peptides are smaller versions of proteins. many health and cosmetic products contain different peptides for many uses, such as their potential
anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, or muscle building properties.
what are peptides?
peptides are short strings of amino acids, typically comprising 2–50 amino acids. amino acids are also the building blocks of proteins, but proteins contain more.
peptides may be easier for the body to absorb than proteins because they are smaller and more broken down than proteins. they can more easily penetrate the skin and intestines, which helps them to enter the bloodstream more quickly.
the peptides in supplements may come from plant or animal sources of protein, including:
● eggs
● milk
● meat
● fish and shellfish
● beans and lentils
● soy
● oats
● flaxseed
● hemp seeds
● wheat
scientists are most interested in bioactive peptides, or those that have a beneficial effect on the body and may positively impact human health.
different bioactive peptides have different properties. the effects they have on the body depend on the sequence of amino acids they contain.
some of the most common peptide supplements available are:
●
collagen peptides, which may benefit skin health and reverse the effects of aging.
● creatine peptides, which may build strength and muscle mass.
some people may take other peptides and peptide hormones to enhance athletic activity. however, the world anti-doping agency has banned many of these, including follistatin, a peptide that increases muscle growth.
uses and benefits
research indicates that bioactive peptides may:
● lower high blood pressure
● kill microbes
● reduce inflammation
● prevent the formation of blood clots
● improve immune function
● act as antioxidants
people often use peptides to try to achieve the following effects:
slow down the aging process
collagen is a protein in the skin, hair, and nails.
collagen peptides are broken down
collagen proteins that the body can absorb more easily. taking
collagen peptides may improve skin health and slow the aging process.
some studies indicate that dietary food supplements that contain
collagen peptides can treat skin wrinkles. other research indicates that these supplements may also improve skin elasticity and hydration.
peptides may stimulate the production of melanin, a skin pigment, which may improve the skin’s protection against sun damage.
topical
anti-aging cosmetics can also contain peptides, which manufacturers claim can reduce wrinkles, help skin firming, and increase blood flow.
improve wound healing
as
collagen is a vital component of healthy skin,
collagen peptides may facilitate faster wound healing.
bioactive peptides can also reduce inflammation and act as antioxidants, which can improve the body’s ability to heal.
research is currently ongoing into antimicrobial peptides, which may also improve wound healing. having very high or very low levels of some antimicrobial peptides may contribute to skin disorders, such as psoriasis,
rosacea, and
eczema.
prevent age-related bone loss
animal research links a moderate intake of
collagen peptides with an increase in bone mass in growing rats who also did running exercise.
the study may point to
collagen peptides being a useful way to counteract age-related bone loss. however, more research is necessary, especially on humans.
build strength and muscle mass
some research on older adults indicates that
collagen peptide supplements can increase muscle mass and strength. in the study, participants combined supplement use with resistance training.
creatine peptides may also improve strength and help to build muscle.
while fitness enthusiasts have been using creatine protein powders for many years, creatine peptides are increasing in popularity.
these particular peptides may be easier for the body to digest, which means they may cause fewer digestive problems than creatine proteins.
best peptides for muscle growth
bpc 157: the healing peptide
bpc 157; short for body protecting compound, is a specific peptide therapy that promotes the healing and regeneration of cells in the nervous system or in muscles. better healing, faster healing
benefits:
● promotes muscle and tendon healing (usually cuts healing time in half)
● increases angiogenesis
● decreases inflammation
● produces type 1 collagen
● helps repair bone, brain tissue, teeth, cornea
● improves nerve regeneration
bremelanotide pt 141
peptide therapy has been shown to stimulate fat loss, ed in men, and increase libido in both men and women. this cutting-edge peptide is becoming one of the most popular since its new release into the market this year (2019).
benefits:
● weight loss from stimulating fat storage in the body
● results show that more women report moderate or high sexual desire following bremelanotide treatment vs. placebo.
● effects may be felt up to 12 hours from the time of administration and have been known to last for up to 3 days
● effective in treating sexual dysfunction in men – impotence / erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
● effective in treating sexual dysfunction in women – sexual arousal disorder
● does not act upon the vascular system
● increases sexual desire via the central nervous system