Peptides are smaller versions of proteins. Many cosmetic and health products contain various peptides for many purposes, such as their potential anti-aging properties, anti-inflammatory properties, or muscle-building properties.
New research suggests that certain types of peptides may play a beneficial role in slowing the aging process, reducing inflammation and killing germs.
Humans can mix peptides with proteins. Both proteins and peptides are made up of amino acids, but peptides contain far fewer amino acids than proteins. Like proteins, peptides are found naturally in foods.
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Due to the potential health benefits of peptides, many dietary supplements containing peptides obtained from foods or produced synthetically by manufacturers are available.
Some of the most popular peptides include collagen peptides for anti-aging and skin health, and creatine peptide supplements for building muscle and improving athletic performance.
In this article, we discuss the potential benefits and side effects of peptide supplements.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that typically contain 2 to 50 amino acids. Amino acids are also the building blocks of proteins, but there are more proteins.
Peptides are more easily absorbed by the body than protein because they are smaller and break down more than protein. They can penetrate the skin and intestines more easily, which helps them enter the bloodstream faster.
Researchers are more interested in bioactive peptides, or those that have a beneficial effect on the body and can have a positive effect on human health.
Different bioactive peptides have different properties. The effects they have on the body depend on the order of the amino acids they contain.
Some of the more commonly available peptide supplements are:
Collagen peptides that can promote skin health and reverse the effects of aging.
Creatine peptides that can build strength and muscle mass.
Some people may use other peptides and peptide hormones to increase athletic activity. However, many of them have been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, including follistatin, a peptide that increases muscle growth.
Areas of use and advantages
Research suggests that bioactive peptides may depend on the source:
- reduce high blood pressure
- dead microbes
- reduce inflammation
- prevent the formation of blood clots
- improve the immune system
- acts as an antioxidant
Humans often use peptides to achieve the following effects:
Slow down the aging process
Collagen is a protein in the skin, hair and nails. Collagen peptides break down collagen proteins which the body can more easily absorb. Using collagen peptides can improve skin health and slow down the aging process.
Some studies from trusted sources suggest that supplements containing collagen peptides can treat skin wrinkles. Other research suggests that these supplements may also improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Peptides can stimulate the…