Peptides are subunits of proteins that are smaller in size. Many health and beauty products contain peptides for a variety of reasons, including their anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-building capabilities.
According to new research, some forms of peptides may help to slow down the aging process, reduce inflammation, and kill microorganisms.
Peptides and proteins are often confused. Amino acids are found in both proteins and peptides, however peptides have considerably fewer amino acids than proteins. Peptides, like proteins, are found naturally in foods.
Because of the potential health benefits of peptides, various supplements are available that include peptides taken either from food or synthesized by manufacturers.
Collagen peptides for anti-aging and skin health, as well as creatine peptide supplements for muscle building and athletic performance, are among the most popular peptides.
It is discussed in this article whether peptide supplements have any possible benefits and whether they have any adverse effects.
What are peptides?
Peptides are small strings of amino acids that usually contain between 2 and 50 amino acids. Proteins include more amino acids than amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
Because peptides are smaller and more easily broken down than proteins, they may be easier for the body to absorb. They can permeate the skin and intestines more easily, allowing them to enter the bloodstream faster.
Supplements may contain peptides derived from plant or animal sources of protein, such as:
- wheat
- soy
- hemp seeds
- meat
- flaxseed
- eggs
- milk
- fish and shellfish
- beans and lentils
- oats
Bioactive peptides, or those that have a good effect on the body and may have a positive impact on human health, are of particular interest to scientists.
Bioactive peptides have a variety of properties. The impact they have on the body are determined by the amino acid sequence they possess.
The following are some of the most popular peptide supplements:
Collagen peptides, which may improve skin health and slow down the aging process.
Creatine peptides are a type of peptide that can help you gain strength and muscular mass.
Other peptides and peptide hormones may be used to boost athletic performance in some people. Many of these, including follistatin, a peptide that promotes muscle growth, have been prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Benefits and uses
According to research, bioactive peptides may:
- lower high blood pressure
- kill microbes
- reduce inflammation
- prevent the formation of blood clots
- improve immune function
- act as antioxidants
Peptides are frequently used to accomplish the following effects:
Slowing down the aging process
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in the skin, hair, and nails. Collagen peptides are collagen proteins that have been broken down so that the body may absorb them more easily. Collagen peptides may help to improve skin health while also slowing the aging process.
Collagen peptides included in dietary food supplements have been shown to help with skin wrinkles in several trials. According to other research, these supplements may also help with skin elasticity and hydration.
Peptides may increase the production of melanin, a skin pigment that helps protect the skin from sun damage.
Peptides, which producers claim can minimize wrinkles, help skin firm up, and enhance blood flow, can also be found in topical anti-aging cosmetics.
Increase the speed of wound healing
Collagen peptides may help wounds heal faster because collagen is an important component of good skin.
Bioactive peptides can also help the body recover itself by reducing inflammation and acting as antioxidants.
Antimicrobial peptides are now being studied to see if they can help with wound healing. Skin problems such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema may be exacerbated by having extremely high or extremely low amounts of antimicrobial peptides.
Prevent bone loss as you get older
In developing rats who also undertook running activity, a moderate dose of collagen peptides was linked to an increase in bone mass.
Collagen peptides may be a useful strategy to combat age-related bone loss, according to the findings. However, further research, particularly on humans, is required.
Increase your muscle mass and strength.
Collagen peptide supplements have been shown to boost muscular growth and strength in older persons in several studies. Participants in the study coupled supplement use with resistance training.
Creatine peptides may also help develop muscle and enhance strength.
Creatine peptides are gaining in popularity, despite the fact that fitness fanatics have been utilizing creatine protein powders for many years.
Such peptides may be easier for the body to digest than creatine proteins, which means they may cause fewer digestive issues.
Side effects
Because peptide supplements are comparable to peptides found in ordinary meals, they are unlikely to cause major side effects in healthy people.
Since this body may break down oral peptide supplements into individual amino acids, they may not enter the bloodstream.
There were no negative side effects reported in one study when females received oral collagen peptide supplements for 8 weeks.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, on the other hand, does not regulate supplements in the same manner that it does drugs. As a result, anyone taking supplements should proceed with caution.
Peptide-containing topical lotions and ointments can induce skin irritation, rash, and itching.
Individuals should always buy from a reliable company and stop using if they experience any negative side effects.
It’s also a good idea to consult a doctor before taking peptide supplements or applying topical peptide products.
Peptides should not be used by anybody who is pregnant, breastfeeding, using drugs, or has a medical condition until they consult with their doctor.
Usage
fDepending on the type and brand of peptide supplement, the timing and dose will differ.
When using peptide supplements or applying topical peptide creams or lotions, always follow the package directions. Never consume more than the recommended amount. If you have any negative reactions, stop using it and see a doctor.
Conclusion
Protein-rich meals inherently include peptides. It is not essential to take peptide supplements or apply peptides topically.
Some people, on the other hand, may want to take collagen peptides to slow down the aging process. Others use creatine peptides to increase muscle mass and strength.
There is currently insufficient data to suggest that these products are effective, and much more research is required to fully examine their efficacy and safety.
Peptide research is still in its early phases, but scientists may uncover health benefits from other forms of peptides in the future. Until then, consumers should use caution while taking supplements and consult their doctor about the potential advantages and dangers.
