Peptides

Short chains of 2–100 amino acids — the building blocks of proteins

Each individual block is like an amino acid, and a few of them locked together to form a peptide. A much longer chain of them is a polypeptide, and then those get assembled together in various complex shapes to form proteins.

— that act as signalling molecules in the body to regulate processes like growth, metabolism, and inflammation. While essential natural compounds (e.g., insulin), synthetic peptides are popular for anti-aging, muscle growth, and weight loss (e.g., GLP-1s like Ozempic).

Key Aspects of Peptides:

• Types: Peptides are classified by function, including signal peptides (trigger collagen production), carrier peptides (deliver trace elements like copper), neurotransmitter inhibitors, and enzyme inhibitors.
• Natural Sources: Found in protein-rich foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, legumes, flax seeds, hemp seeds, soybeans, and oats.
• Medical Use: Over 100 FDA-approved peptide drugs exist. Common therapeutic applications include managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, treating inflammatory diseases, and skin rejuvenation.
• The "Grey Market": Many peptides sold online for self-injection (e.g., BPC-157, TB-500) are not approved for human use, bypassing strict regulation. These products may be mislabelled, contaminated, or improperly dosed.
• Risks: Potential dangers include infections from improper injection techniques, unexpected side effects, and long-term health risks that are not yet researched, such as promoting tumour growth.
• Effectiveness: While topical peptides show promise in reducing hyperpigmentation and fine lines, their ability to pass through the skin barrier is limited.