All You Need to Know About Peptides

Linda Pedersen December 24, 2021

The word ‘peptide’ can be traced back to a Greek origin from the word ‘Pepto’ that translates to ‘digested’. Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Some people may confuse proteins and peptides as the same because they may share some similarities like:

Being present naturally in foods
Having ‘amino acids’ as their ‘building blocks’

But one should always note that even though both of them contain amino acids, peptides have them in much fewer quantities as compared to proteins. Another point of difference among them is that peptides are much easier for the body to absorb as it is already broken down and can easily penetrate organs to enter the bloodstream.

Peptides are also sometimes ‘lab-made’ to mimic some of those found in our bodies and are then used in cosmetics and medicines.

What are bioactive peptides?

Bioactive peptides may be defined as isolated fragments of peptides that offer the body some sort of physiological health benefits. Due to their beneficial nature towards humans and other animals, scientists are more interested in these bioactive peptides.

According to researchers, they have the ability to:

Kill harmful microbes –

This title is self-explanatory as we all have seen countless products that contain certain peptides that kill harmful microbes that may be present inside you or can be or potential threat to you.

Provide healthier skin barrier –

By this, we are referring to the body’s line of defence against bacteria, UV rays, pollution etc. Peptides also help by improving this barrier of the skin.

Improve immune system –

Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA-1) is a particular peptide, apart from all the others, which is popular for the strengthening of the immune system.

Lower high blood pressure –

Certain peptides also help in the lowering of high blood pressure. These peptides are usually included in medicines and supplements but one can also look for foods rich in such peptides if they suffer from high blood pressure.

Slow down the aging of the skin –

Some peptides help in the reduction of wrinkles, ease inflammation, and also provide more elasticity to the skin, which in turn makes the skin look firmer.

What are some examples of bioactive peptides?

Modified GRF (1-29) or abbreviated as Mod GRF (1-29), is originally known as ‘tetrasubstituted GRF 29 amino acid peptide analogue’. Its purpose is to increase growth hormone production.

Another great example of a bioactive peptide is ‘Ipamorelin’. It is a pentapeptide and has various health benefits and it increases plasma growth hormones in both humans and other animals.

Apart from a similar functioning, Mod GRF (1-29) & Ipamorelin Blend both have common physiological benefits like: