Peptides are a group of short-chain amino acids that interact with receptors throughout the body to influence your health, body composition, exercise performance and recovery. They may also promote the release of hormones that help you reach your goals.
Athletes use peptides to maximize their training and physique goals. They can stimulate muscle growth, burn fat, increase energy, and improve endurance and recovery.
Unlike steroids, which force growth hormone secretagogues to be released, peptides elevate natural processes that can lead to enhanced performance without harmful side effects. For this reason, many people are tempted to try peptides when they want to boost their workout performance or physique.
Some peptides can even be used to create drugs that are approved for treatment of diseases like type 2 diabetes. These peptides are typically safe, but they must be taken under the guidance of a medical professional.
They can also be put into skin products and dietary supplements you can buy over the counter. Some are antimicrobial and help the body fight bacteria. Others are antioxidants, improving the body’s ability to heal wounds and reverse the effects of aging.
Other peptides can also be found in sports nutrition and weight loss products. These include collagen peptides that can increase muscle mass, and creatine peptides that build strength and stamina.
Some peptides can also be found in topical creams and ointments that may help protect the skin from sun damage. They can also improve the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation.