Follistatin vs Lactoferricin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Lactoferricin
Lactoferricin is an antimicrobial peptide derived from lactoferrin, a protein found in milk and other secretions. It has potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | Lactoferricin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Binds to and disrupts microbial membranes through electrostatic interactions. Also binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to neutralize endotoxins and has immunomodulatory effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Research applications vary widely. Oral lactoferrin supplements (containing lactoferricin precursor) typically dosed at 100-400mg daily. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Available through lactoferrin supplementation orally. Purified lactoferricin primarily used in research settings. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Lactoferrin supplementation is generally well-tolerated. May cause GI upset in some individuals. Derived from milk so caution with dairy allergies. |
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