Follistatin vs Myostatin
The muscle-growth brake and the protein studied to block it — the myostatin–follistatin axis as a head-to-head. Here's a neutral, sourced side-by-side — no hype, every claim links to its evidence.
Follistatin
ResearchFollistatin is a special protein that your body makes naturally. It works like a brake pedal for other signals in your body.
Myostatin
ResearchMyostatin is a special protein made by the body. It acts like a brake that stops muscles from growing too big.
At a Glance
| Follistatin | Myostatin | |
|---|---|---|
| Research status | Preclinical | Preclinical |
| Highest-tier evidence | Peer-reviewed study | Peer-reviewed study |
| Research citations | 32 | 5 |
| Dosing routes | — | SubQ |
| Receptor targets | — | — |
| Half-life | — | — |
| Known side effects | 1 | 6 |
Research Areas
Top preclinical research areas — cited studies for each.
Follistatin
- Muscle growth promotion (Follistatin, IGF-1, GH, BMPs)
- Muscle growth suppression (Myostatin, GDF-15, Activins, TGF-β)
- Follistatin mediates learning and synaptic plasticity via regulation of Asic4 expression in the hippocampus
- Adult hippocampal neurogenesis confers stress resilience
Myostatin
- Increases gross hindlimb muscle mass
- Increases total body mass
- Increases individual hindlimb and forelimb muscle mass
- Improves hindlimb grip strength
- Regulation of muscle growth
How People Use It
Reported routines — research only, not medical advice.
Follistatin
Not yet documented for Follistatin — being compiled.
Myostatin
- SubQ — Injected via AAV1 (Adeno-Associated Virus) vector
The Evidence
Key studies — click through to verify each on PubMed.
Follistatin
32 sourced studies
- Source
FST follistatin [Homo sapiens (human)] - Gene
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
FST follistatin [ Homo sapiens (human) ]
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Fst follistatin [ Mus musculus (house mouse) ]
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Isolation and partial characterization of follistatin: a single-chain Mr 35,000 monomeric protein that inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone.
1987 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Myostatin
5 sourced studies
- Source
Modulating skeletal muscle mass by postnatal, muscle-specific inactivation of the myostatin gene.
2003 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Long-term systemic myostatin inhibition via liver-targeted gene transfer in golden retriever muscular dystrophy.
2011 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Myostatin as a therapeutic target in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
2012 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Myostatin from the heart: local and systemic actions in cardiac failure and muscle wasting.
2011 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Decision Guide
How to Choose
Neither is a “winner” — they suit different goals. Compare the documented benefits and evidence above against what you’re actually trying to achieve, note the research status (approved vs research-stage), and read each full guide before deciding. Many people also stack peptides rather than pick one.
Source Follistatin
Shop FollistatinSource Myostatin