Peptide Comparison
NisinvsThymalin
FDA GRAS-approved lantibiotic (34 amino acids) produced by Lactococcus lactis with a dual antimicrobial mechanism — binds lipid II to block cell wall synthesis AND forms 2 nm transmembrane pores for rapid bacterial killing at MIC 0.5-4 μg/mL against gram-positive pathogens including MRSA and Listeria monocytogenes — the only antimicrobial peptide with over 50 years of documented safe human consumption
Russian thymic peptide complex that rejuvenates immune function and supports healthy aging
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Nisin
2.5–25 mg/kg (food preservation; ADI 0.13 mg/kg BW)
Thymalin
5–10 mg
Frequency
Nisin
Once daily
Thymalin
Once daily
Administration
Nisin
Oral (food-grade preservative, GRAS)
Thymalin
Intramuscular injection
Cycle Length
Nisin
Ongoing/indefinite
Thymalin
4-6 weeks
Onset Speed
Nisin
Rapid (hours to days)
Thymalin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Nisin
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Thymalin
Limited human trials
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Immune
Healing & Recovery
Anti-Aging
Immune Restoration
Longevity Support
Disease Prevention
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Nisin
Molecular Formula
C143H230N42O37S7
Molecular Weight
3,354.12 Da
Half-Life
Rapidly degraded in GI tract by digestive proteases; stable for hours to days in food matrices at acidic pH; lanthionine ring structures resist most environmental proteases; thermostable (survives pasteurization)
Bioavailability
Degraded by pancreatic proteases in GI tract (does not affect gut microbiome at dietary levels); topical application achieves effective local concentrations; optimal activity at pH 2-6; lanthionine bridges provide significant protease resistance compared to linear peptides
CAS Number
1414-45-5
Thymalin
Molecular Formula
Complex mixture; active dipeptide EW: C16H19N3O5
Molecular Weight
Polypeptide complex; components 250-1000 Da; active dipeptide EW ~321 Da
Half-Life
Not precisely characterized for complex; immune effects persist weeks post-administration
Bioavailability
High via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection
CAS Number
63958-90-7
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Nisin
Thymalin
Applications
Best
suited for
Nisin
Food preservation as a natural antimicrobial alternative to chemical preservatives
Nisin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on food preservation as a natural antimicrobial alternative to chemical preservatives. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Research into novel antimicrobial therapeutics based on lantibiotic scaffolds
Nisin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on research into novel antimicrobial therapeutics based on lantibiotic scaffolds. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Anti-Listeria and anti-Clostridium strategies in food safety and clinical settings
Nisin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on anti-listeria and anti-clostridium strategies in food safety and clinical settings. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Development of antimicrobial wound dressings and dental applications
Nisin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on development of antimicrobial wound dressings and dental applications. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Thymalin
Aging Adults Seeking Immune Support
Thymalin is especially valuable for people over 55 whose thymus gland has naturally shrunk with age. By stimulating thymic function, it helps restore the immune training center that your body relies on to fight infections and stay healthy.
Longevity and Anti-Aging Protocols
Clinical studies tracking patients for 6-8 years showed Thymalin reduced mortality by 2.0-2.1-fold. Combined with Epitalon, the mortality reduction reached an impressive 4.1-fold, making this combination one of the most studied longevity peptide protocols.
Seasonal Illness Prevention
Research shows Thymalin cuts respiratory infection rates by 2.0-2.4-fold. A short 10-day course before cold and flu season can significantly boost your immune defenses for months afterward.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Nisin
Common
- No significant effects at dietary levels
- Mild GI discomfort at research doses
- Local irritation (topical use)
Uncommon
- Milk protein allergic reaction
- Gram-negative overgrowth
Serious
- No documented serious adverse effects
Thymalin
Common
- No side effects in most patients
- Mild injection site reaction
Uncommon
- Transient low-grade fever
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Temporary headache
Serious
- Severe allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Nisin
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for this use
Safety Overview
Nisin holds FDA GRAS status since 1988 with over 50 years of documented safe human consumption, making it the only antimicrobial peptide with this comprehensive long-term safety record. Oral LD50 of 174 mg/kg in mice (comparable to table salt) demonstrates extraordinary safety margin. Acceptable daily intake established at 0.13 mg/kg body weight with no reported serious adverse events at this or higher levels. Primary risk is milk protein contamination during production, requiring screening for lactose-intolerant or milk-allergic individuals.
Contraindications
- xKnown hypersensitivity to nisin or Lactococcus lactis-derived products
- xMilk protein allergy — nisin production involves dairy-associated bacteria and preparations may contain trace milk proteins
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding at therapeutic (non-dietary) doses — standard dietary exposure through preserved foods is considered safe
- xActive inflammatory bowel disease — potential for local irritation at high oral concentrations exceeding normal dietary levels
Thymalin
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Thymalin has an excellent safety profile based on over 40 years of clinical use in Russia. Most patients experience zero side effects, and the peptide complex has been described as 'practically non-toxic' in research literature. It has been used safely in thousands of patients, including elderly populations over extended periods.
Contraindications
- xActive thymic tumors or malignancies
- xKnown hypersensitivity to animal-derived peptide products
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- xSevere uncontrolled autoimmune disease without medical supervision
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Nisin if...
- Food preservation as a natural antimicrobial alternative to chemical preservatives
- Research into novel antimicrobial therapeutics based on lantibiotic scaffolds
- Anti-Listeria and anti-Clostridium strategies in food safety and clinical settings
- Development of antimicrobial wound dressings and dental applications
Choose Thymalin if...
- Immune system restoration in aging adults
- Longevity and healthy aging support
- Reducing infection frequency and severity
- Multi-system health optimization