Peptides are natural compounds used supplementally in medicine, skincare and fitness. Vital components of biological systems, peptides function in physiological processes. They're promoted for therapeutic effects and are also plentiful in food.
About Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which create proteins. Proteins can be made up of hundreds or thousands of amino acids.
Peptides contain between two to fifty amino acids. Dipeptides are the simplest, consisting of just two amino acids, while longer chains are considered proteins.
The structure of a peptide is defined by the sequence of the amino acids, linked by peptide bonds. The bonds form through the process of dehydration synthesis.
Peptides function as hormones, neurotransmitters and signaling molecules, communicating information between cells. They help regulate metabolism, immune responses and feelings of happiness.
Types of Peptides
Peptides are categorized based on their sizes and functions:
Oligopeptides: These are peptides comprised of 2 to 20 amino acids. Examples include the hormone oxytocin, known for its role in social bonding and reproduction. Oxytocin, also called the "love hormone," is released during hugging, intimacy and orgasm.
Polypeptides: These are longer chains of amino acids, containing 21 to around 50 amino acids. An example is the hormone insulin, important in regulating blood glucose levels.
Neuropeptides: These peptides are involved in signaling within the nervous system. For instance, endorphins are neuropeptides offering pain relief and mood elevation. They're produced in heroin and other opiate use.
Peptide Hormones: These are essential for hormone signaling in the body. Glucagon, the main catabolic hormone, is known to raise blood sugar levels, especially during times of limited food.
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): These peptides are crucial for the immune response, helping to protect organisms from infections. Examples include defensins, produced by the immune system against bacteria and fungi. AMPs appear in beings from plants to humans.
Signal Peptides: These guide proteins to their functional locations within cells, essential for proper cellular operations.
Collagen peptides: Collagen makes up about 75% of skin and is needed to maintaining its structure. Collagen peptides are a trend in the modern cosmetics industry, with purveyors claiming they improve skin elasticity, hydration and decrease visible signs of aging.
Vasopressin: Another peptide hormone, vasopressin, regulates water retention in the kidneys and helps control blood pressure. It's necessary to prevent dehydration and maintain osmotic balance.
Glutathione: This is a tripeptide made of three amino acids (glutamine, cysteine, and glycine) and has antioxidant properties. It also prevents cell damage by free radicals and heavy metals.
In fitness, some peptides are popular among bodybuilders and athletes for enhancing performance. Growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) are especially lucrative.
These synthetic peptides prompt the pituitary gland to produce more human growth hormone (HGH). It's considered to improve muscle growth and fat loss.
Facts About Peptides
Amino Acid Building Blocks: Peptides are made from 20 different amino acids, allowing for countless combinations to create unique peptides, proteins, and enzymes. This versatility helps peptides suit different bodily functions.
Nature’s Medicines: Some peptides occur naturally and have healing properties. For example, peptides in venom from cone snails inspire development of strong pain-relief medications like ziconotide, which has more potent pain blockers than morphine.
Short Lifespan: Peptides generally break down faster than proteins, meaning they act quickly in the body but may require more frequent dosing.
A couple of warnings come with peptides. The introduction of synthetic peptides can provoke unwanted immune responses, such as allergic reactions or autoimmune problems.
Gastrointestinal Disturbances: while peptides are often promoted for digestive health, improper dosage can cause nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Relapse in alcohol and drug seeking behaviors is noted more often in recovering addicts taking certain peptide supplements.
Natural sources of peptides can provide healthy controlled nourishment. These include:
Meat - beef, chicken, pork contain bioactive peptides (BPs)
Fish and shellfish - antioxidant, antimicrobial, regulate blood pressure
Legumes - beans, lentils, soybeans etc; resistant starch or fiber
Tofu - provides protein & B vitamins
Oats - stimulate immune system activity, regulate blood sugar
Flaxseed - 40% protein and BPs
Tomatoes - peptides have AMPs (antimicrobial properties) and directly target pathogenic cell walls
Hemp seeds
Wheat
Eggs - egg proteins are an excellent source of bioactive peptides.
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