These are fundamentally different product categories with different regulations, purposes, and safety profiles.
Feature
Research Peptides
Supplements
Regulatory status
Research Use Only (RUO) — not for human use
Regulated as dietary supplements (DSHEA in US)
Intended use
Laboratory and scientific research
Human consumption as nutritional support
Purity standards
Research-grade (HPLC, MS verified)
Supplement-grade (GMP manufacturing)
Examples
BPC-157, TB-500, DSIP, Selank
Collagen peptides, creatine, amino acid blends
Legal availability
Available for research purposes
Available over-the-counter
FDA oversight
Not FDA-approved products
Must comply with DSHEA regulations