So what's the deal with Peptides?

Products containing peptides are gaining popularity across the world. Peptides are short amino acid chains that combine to form many different proteins which play specific roles in the body. The body naturally synthesizes proteins and peptides from the nutrients received through food. Peptides can also be synthesized in laboratories or extracted from foods and taken as supplements, creams, injections, or medications. (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-are-peptides).

Common supplemental peptides include collagen, creatine, follistatin, GHK-cu, AMPs, kisseptin 10, gonadorelin, leptin, orexin, melanotan, kispeptin, BPC-157, spermidine, mots-C, and NPN_1. 

Collagen is well known for its potential anti-aging effects, especially skin, hair, and nail health. Collagen could also reduce joint pain, support muscle growth and repair, and improve bone mineral density. GHK-cu, a peptide high in copper and antioxidant properties, could promote collagen production.

AMPs, or antimicrobial peptides, could be beneficial for a plethora of skin conditions and may help heal wounds. Melanotan could affect the skin by increasing melanin which produces a darker skin tone. Melanotan could also aid in weight loss and increase libido.

Creatine is commonly taken to support muscle mass and muscle repair. Derived from fava beans, NPN_1 could aid in muscle strength recovery, improve muscle synthesis, and lower muscular fatigue. Follistatin could also help build muscle and contribute to weight loss. Leptin and orexin could both help to regulate appetite. Orexin could also increase energy levels and improve quality of sleep.

Kisseptin 10, gonadorelin, and kispeptin all increase testosterone. Kispeptin could also improve female fertility by regulating ovulation and may also increase muscle mass.

BPC-157 has the potential to heal ulcers, support joints and muscles, act as an antidepressant, promote skin and gut health, and reduce inflammation of the heart and lungs. Spermidine could have anti-aging effects, support memory, reduce cancer risk, trigger autophagy, reduce heart disease, and decrease oxidative stress. Mots-C may also support general health through mitochondrial energy regulation, promotion of fatty acid metabolism in the liver, glucose regulation, insulin resistance prevention, weight loss support, physical performance enhancement, and enhancement of resistance to metabolic stress.

However, supplemental peptides are not easily absorbed by the body. 

“[I]t's not clear how well your body can absorb whole peptides from supplements, as they are usually completely broken down into amino acids in your digestive system.”

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Taking peptide supplements still provides the body with necessary amino acids, but there is no evidence that the body will use the amino acids to synthesize the specific peptide. 

As with any supplement, the source of the peptides and quality of the product should be carefully considered before purchasing. If you are going to use peptide supplements, they should be free of additives, preservatives, and fillers, and sourced organically. Incorporating whole food sources of peptides into your diet provides the body with readily available nutrients and the cofactors needed to process and absorb peptides. Food sources include all high protein foods like meat, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

There are several risks associated with peptide supplements. Certain peptides can cause nausea, hormone disruption, and allergic reactions. Peptide supplements are relatively new and long term effects of supplementation are unknown. Seeking medical advice from a nutritionist or primary care practitioner can help you make the best decisions for your long term health. Book an appointment with Happy today by visiting our contact page.