Peptide Comparison
NisinvsThymosin Alpha-1
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
Your immune system's master trainer—a naturally occurring thymus peptide that wakes up tired immune cells, helps your body fight infections, and keeps your defenses sharp as you age.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Nisin
2.5–25 mg/kg (food preservation; ADI 0.13 mg/kg BW)
Thymosin Alpha-1
1.6–3.2 mg
Frequency
Nisin
Once daily
Thymosin Alpha-1
Twice weekly
Administration
Nisin
Oral (food-grade preservative, GRAS)
Thymosin Alpha-1
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Nisin
Ongoing/indefinite
Thymosin Alpha-1
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Nisin
Rapid (hours to days)
Thymosin Alpha-1
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Nisin
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Thymosin Alpha-1
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Immune
Healing & Recovery
Anti-Aging
Immune Activation
Infection Fighting
Immune Balance
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
Thymosin Alpha-1
Molecular Formula
C129H215N33O55
Molecular Weight
3108.32 g/mol
Half-Life
Approximately 2 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously (rapid absorption, peak at ~2 hours)
CAS Number
62304-98-7
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Nisin
Thymosin Alpha-1
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.
Thymosin Alpha-1
Chronic Hepatitis B or C Support
Thymosin Alpha-1 has its strongest clinical evidence here. Multiple trials show it helps clear viral loads and normalize liver enzymes, especially when combined with antiviral medications. It's approved in over 30 countries specifically for hepatitis treatment.
Cancer Treatment Support
When used alongside chemotherapy, Thymosin Alpha-1 may help maintain immune function that chemo tends to suppress. Research in lung cancer, melanoma, and liver cancer shows improved outcomes when added to standard treatments. It helps your immune system keep fighting even during tough treatments.
Age-Related Immune Decline
As you age, your thymus shrinks and produces less thymosin naturally—a process called immunosenescence. Supplementing with Thymosin Alpha-1 may help compensate, keeping your immune defenses more youthful and responsive. Think of it as replacing what your body makes less of over time.
Severe Infection Recovery
In sepsis and critical infections, Thymosin Alpha-1 has shown promise for reducing mortality by helping restore immune balance. It's particularly interesting because it modulates immunity rather than just boosting it—calming overreaction while enhancing pathogen-fighting ability.
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
Thymosin Alpha-1
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
Uncommon
- Mild fever
- Lymph node awareness
Serious
- 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
Thymosin Alpha-1
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
FDA approved for other use
Safety Overview
Thymosin Alpha-1 has one of the most extensive safety records of any peptide, with decades of clinical use across multiple countries. Studies consistently report minimal side effects—mostly limited to mild injection site reactions. The 2-hour half-life means it doesn't accumulate in your system. It's been used safely in thousands of patients with hepatitis, cancer, and other serious conditions.
Contraindications
- xOrgan transplant recipients on immunosuppressants
- xActive autoimmune disease flares
- xKnown allergy to thymosin peptides
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xChildren under 18 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 Thymosin Alpha-1 if...
- Immune system strengthening
- Chronic infection support
- Cancer adjunct therapy
- Healthy aging immune support