Metabolic peptides compared: 5-Amino-1MQ, MOTS-c, NAD+ and glutathione on price per mg, COA, research base and US FDA status as of late 2026.
5-Amino-1MQ is studied for its role in NNMT inhibition and metabolic research. Lab tested per lot.
Sold and shipped by Real Peptides. Shipping times, returns and regional restrictions are set on the vendor’s page; most US orders arrive in 1–3 business days in discreet packaging.
We only list products where the vendor publishes a batch-specific certificate of analysis from a third-party lab. Check the COA on the vendor’s page before ordering.
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Scored on real cost per serving, not just sticker price.
Ranked by published COA, potency accuracy and price per mg.
5-Amino-1MQ is studied for its role in NNMT inhibition and metabolic research. Lab tested per lot.
NAD+ research peptide in a multi-dose vial. Independent lab tested with COA published per lot. Ships from US stock.
Glutathione research peptide — a major antioxidant studied for oxidative-stress support. Lab tested, COA published.
Epithalon (epitalon) is a tetrapeptide studied for telomerase activation and aging biology.
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic and exercise-capacity research.
| Product | Form | Testing | Shipping | Strength | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Peptides 5-Amino-1MQ Peptide | Capsule | Third-party COA | US stock | — | $33.60 |
| Real Peptides NAD+ Peptide (Multi-Dose Vial) | Lyophilized powder | Third-party COA | US stock | — | $60.00 |
| Real Peptides Glutathione Peptide | Lyophilized powder | Third-party COA | — | 600mg | $40.80 |
| Real Peptides Epithalon Peptide (10mg) | Lyophilized powder | Third-party COA | — | 10mg | $24.00 |
| Real Peptides MOTS-c Peptide | Lyophilized powder | Third-party COA | — | 10mg | $43.20 |
Glutathione at $40.80 for 600mg works out to under 7 cents per mg, while MOTS-c at $43.20 for 10mg costs $4.32 per mg. Those two figures show why comparing metabolic peptides on sticker price alone misleads buyers. The four compounds on this page, 5-Amino-1MQ, MOTS-c, NAD+ and glutathione, are sold by Real Peptides with third-party COAs, and none of them is FDA-approved as sold here.
They get grouped because they are all discussed in metabolism and ageing research. Chemically and in evidence, they are very different. I set them out below in the order buyers usually ask about them.
On one price table, the four range from $33.60 to $60.00, and only two state a size that allows a per-mg figure. Epithalon is added for reference because it sits in the same vendor group.
| Product | Type | Form and size | Price | Price per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Amino-1MQ Peptide | Small molecule, NNMT inhibitor | Capsule | $33.60 | Not stated |
| MOTS-c Peptide | Mitochondria-derived peptide | Lyophilized powder, 10mg | $43.20 | $4.32 |
| NAD+ Peptide (Multi-Dose Vial) | Coenzyme | Lyophilized powder, multi-dose vial | $60.00 | Not stated |
| Glutathione Peptide | Antioxidant tripeptide | Lyophilized powder, 600mg | $40.80 | About $0.07 |
| Epithalon Peptide (10mg) | Tetrapeptide | Lyophilized powder, 10mg | $24.00 | $2.40 |
All ship from US stock with free US shipping on orders over $250. One of each comes to $201.60.
5-Amino-1MQ is the only item in this group that is not a peptide; it is a small molecule that inhibits the enzyme NNMT. The vendor still calls it "5-Amino-1MQ Peptide".
Its evidence is mouse studies of diet-induced obesity, where it reduced fat mass and body weight. There are no published controlled human trials, and long-term safety in people is unknown. Our NNMT guide explains the enzyme, and the weight-loss page covers why the mouse result should not be read as a human one.
MOTS-c is the only compound here that FDA's compounding advisory committee has voted on. On 23 July 2026 it voted 8-6, with 1 abstention, to recommend MOTS-c for the 503A bulks list.
That vote is non-binding. FDA must still decide and then go through proposed and final rulemaking with public comment. As of the July meeting, compounding of MOTS-c was not yet permitted.
The research base is mostly animal work on metabolism and exercise. For a head-to-head with 5-Amino-1MQ, see 5-Amino-1MQ vs MOTS-c.
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell, and it is sold in two very different ways: as a research vial and as a prescription product through clinics and telehealth services.
The Real Peptides multi-dose vial at $60.00 is research-use-only with a published COA and no physician consultation. Clinics offer NAD+ as IV drips and injections, and telehealth services prescribe pharmacy-compounded injections and nasal sprays after a medical intake. Injectable NAD+ is not FDA-approved.
Human evidence for injectable NAD+ benefits is limited, and weight-loss claims are not supported by controlled human trials. Clinics commonly report flushing, nausea, chest tightness or cramping when IV infusions are given fast.
Glutathione gives the most material per dollar in this group: 600mg for $40.80. It is an antioxidant tripeptide the body makes itself.
Clinics offer it as IV or injections. Research vendors sell it as research-use powder, which is how the Real Peptides listing describes it. The vendor's own note is honest about one thing buyers confuse: it is not an NAD+ product, only a related compound.
A big vial at a low per-mg price is good value for a lab. It says nothing about effects in people.
The fair way to compare metabolic peptides is on paperwork, price and regulatory status, not on promised results. Effects in people are unconfirmed for all four.
Our buying guide walks through the COA steps. All of these are research compounds, and any health decision belongs with your doctor.
Discounts shown are real: the vendor’s own sale price, or how much cheaper per mg a product is than the average of the vendors on this page.