would be required on the potential long term side effects of continued used before one could conclude it’s safety.
Vaughan Wilson Bsc Hons
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073405/