What Are Peptides?

Have you ever wondered “What are Peptides?” They have been the subject of much attention and are being touted for their potential benefits to your skin and muscles, as well as your health. Domestic Peptides dives in for the answers.

What are they?

Your body makes peptides. These are strings of amino acids that form the “building blocks” for proteins. A peptide does not contain as many amino acids.

Some of them that are made in laboratories can be similar to those found in the body. They are used in medication for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes .

Some types have been shown to have skin and muscle benefits, as well as a potential benefit for your weight. These ingredients are being added to skin products and dietary supplements that you can purchase over-the-counter.

Remember that the FDA does not regulate products or cosmetics as strictly as drugs. Be cautious when purchasing and using peptide products. 

What do they do?

There are many different peptides that each have a unique role in your body. More research is needed to determine what synthetic peptides are capable of doing and how they work. Some may offer some benefits, however:

Anti-aging. Anti-aging. An antimicrobial protein (AMP) plays a role in the production of melanin. This is a skin pigment. A synthetic version of another AMP might be useful in treating hyperpigmentation and “age spots” due to skin whitening.

Enhancing the skin barrier. Antimicrobial peptides are a great way to help your body fight infections and promote wound healing.

Muscle growth. Muscle growth is aided by collagen and creatine peptides. Some synthetic peptides that are thought to promote muscle growth (growth hormone releasing peptides) may be illegal or unsafe.

Weight loss. Scientists are investigating whether they can help you lose weight. We need to do more research on this.

Skin Care Products

Research has shown that copper-peptides may help you make collagen and elastin. They can also be antioxidants and help to repair skin damage. You can also get a boost with other types of peptides. The benefits are subtle and you shouldn’t expect any major changes.

They can be found in:

• Lotions
• Creams
• Serums
• Face masks

Supplements

You can buy peptides in diet supplements such as pills and protein drinks. These peptides are claimed to increase muscle mass, help with recovery, and boost your fat losses.

However, there isn’t much evidence to support most of these claims. It’s also not clear how easily your body absorbs peptides from supplements.

There are many peptides that can be used as supplements, including:

• Creatine peptide is said to aid in muscle building
• Collagen peptide is marketed for skin, hair, nail health, weight loss, and skin.
• Ipamorelin is a medication that aids in weight loss and fat burning.
• Follistatin is a product that promotes weight loss and muscle growth.
• BPC-157 is said to aid joint recovery

Food Peptides

Remember that they can be found naturally in many foods including:

• Meat
• Shellfish
• Lentils and Beans
• Soy
• Oats
• Flaxseed
• Hemp seeds
• Wheat

Medications

You can also use them to make drugs for a wide range of diseases. In the United States, more than 100 peptide drugs can be found. These drugs are used to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetic, multiple Sclerosis and high cholesterol. There are many more.

These drugs are not like other cosmetics or supplements. They have been thoroughly researched and are closely regulated by the FDA. If you have questions about taking a drug containing peptides, ask your doctor.

Here are some things you should know

Before you buy or try any dietary supplement from Domestic Peptides:

• Check out the website of the company.
• Check out the active ingredients of the supplement.
• Don’t believe any claims that sound too good for it to be true.
• Do not take more than the recommended amount.

Discuss with your doctor any supplements that you are taking and the reasons for them. For a diagnosis and treatment plan, consult a dermatologist if you have skin or hair problems. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction with a peptide-based skincare product. Contact Domestic Peptides for more information and with any questions you might have.