Follistatin vs VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
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 →VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with wide-ranging effects throughout the body. It acts as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and immune regulator with particular importance in gut and lung function.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors to modulate immune responses, regulate circadian rhythms, promote vasodilation, and support barrier function in gut and lungs. Has potent anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Intranasal: 50-200mcg 1-3 times daily for chronic inflammatory conditions. Some protocols use subcutaneous administration. Dosing varies by condition. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Intranasal is most common for inflammatory conditions. Subcutaneous injection also used. Must be stored cold and protected from light. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | May cause nasal irritation, flushing, headache, or temporary diarrhea. Generally well-tolerated at standard doses. |
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