Peptide products have become popular in the last few years. They are especially common among fitness professionals and bodybuilders as a substance that can quickly increase muscle mass.
You can also use these products to reduce symptoms of inflammation, and for its anti-aging properties. Peptides have become so common that you can even find them in cosmetic products.
Although we know a lot about peptides and their potential benefits, scientists are still performing numerous studies that would hopefully teach us more about this amazing substance.
Some of the peptide research even indicates that these substances may be used for eliminating microbes. Indeed, their potential is limitless.
Given that companies recently started utilizing peptides for their products, there is still a lot of misconception and confusion. For example, a lot of consumers think that peptides are the same as proteins.
Although there are some similarities (both of them are made from amino acids), there are fewer amino acids in proteins. Needless to say, both substances are present in food that we consume on a daily basis.
While our bodies receive high quantities of peptides through a natural diet, we can get so much more. This is why pharmaceutical companies started selling peptide supplements.
The products are made either organically or synthetically. Oftentimes, the manufacturer will add some other substances such as collagen, in order to unlock different peptide functions.
Peptide basics
Peptides are strings of amino acids. Each peptide can have between 2 to 50 of them. As already mentioned, amino acids are also present in proteins, but in a much higher quantity.
An important thing to note about the matter is that peptides are a naturally occurring substance within our body. This means that, when you’re using peptides, your body absorbs them naturally, without causing too much havoc. As a result, only a handful of people will experience side effects when using these supplements.
Another reason why peptide supplements work so well is that they are much smaller than proteins. In other words, our body is able to break them down without too much hassle. After they’ve been processed and once they enter the bloodstream, they will end up in different systems.
Nowadays, companies are creating peptide supplements from various sources. In most cases, either animal or plant species are used to extract the substance. Peptides can be found in food such as eggs, meat, milk, fish, oats, beans, soy, wheat, hemp, etc.
Due to high diversity, there are some major differences between various peptide types. This is precisely why our research is not yet over, and we still need to learn more about the substance.
What are the potential benefits?
Peptides can be used in so many different ways.
Oftentimes, companies pair them with other substances in order to augment specific benefits. The majority of people use them for inflammation, immunity, strength, and to prevent the formation of blood clots.
You can also use them to regulate pressure, eliminate microorganisms, and for their anti-aging function.
- Anti-aging
Peptides are commonly used in cosmetic products. The most popular peptide products are those based on collagen.
Keep in mind that this substance appears in the form of a protein, but companies are breaking it down into collagen peptide, so it is easily absorbed.
Collagen is naturally occurring in our nails, hair, and skin. But, as we get older, our body produces less and less of this substance, which is why you need to take supplements to counter this natural process.
Collagen works in so many different ways. First and foremost, it will slow down the creation of wrinkles. It can also help with hydration and skin elasticity. Collagen peptide also has a secondary impact; the substance can promote the creation of melanin, which is important for skin protection.
- Bone loss
While changes to physical appearance are the most visible ones, there is another major change that occurs in the human body as we get older. We are, naturally, talking about bone loss.
Like numerous other parts of our body, aging takes its toll on bones. They become brittle as we slowly start losing bone mass. As a result, osteoporosis is one of the most common conditions plaguing the elderly.
According to a few studies, there are some indications that peptides can be used to stop, or at least slow, bone loss. Still, the findings are inconclusive because the research was performed on mice.
In order to learn more about this potential feature, we will need peptide studies with human subjects.
- Healing wounds
Given that peptides have such a positive impact on our skin and muscles, it isn’t really surprising they can be used for wound healing. The substance helps with anti-oxidation, which is very important for the healing process.
Like with bone loss, we need to perform additional studies until we can safely recommend peptide supplements for wounds.
There were several studies that involved antimicrobial peptides, and it seems they did wonders for open wounds. This particular type of peptide also proved to be useful for certain skin conditions.
- Enhancing strength
Peptides are flagged as a prohibited substance by various sports organizations in the world. This only goes to show how efficient they are for increasing strength and muscle mass.
Although the substance is banned by professional organizations, that doesn’t mean that recreational athletes cannot use it. In fact, creatine peptide supplements are extremely popular within the fitness and bodybuilding world.
According to firsthand user experience, it seems that creatine peptide supplements are much more efficient than the other, traditional creatine products. This is precisely why they’ve increased in popularity in the last few years.
Like other peptide products, creatine peptides have a major advantage over creatine protein items because they are much easier for the body to process.
Potential drawbacks
As already mentioned, peptides found in supplements are very similar to peptides appearing in nature. Because of that, our body doesn’t perceive them as a foreign body, but instead, something that can be processed and utilized.
In other words, side effects are a rare occurrence. There were even a few studies where participants were given peptide products for a longer period of time, and they have experienced any adverse effects.
Nevertheless, caution is advised when using these items. Peptide supplements are still not regulated in many countries, which opens a possibility for unscrupulous manufacturers to sell subpar products.
Because of that, a peptide supplement from one online store can have a completely different effect from a peptide supplement from another store. Ideally, you should check a company’s reputation before making any purchase from them.
If you do experience a side effect, it will probably be a minor issue. There were cases where users experienced skin sensitivity or rash. Anyway, you should consult with your doctor prior to taking these products.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant, it is best if you avoid peptides all together.
Last thoughts
Peptides can be used for various things. Although we get them through food, a lot of people lack the valuable substance that would nourish their body and skin.
Even if you’re getting enough of it, you can always boost peptide intake through supplement products. This is especially true for recreational athletes who want to improve their muscle mass.
Always remember that peptide supplements are relatively new products. We’re still learning about their potential benefits, and who knows what awaits us in the near future.
No matter what, we suggest that you always buy peptides from reputable sources. This way, you can rest assured that you have a premium product on your hands.
