Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| 5-Amino-1MQ | GHK (without copper) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 50-150 mg daily via oral administration, typically divided into 1-2 doses. | Research indicates 1-3% concentration in topical formulations. Injectable dosing follows GHK-Cu protocols at 1-2 mg daily. |
| Timing | Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food. | Topical application morning and evening. Injectable in evening. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-12 week cycles. | Topical use can be ongoing indefinitely. Injectable cycles 8-12 weeks. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | moderate_human |
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to nicotinamide, generating 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA). By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ increases intracellular NAD+ levels, reduces 1-MNA production, suppresses lipogenesis in adipocytes, and modulates the methionine-homocysteine cycle. In vivo, it significantly reduces body weight, white adipose mass, and adipocyte size through enhanced energy expenditure and altered lipid metabolism.
Research indicates 50-150 mg daily via oral administration, typically divided into 1-2 doses.
Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food.
8-12 week cycles.
GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine that has an extremely high affinity for copper(II) ions. Even without exogenously complexed copper, GHK rapidly chelates available copper in biological systems, making copper-free GHK functionally similar to GHK-Cu in vivo. The peptide stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates metalloproteinase activity, resets gene expression patterns toward a healthier state (affecting 31.2% of human genes), and activates wound healing cascades.
Research indicates 1-3% concentration in topical formulations. Injectable dosing follows GHK-Cu protocols at 1-2 mg daily.
Topical application morning and evening. Injectable in evening.
Topical use can be ongoing indefinitely. Injectable cycles 8-12 weeks.
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