HORMONES AND PEPTIDES
What are Peptides?
Peptides Definition: short strings of amino acids comprised of 2-5 amino acids.
Essentially, peptides are smaller versions of proteins used both for research purposes and therapeutic purposes. Moreover, because they are smaller and more broken down than proteins, peptides are easier for the body to absorb. Consequently, they can effectively penetrate the skin and intestine, enabling them to enter the bloodstream more quickly.
Creatine peptides and collagen peptides are the most common peptide available. Creatine has been shown to build muscle mass and strength, while collagen may benefit skin health as research on animals has shown. Others take peptide hormones to enhance their athletic activity.
Currently, use of peptides is prohibited and should only be used by licensed researchers. Still, scientists are aware of the benefits of bioactive peptides and their effects on the body to improve mice health as research on animals has shown.
What Do Peptides Do?
According to research, peptides function by providing the body with essential amino acids which get down-regulated with age. For instance, insulin-like growth factor is produced naturally in the body. But with stress and age, that production is reduced significantly. Therefore, peptides are vital for the animal body to function effectively.
Some peptides act like neurotransmitters in the body, while others act like hormones. They control and influence how the body reacts to diet and physical exercise as research on animals has shown.
Take human growth hormone (HGH), for example — the body requires several amino acids in order to produce adequate amounts of that hormone. Let’s say the body isn’t making or absorbing enough of those amino acids. That would mean lowered growth hormone production, resulting in poorer recovery and performance as tests showed.
Unfortunately, the Anti-Doping Agency has banned peptides for therapeutic use due to conflicting research. But as studies continue, scientists learn more and more about what peptides do and how they can benefit in research.
Recent research has shown that certain types of peptides offer potential anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties on animals.
