Peptides are short strings of amino acids that (under the right conditions) create proteins in the body. They are used in the creation of many medicines, supplements and health products. They have been shown to benefit a range of health and wellness issues, including immune system support, muscle growth, fat loss, cellular repair, anti-aging effects, hormone regulation and more.
There are more than 7,000 known peptides, and they’re abundant in the human body, where they constantly work to regulate hormones, optimize organ function and keep us looking great. You may have heard of some of the more popular peptides, such as collagen peptides that can help improve skin health and reverse aging, or creatine peptides that help increase strength and muscle mass.
The most common peptides are natural, but some are synthetic. They’re also often used in vaccines, where they mimic the proteins found on pathogens to generate an immune response against them. Peptides are also used in cancer treatment, where they’re used to deliver therapeutic compounds directly to tumors or other sites of disease.
Some peptides are created in the laboratory, where they’re used for a variety of experiments. These can include testing the effectiveness of certain peptides to treat a condition, or assessing their safety or side effects. Peptides are particularly useful for medical applications, as they’re easier to process than larger proteins. They’re also more stable than amino acids, which means they won’t degrade as quickly in the body.