(NewsNation) — Peptides are surging in popularity across the wellness and fitness space, and now there’s one that supporters claim could help reduce signs of aging.

GHK-Cu, a copper peptide that naturally occurs in the body, is gaining momentum as a skin rejuvenation product touted by celebrities and social media influencers.

First discovered in human plasma in 1973, the compound was found to help old liver tissue act as if it were young again. However, as the body ages, it produces less of it.

Peptides are naturally occurring in everyone, but with advances in medical technology, synthetic peptides have become popular.

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They’re used for weight loss, hormone therapy, and cancer treatment. There are hundreds of synthetic peptides, including versions of GHK-Cu, which aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The restricted availability and increased demand created black market and “gray market” peptides, leading to false labeling, contaminated products and counterfeit materials.

While GHK-Cu is available from doctors in topical form to stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity — it’s the injectables, which are widely used and pushed by wellness influencers, that remain questionable.

Experts warn that without proper medical care, patients could risk taking the wrong dose and experiencing adverse side effects. The biggest concern with GHK-Cu is the potential for taking too much and suffering a copper overdose, which can cause gastrointestinal problems and multi-organ failure.

As with any new medication or treatment, patients need to speak with their doctors to make sure there are no drug interactions and/or risk of complications.

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