Peptides: What Are They And Why They Are Important?
By Emma Wilson
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
It’s common knowledge that the human body comprises millions of cells. These cells also contain millions of proteins engaged in different activities. Some of these proteins have complex mechanisms that regulate cellular reactions. Others provide the structural framework that forms the shape of cells. These proteins are undoubtedly essential. However, a different class of less known molecules similar to proteins exists. They are known as peptides.
Over the recent years, the scientific, medical, and research communities have taken a keen interest in peptides and their functions. This is partly due to the rising demand for what peptides can do for the individual’s muscle, skin, and general health. However, to answer the numerous questions surrounding this topic, many inaccurate sources have popped up online.
So this article will discuss what exactly the peptide is and whether it’s worth all the hype.
What Exactly Are Peptides?
Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels
The human body naturally produces peptides as strands of amino acids that form the “building blocks” of proteins. However, peptides are different from proteins in that they have a lesser number of amino acids. In other words, they are smaller variants of proteins. Consequently, it’s easy to confuse them with proteins.
Peptides produced in the lab can imitate their internally produced counterparts in several ways. You can link this analogy to the principal use of antibody production in research and how it’s applied in diagnosis. Lab-manufactured peptides serve different purposes, particularly in medications for diseases such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
According to research, some types of peptides are beneficial to the muscles, skin, and body weight. They are believed to provide anti-inflammatory effects, muscle-building, and anti-aging properties. Some reports even say they can kill microbes. Healthcare and other industries use them to design dietary supplements and skin products for sale in the mainstream market.
Nevertheless, it’s necessary to note that the regulation of supplements and cosmetics products doesn’t fall to the FDA. Therefore, it’s vital to exercise caution and do your due diligence when purchasing any of these products.
Differentiating Peptides From Proteins
Proteins and peptides comprise amino acids. However, it’s crucial to understand that peptides are made of fewer amino acids at the structural level. They both occur naturally in food and other organic substances. The typical peptide has 2-50 amino acids, whereas proteins exist in diverse shapes ranging between 20 to 2000 amino acids.
Due to their smaller nature, the body may find it easier to break down and absorb peptides than proteins. Also, these minute molecules are better at penetrating the organic tissue like in the skin and intestines. Hence, they can rapidly get into the bloodstream.
Generally speaking, peptides found in supplements may be the derivatives of animal or plant sources of protein, such as:
- Meat
- Flaxseed
- Milk
- Soy
- Eggs
- Hemp seeds
- Shellfish and fish
Overall, the structure and sequence of amino acids that make up a peptide determine its nature and importance.
What Are Their Functions:
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
As you can guess, there are different types of peptides, and their functions also vary. However, one of the more popular groups of peptides is the collagen peptide, best known for its skin health and anti-aging properties. Next is creatine that several fitness supplements contain due to its ability to boost athletic performance and muscle growth.
But scientists are particularly interested in bioactive peptides. Bioactive peptides are just a fancy name for peptides that have some beneficial impact on the human body. The previously mentioned peptides, creatine, and collagen peptides are two examples of such peptides.
Although people may find peptides helpful in promoting their physical capacities, the World Anti-Doping Agency laid an embargo on several such as follistatin. This peptide significantly increases muscle mass.
Per scientific studies, bioactive peptides could provide some of the following effects:
- Reduce high blood pressure
- Behave as antioxidants
- Boost immunity
- Eliminate microbes
- Inhibit the clotting of blood
- Lower inflammation
Some of the purposes that people have used peptides for include
- Quicking healing of wounds:
Ongoing research is investigating antimicrobial peptides and how they can enhance wound healing. Depending on the level of these peptides in the body, skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis may arise. - Halt age-related loss of bone tissue:
Studies on animal subjects indicate that moderate consumption of collagen peptides can increase bone mass in aging rats that performed running exercises. - Increase muscle strength and mass:
Some studies in older adults show that collagen peptides can elevate mass strength and mass.
Why Peptides Are Important:
Peptides present a unique opportunity to engineer biologically-friendly solutions to many health issues currently eluding the medical sector. They are instrumental in the creations of several drugs and the treatment of many diseases. In the US alone, over 100 peptide drugs are in use. Some of the notable conditions they help treat include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
Apart from these, more conditions are getting added to the list due to research and development in peptide use. But perhaps the most critical aspect is that contrary to supplements and cosmetics, the peptide-developed drugs are adequately researched and strictly regulated by the Food and Drugs Administration.
Conclusion:
Due to the molecular nature of peptides and the fact that they are generally the byproducts of digestions, researchers look forward to them providing safe ways of treating different diseases than engineered drugs—the main reason being the side effects these drugs have on the human body.
The argument about peptides goes along these lines: if the body doesn’t have any issues digesting soybeans, it should have no problem with a dose of peptides.
Nevertheless, these biological agents must undergo further studies and trials to understand better their effects and safety for patients and consumers alike.
Author: Emma Wilson
Hello World!
I’m Emma, a passionate writer, guest blogger, and I love to share my thoughts. Writing helps me to improve my knowledge, skills, and understanding of the specific industry. I truly love writing and sharing my knowledge mostly about Fashion, Travel, Marketing, and Lifestyle industries. I am passionate about spreading knowledge and tips across the world.
You can get in touch with me through an email,”emma.wilson@
LA-Story.com would like to thank Emma Wilson for this interesting and informative article about PEPTIDES. Peptides are becoming increasingly popular in many products– particularly beauty treatments. However, that’s not the main purpose for the use of peptides and the study of the use of peptides is getting more popular as various scientists across the US and around the world are trying to find more uses for peptides!
Stevie Wilson
LA-Story.com
Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Please send an email to stevie.wilson@LA-Story.com
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