Peptides are described as “smaller versions” of proteins. Today, many cosmetic and health products contain various types of peptides that perform many uses. Some of these examples include their potential muscle-building, anti-inflammatory, or anti-aging properties.
According tp peptidesireland.com, the latest research has started to demonstrate that certain peptide types may play an important role when it comes to reducing inflammation, destroying microbes, and slowing down the natural process of aging.
Many people confuse proteins with peptides. Both peptides and proteins contain amino acids, yet peptides contain a lot fewer amino acids when compared to proteins. Similar to proteins, peptides are found naturally in many foods.
Today there are several supplements on the market that contain peptides due to their potential health benefits. Manufacturers derive these peptides from foods or they are made synthetically.
Collagen peptides are among the more popular peptides that are used for skin health and anti-aging. Creatine peptide supplements are also popular products that are used to build muscle or enhance athletic performance.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are amino acids in short strings, mainly comprised of 2 to 50 amino acids. Amino acids are building-blocks of proteins (but proteins contain more). According to studies and research, peptides are easier to absorb when compared to proteins since they are more broken down and smaller than proteins. They can penetrate the intestines and skin more easily, which assists them with entering the bloodstream a lot faster.
Peptides in supplements are derived from animal or plant sources of protein. Examples of these include:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Shellfish and fish
- Meat
- Lentils and beans
- Flaxseed
- Oats
- Soy
- Hemp seeds
- Wheat
Scientists and researchers show more interest in the bioactive peptides or any that have shown beneficial effects on the human body and might have a positive impact on human health.
Different types of bioactive peptides such as PT 141 include different properties. The effects that they can have on the human body will depend on the “sequence of amino acids” that they contain. The more common types of peptide supplements that have been available on the market for a few years include:
- Creatine peptides, which are believed to build muscle mass and strength.
- Collagen peptides, that might enhance skin health or reverse or slow down the process of aging.
Certain individuals have taken peptide hormones and peptides to improve athletic activity. However, the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) has banned most of these, including a peptide known as follistatin that helps athletes to increase muscle growth.
Benefits And Uses Based On Research
Some of the potential benefits relating to peptides include improving immune function, reducing inflammation, and preventing blood clots from forming.
Research according to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6265732/, has indicated that some of the bioactive peptides might:
• Kill microbes
• Act as antioxidants
• Lower high blood pressure
• Prevent blood clots from forming
• Reduce inflammation
• Enhance immune function
Many people are using peptides in an attempt to try and achieve these effects:
1. Slow Down Or Reverse The Effects Of Aging
Collagen is the protein found in nails, hair, and skin. Collagen peptides are collagen proteins in a broken-down form that allows the body to absorb them more easily. Taking a collagen peptide might help to slow down the process of aging and enhance skin health.
Some studies have indicated that dietary-food supplements containing collagen peptides could be used to treat a common condition such as skin wrinkles. Other research according to Jmnn, it is suggested that collagen peptide supplements might also improve hydration and skin elasticity.
Peptides might stimulate melatonin production, which is a pigment in the skin that might help the skin to improve its protection capabilities against damage from the sun.
Some anti-aging topical cosmetics products on the market also contain collagen peptides. The manufacturers that produce these products are well known for claiming that their products can help to reduce wrinkles, firm the skin or even boost blood flow.
2. Improve Wound Healing
Since collagen is one of the most important components of skin health, collagen peptides might assist with quicker wound healing.
Bioactive peptides might also lower inflammation or act as important antioxidants, which could improve the ability of the body to heal. Research and studies are currently ongoing when it comes to antimicrobial peptides that might also enhance wound healing. Having very low or very high levels of certain antimicrobial peptides might contribute to certain skin disorders, including eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.
3. Stop Age-Related Bone Loss
Research on animals according to other studies, there is a link between moderate intakes of certain collagen peptides with a bone mass increase in growing rodents (rats) who were also doing running exercise.
This research might suggest that collagen peptides may be a promising way to reverse or counteract bone loss caused by aging. However, a lot more research is required, especially on human candidates.
Build Muscle Mass And Strength
Some research according to a government study, on senior adults, it is indicated that certain types of collagen peptide supplements might increase muscle strength and mass. In this study, the participants combined resistance training with supplement use.
Creatine peptides might also help to improve strength, as well as assist with building muscle. While many fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders have used creatine protein products for a number of years, creatine peptides are starting to increase in popularity.
These particular peptides are said to be easier to digest which might mean that these products might not cause digestive issues like the creatine proteins are known for.
Takeaways
Peptides are found naturally in a variety of protein-rich foods. This is why it isn’t always necessary to use a topical source of peptides or to take peptides in supplement form.
However, certain individuals might be interested in using collagen peptides to help slow down the process of aging. While others may be interested in creatine peptides for building strength and muscle.
To date, the evidence is still limited when it comes to proving that these types of products are truly effective. A lot more research is also necessary when it comes to assessing their safety and efficacy.