What is the BPC-157 + KPV gut health stack?

The BPC-157 + KPV stack is the leading peptide combination for gut healing and GI inflammation. BPC-157 promotes gastrointestinal mucosal repair, angiogenesis, and growth factor expression in the gut lining. KPV (an alpha-MSH fragment) provides potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-kB and offers antimicrobial properties. Together they heal damaged intestinal tissue while simultaneously reducing the inflammation that caused the damage.

Should I take this stack orally or by injection?

For gut-specific conditions (IBS, IBD, leaky gut, gastritis), oral administration is strongly preferred for both peptides. Oral dosing delivers the peptides directly to the GI tract where they are needed. BPC-157 is uniquely acid-stable among peptides, meaning it survives stomach acid intact. KPV also demonstrates oral bioactivity for intestinal inflammation. Subcutaneous injection is an alternative if oral formulations are unavailable, but oral delivery provides more targeted gut exposure.

How long does this stack take to work for gut issues?

Most users report noticeable symptom improvement within 1–2 weeks, including reduced bloating, less abdominal pain, and improved bowel regularity. Significant mucosal healing typically requires 4–6 weeks. Chronic conditions like IBD or long-standing leaky gut may take 8–12 weeks for meaningful structural repair. The anti-inflammatory effects of KPV often produce earlier symptom relief while BPC-157 works on deeper tissue repair.

Can I take BPC-157 and KPV at the same time?

Yes. Both peptides can be taken together in the same dosing session. For oral use, both can be taken on the same empty stomach, 20–30 minutes before a meal. For subcutaneous injection, use separate syringes but they can be injected in the same session. There are no known negative interactions between BPC-157 and KPV.

Is BPC-157 really acid-stable? Can it survive stomach acid?

Yes. BPC-157 is one of the very few peptides that is naturally acid-stable. It is derived from human gastric juice proteins and maintains its structure and bioactivity in the acidic environment of the stomach. This is what makes oral BPC-157 effective for gut conditions — most other peptides would be degraded by stomach acid and require injection.

What gut conditions is this stack most useful for?

This stack is most commonly used for: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal permeability (leaky gut), NSAID-induced gastropathy, gastric and duodenal ulcers, post-antibiotic gut recovery, and general GI inflammation. It is not a replacement for medical treatment of serious GI conditions but is used as an adjunct in the research peptide community.

Can I use this stack alongside probiotics and other gut supplements?

Yes. BPC-157 and KPV are commonly combined with probiotics, L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, and other gut-supportive supplements. Take the peptides on an empty stomach 20–30 minutes before meals, and take probiotics and other supplements with food or as their labels direct. There are no known interactions between this stack and standard gut health supplements.

How many vials do I need for a full gut health cycle?

For an 8-week oral cycle: BPC-157 at 500 mcg/day requires 28 mg total (six 5 mg vials or three 10 mg vials). KPV at 500 mcg/day requires 28 mg total (six 5 mg vials). For subcutaneous protocols with lower doses, requirements will be less. Budget approximately 50–60 mg of combined peptide for a complete 8-week oral gut health cycle.

Is KPV the same as alpha-MSH?

KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It consists of just three amino acids — lysine, proline, and valine — and retains the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the full alpha-MSH molecule without the melanogenic (skin-darkening) effects. This makes KPV more targeted for anti-inflammatory use than full-length alpha-MSH.

Will KPV cause skin tanning like Melanotan?

No. Unlike Melanotan I and Melanotan II, which activate MC1R receptors to stimulate melanin production, KPV’s anti-inflammatory effects operate primarily through NF-kB inhibition rather than melanocortin receptor activation for pigmentation. At standard gut health doses (200–500 mcg), skin tanning is not expected. Some users report mild transient flushing at higher doses, but this is temporary and unrelated to melanin production.

Can I add TB-500 to this stack?

Yes. Adding TB-500 creates a triple stack sometimes called the “Inflammation Stack” that adds systemic healing and cell migration support to the localized gut repair provided by BPC-157 and KPV. TB-500 is administered subcutaneously (2–2.5 mg twice weekly loading, then once weekly maintenance) alongside the oral BPC-157 + KPV protocol. This is an advanced protocol best suited for users with prior peptide experience.

Is this stack safe for long-term use?

Standard cycles are 4–8 weeks with the option to extend to 12 weeks for chronic conditions. Neither peptide has demonstrated tolerance buildup in available research. However, long-term continuous use beyond 12 weeks has not been formally studied. The recommended approach is to complete a cycle, take 2–4 weeks off to assess progress, and repeat if needed. Consult a healthcare provider for chronic GI conditions.

BPC-157 + KPV Stack Guide

The leading gut health peptide stack — combining BPC-157's GI tissue repair with KPV's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Complete dosing protocols, oral vs. injectable guidance, timing, and safety.

Compiled by PeptideWiki Editorial Team

Stack Overview

The BPC-157 + KPV combination is the most widely used peptide stack for gut healing and GI inflammation. It pairs BPC-157's gastrointestinal mucosal repair and angiogenesis with KPV's potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to address intestinal damage from both the repair and inflammation sides simultaneously.

Key Characteristics:

2-peptide stack — BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) + KPV (alpha-MSH C-terminal tripeptide fragment)
Primary goal — gut healing, GI inflammation reduction, intestinal barrier repair, and IBS/IBD support
Complementary mechanisms — BPC-157 promotes GI mucosal healing and growth factor expression; KPV inhibits NF-kB-driven inflammation and provides antimicrobial activity
Experience level — suitable for beginners; oral administration avoids injection complexity
Typical cycle — 4–8 weeks standard, up to 12 weeks for chronic GI conditions
Administration — oral preferred for gut-specific targeting (both peptides); subcutaneous injection as alternative

Use our Peptide Dosage Calculator to calculate exact doses for both peptides based on your vial sizes and reconstitution volumes.

Important: Neither BPC-157 nor KPV is FDA-approved for human use. Both are classified as research peptides. All dosing information in this guide is derived from animal studies and community protocols — not from human clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before using any research peptide, especially for GI conditions that require medical diagnosis and monitoring.

Why This Stack Works

The BPC-157 + KPV stack is effective because it attacks gut damage from two fundamentally different angles: tissue repair and inflammation control. Most GI conditions involve a cycle where inflammation damages tissue and damaged tissue triggers more inflammation. This stack breaks that cycle from both sides.

BPC-157: The GI Repair Agent

Mucosal healing: promotes regeneration of the gastric and intestinal mucosal lining, accelerating repair of ulcers, erosions, and damaged epithelium
Angiogenesis: upregulates VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in the gut wall, forming new blood vessels to supply nutrients and oxygen to healing tissue
Growth factor expression: increases EGF, FGF, and other growth factors that stimulate cell proliferation in the intestinal lining
Acid stability: uniquely stable in gastric acid, allowing effective oral administration for direct GI tract exposure — rare among peptides
Nitric oxide modulation: interacts with the NO system to regulate blood flow and repair signaling in the gut wall

KPV: The Anti-Inflammatory Shield

NF-kB inhibition: directly suppresses the NF-kB inflammatory pathway, one of the primary drivers of intestinal inflammation in IBD and other GI conditions
Cytokine reduction: decreases production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta) in the gut mucosa
Antimicrobial activity: exhibits direct antimicrobial properties against certain pathogenic bacteria, supporting a healthier gut microbiome balance
Intestinal barrier support: helps preserve tight junction integrity, reducing intestinal permeability (leaky gut)

The Synergy

BPC-157 rebuilds damaged gut tissue — new blood vessels, mucosal regeneration, growth factor upregulation. KPV simultaneously reduces the inflammatory environment that is causing the damage in the first place. By healing tissue while suppressing the inflammation driving the destruction, this combination breaks the damage-inflammation cycle more effectively than either peptide alone.

Evidence note: Both peptides have animal research supporting their individual mechanisms for gut health. BPC-157 has extensive data on gastric mucosal healing and ulcer prevention. KPV has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in colitis models. The synergistic benefit of combining them is primarily supported by community experience and mechanistic reasoning rather than controlled human trials of the combination specifically.

Individual Peptide Breakdown

Each peptide in this stack has a dedicated dosage guide with complete individual protocols. Here is a summary of each peptide's role in this gut health stack.

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157)

Type: Synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids)
Origin: Derived from human gastric juice proteins
Role in stack: GI mucosal repair, angiogenesis, growth factor upregulation in the gut lining
Route: Oral preferred for gut targeting; SubQ as alternative
Frequency: Once or twice daily

Full BPC-157 Dosage Guide →

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)

Type: Tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)
Origin: C-terminal fragment of the naturally occurring alpha-MSH hormone
Role in stack: Anti-inflammatory (NF-kB inhibition), antimicrobial, intestinal barrier support
Route: Oral preferred for gut targeting; SubQ as alternative
Frequency: Once or twice daily

Full KPV Dosage Guide →

Dosing Protocol

The BPC-157 + KPV gut health stack can be administered orally or via subcutaneous injection. Oral is the preferred route for gut conditions as it delivers the peptides directly to the GI tract.

Standard Oral Protocol (Recommended for Gut Conditions)

Compound	Dose	Frequency	Route	Notes
BPC-157	500–750 mcg	Once daily	Oral	Empty stomach, 20–30 min before first meal
KPV	400–500 mcg	Once daily	Oral	Taken together with BPC-157 on empty stomach

Subcutaneous Protocol (Alternative)

Compound	Dose	Frequency	Route	Notes
BPC-157	250 mcg	1–2x daily	SubQ (abdomen)	Inject in abdominal area for proximity to GI tract
KPV	200–500 mcg	Once daily	SubQ (abdomen)	Systemic anti-inflammatory; abdominal injection preferred

Conservative Protocol (Starting Dose)

Compound	Dose	Frequency	Route	Notes
BPC-157	500 mcg	Once daily	Oral	Suitable for mild GI issues and first-time users
KPV	200 mcg	Once daily	Oral	Start low; increase to 400–500 mcg after 1–2 weeks if tolerated

Protocol selection: The standard oral protocol is recommended for most gut health applications. The subcutaneous protocol is an alternative when oral formulations are unavailable. The conservative protocol is appropriate for mild conditions or first-time peptide users who want to assess tolerance before increasing to full doses.

Calculate Your Doses

If using the subcutaneous route, both peptides are supplied as lyophilized powder and need reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. For oral use, pre-made oral solutions or capsules may be available from peptide suppliers. The calculations below apply to the injectable route.

BPC-157 — 5 mg Vial (SubQ)

Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg)
Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
Concentration: 5,000 ÷ 2 = 2,500 mcg/mL
250 mcg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
Doses per vial: 20 doses

KPV — 5 mg Vial (SubQ)

Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg)
Bacteriostatic water: 1 mL
Concentration: 5,000 ÷ 1 = 5,000 mcg/mL
500 mcg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
Doses per vial: 10 doses

Skip the Math — Use Our Calculator

Enter your vial size, water volume, and desired dose for each peptide — get instant calculations with zero manual math.

Reconstitution Guide

Reconstitution applies to the subcutaneous route and to oral dosing from reconstituted vials. If using pre-made oral capsules or solutions, skip this section. Both peptides follow the same reconstitution process — reconstitute each vial separately.

Peptide	Vial Size	Bac Water	Concentration	Standard Dose Draw
BPC-157	5 mg	2 mL	2,500 mcg/mL	10 units (0.1 mL) for 250 mcg SubQ
KPV	5 mg	1 mL	5,000 mcg/mL	10 units (0.1 mL) for 500 mcg

Wash Hands & Prepare Workspace

Wash hands thoroughly. Lay out supplies: peptide vials, bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes, and alcohol swabs on a clean surface.

Swab Both Vial Stoppers

Remove plastic caps and swab the rubber stoppers of the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol pads. Let air-dry for 10–15 seconds.

Add Water to Peptide Vial

Draw the appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water. Insert needle into peptide vial and direct the stream down the inside glass wall — never squirt directly onto the powder. Release slowly.

Dissolve Gently

Let the vial sit for 1–2 minutes, then gently swirl or roll between palms until fully dissolved. Solution should be clear and colorless. Never shake.

Label & Refrigerate

Write the reconstitution date and concentration on each vial. Store refrigerated at 2–8°C. Use within 28–30 days.

For a detailed visual walkthrough, see our Reconstitution Guide.

Timing & Daily Schedule

Both peptides are dosed daily throughout the cycle. The key timing requirement is an empty stomach for maximum gut-lining exposure. Here is a typical daily schedule for the oral protocol:

Time	BPC-157	KPV	Notes
Morning (fasted)	500–750 mcg oral	400–500 mcg oral	20–30 min before breakfast
Breakfast	—	—	Eat a gut-supportive meal after waiting period
Evening (optional split dose)	250 mcg oral (if splitting)	200 mcg oral (if splitting)	20–30 min before dinner; for aggressive protocols only

Timing Notes

Empty stomach is critical: For oral gut health dosing, both peptides need direct contact with the GI mucosa. Food buffers this contact and reduces local concentration. Wait at least 2–3 hours after your last meal before dosing.
Morning fasted dosing is simplest: Take both peptides together first thing in the morning before breakfast. This provides the longest fasted window and the most consistent schedule.
Split dosing (optional): For more aggressive protocols or severe conditions, splitting the total daily dose between morning and evening (both on empty stomach) increases the frequency of gut exposure.
SubQ timing: If using the subcutaneous route, timing relative to meals is less critical. Inject at any consistent time of day.
Consistency matters: Choose a schedule and stick with it daily. Both peptides work best with consistent, sustained dosing over weeks.

Simple schedule: For most users, the simplest effective approach is to take both peptides together in the morning on an empty stomach, wait 20–30 minutes, then eat breakfast. This once-daily approach is effective for mild to moderate GI conditions.

Cycling & Duration

The BPC-157 + KPV gut health stack is typically run for 4–8 weeks, with the option to extend to 12 weeks for chronic conditions. Neither peptide requires a loading phase — both are dosed consistently from day one.

Phase	Duration	BPC-157	KPV
Active cycle	Weeks 1–4 (minimum)	500–750 mcg/day oral	400–500 mcg/day oral
Extended cycle	Weeks 5–8 (standard)	500–750 mcg/day oral	400–500 mcg/day oral
Chronic extension	Weeks 9–12 (if needed)	500 mcg/day oral	400 mcg/day oral
Break	2–4 weeks off	None	None
Repeat (if needed)	4–8 weeks	Resume full protocol	Resume full protocol

When to Extend the Cycle

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn's and ulcerative colitis involve deep mucosal damage that may need 8–12 weeks for meaningful repair
Long-standing leaky gut: Chronic intestinal permeability with years of symptom history typically requires extended protocols
Post-antibiotic recovery: Extensive antibiotic use can damage the gut lining significantly — longer cycles support more complete recovery
NSAID-induced gastropathy: Chronic NSAID damage to the stomach and intestinal lining may benefit from the full 12-week protocol

Why Take a Break?

Neither BPC-157 nor KPV has demonstrated tolerance buildup in available research. The break period serves to: (1) assess gut health progress without peptide support, (2) confirm that improvement is structural (healed tissue) rather than just symptom management, and (3) reduce unnecessary exposure to research compounds when the therapeutic goal may have been achieved.

Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications

Safety profile: Both BPC-157 and KPV are generally well-tolerated in community use. BPC-157 has extensive animal safety data with no established lethal dose. KPV, as a naturally occurring fragment of alpha-MSH, has a favorable safety profile at standard doses. However, human clinical trial data is extremely limited for both peptides, and long-term safety has not been formally evaluated.

Common Side Effects

Mild nausea — more common with oral BPC-157, usually resolves within the first few days
Transient skin flushing — occasionally reported with KPV, especially at higher doses, typically mild and short-lived
Injection site redness or soreness — for SubQ route only; the most common injectable side effect
Mild headache — may occur in the first few days of use
Temporary changes in bowel pattern — some users report increased bowel movements or mild GI adjustment in the first week

Contraindications

Active cancer or history of cancer: BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), which could theoretically support tumor growth. Avoid use with active malignancies or a recent cancer history.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data exists for either peptide during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid entirely.
Active GI bleeding: While BPC-157 has shown gastroprotective effects in animal models, active GI bleeding requires immediate medical attention, not research peptides.
Anticoagulant therapy: BPC-157 interacts with the NO system and may affect platelet function. Consult your healthcare provider if taking blood thinners.
Immunosuppressive therapy: KPV modulates immune signaling. If you are on immunosuppressants for IBD or other autoimmune conditions, discuss with your prescribing physician before adding peptides.

Stack-Specific Safety Notes

No known negative interaction: BPC-157 and KPV operate through different mechanisms (growth factors and angiogenesis vs. NF-kB inhibition) and have not been shown to interfere with each other.
Oral route advantage: The oral route avoids injection-related risks (infection, tissue damage) and is generally simpler for gut conditions. This makes this stack more accessible than injection-only protocols.
GI conditions need diagnosis: Peptides are not a substitute for proper medical evaluation. Symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss require medical workup before starting any peptide protocol.

Regulatory status: Neither BPC-157 nor KPV is FDA-approved for human use. Both are classified as research peptides. Regulations vary by jurisdiction — verify your local laws before purchasing. Unlike some other peptide stacks, neither BPC-157 nor KPV is specifically listed on the WADA prohibited list as of the most recent update, though peptide regulations are subject to change.

Common Gut Health Stack Mistakes

Avoid these common errors to get the most out of your BPC-157 + KPV gut health protocol:

Using subcutaneous injection instead of oral for gut conditions

When the primary goal is GI healing, oral administration delivers peptides directly to the intestinal tissue. BPC-157 is acid-stable and KPV is orally bioactive for gut inflammation. SubQ injection sends the peptides into systemic circulation, reducing the local concentration in the GI tract where they are most needed.

Not taking peptides on an empty stomach

Oral BPC-157 and KPV should be taken 20–30 minutes before meals on an empty stomach. Food in the stomach dilutes the peptides, reduces direct contact with the GI mucosa, and can impair absorption. For maximum gut-lining exposure, an empty stomach is essential.

Underdosing KPV for gut conditions

Some protocols use KPV at 200 mcg/day, which may be insufficient for active GI inflammation. For meaningful anti-inflammatory effect in the gut, 400–500 mcg/day is the more commonly reported effective range. Start at 200 mcg to assess tolerance, but be prepared to increase if symptoms do not improve after 1–2 weeks.

Stopping the protocol too early when symptoms improve

Symptom relief (reduced bloating, less pain) often occurs within 1–2 weeks, but mucosal healing takes significantly longer. Stopping at the first sign of improvement leaves tissue repair incomplete, increasing the chance of relapse. Complete the full 4–8 week cycle minimum, even if you feel better early.

Using oral BPC-157 solutions that are not acid-stable formulations

While BPC-157 itself is acid-stable, the delivery vehicle matters. Some oral preparations use standard peptide solutions not designed for oral use. Look for formulations specifically intended for oral administration (capsules with acid-resistant coatings or properly pH-buffered solutions). Reconstituted injectable BPC-157 taken orally can work but may have reduced efficacy compared to purpose-made oral formulations.

Expecting immediate results for chronic conditions

Long-standing gut conditions like IBD, chronic leaky gut, or years of NSAID damage involve extensive tissue remodeling. While acute symptoms may improve relatively quickly, structural repair of the intestinal barrier can take 8–12 weeks. Set realistic expectations and commit to the full protocol duration for chronic conditions.

Neglecting diet while relying solely on peptides

BPC-157 and KPV support gut healing, but they cannot overcome ongoing dietary insults. Continuing to consume trigger foods (alcohol, processed foods, known allergens, excessive NSAIDs) during the protocol undermines the repair process. Peptides work best alongside a gut-supportive diet that removes inflammatory triggers.

Not refrigerating reconstituted vials or oral solutions

Both BPC-157 and KPV must be stored at 2–8°C after reconstitution. Room temperature storage accelerates peptide degradation. Oral solutions should also be refrigerated. Use reconstituted vials within 28–30 days. If the solution becomes cloudy or discolored, discard it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

The BPC-157 + KPV stack is the leading peptide combination for gut healing — repairing damaged tissue (BPC-157) while reducing the inflammation causing the damage (KPV)
Oral administration is preferred for gut conditions — delivering peptides directly to the GI tract where they are needed
BPC-157 dose: 500–750 mcg/day oral on an empty stomach (or 250 mcg SubQ 1–2x daily as alternative)
KPV dose: 400–500 mcg/day oral on an empty stomach (or 200–500 mcg SubQ daily as alternative)
Take both 20–30 minutes before meals — empty stomach is essential for oral gut health dosing
Typical cycle: 4–8 weeks, extendable to 12 weeks for chronic GI conditions like IBD or long-standing leaky gut
BPC-157 is uniquely acid-stable — one of the few peptides that survives stomach acid, making oral dosing effective
Refrigerate reconstituted vials and oral solutions at 2–8°C and use within 28–30 days
Peptides complement but do not replace dietary changes — remove inflammatory trigger foods alongside the protocol
Neither peptide is FDA-approved for human use. Both are classified as research peptides. Get proper medical evaluation for serious GI symptoms.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. BPC-157 and KPV are not approved by the FDA for human use and are classified as research peptides. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any research peptide, especially if you have pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, are taking medications (including immunosuppressants or anticoagulants), or are pregnant or nursing. See our Medical Disclaimer.

References

Sikiric P, et al. “Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract.” Curr Pharm Des. 2018;24(18):1990-2001.
Sikiric P, et al. “Brain-gut axis and pentadecapeptide BPC 157: theoretical and practical implications.” Curr Neuropharmacol. 2016;14(8):857-865.
Seiwerth S, et al. “BPC 157's effect on healing.” J Physiol Paris. 2014;108(2-3):51-59.
Brzoska T, et al. “Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo.” Endocr Rev. 2008;29(5):581-602.
Kannengiesser K, et al. “Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease.” Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14(3):324-331.
Dalmasso G, et al. “PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation.” Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-178.
Sikiric P, et al. “Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and its role in the healing of various tissues.” Med Sci Monit. 2010;16(5):BR169-176.
Luger TA, et al. “New insights into the functions of alpha-MSH and related peptides in the immune system.” Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003;994:133-140.

Next Steps

Continue your research with these resources.

BPC-157 Dosage Guide

Complete individual dosing protocols, reconstitution, oral vs. injectable guidance, and safety for BPC-157.

Read Guide

KPV Dosage Guide

Complete individual dosing protocols, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and safety for KPV.

Read Guide

Dosage Calculator

Calculate exact doses for both peptides based on vial size and reconstitution volume.

Open Calculator